What Is The Best Industrial Epoxy Floor Coating For You?
If you’re wondering what’s the best industrial epoxy floor coating for your home, garage, restaurant, or other space, you’ve landed on the right page. This article will give you a brief rundown of different coating options that most professionals use, including the good ones and the ones you should avoid.
What Is The Best Industrial Epoxy Floor Coating For You?
Below are some of the most common types of industrial epoxies used by professional coating companies. Each epoxy is usually chosen based on how large your space is, what you use your space for, and what the epoxy needs to counter. For example, food processing plants usually need a fume-resistant water-based epoxy.
100% Solids Epoxy (Two-Part Epoxy)
100% solids epoxies, also called two-part epoxies, are made of one-part hardener and one-part resin. These epoxies don’t contain any conventional solvents, providing the ideal thick, durable, and visually appealing concrete surface. You can even further the design of your epoxy by adding metallic pigments or decorative chips, which will produce unique blends every time.
A 100% solids epoxy is usually the most difficult form of coating to apply. That’s why we always recommend using the services of professional epoxy floor installers. Here’s how you can identify a 100% solids epoxy.
- It’s a two-part product containing a resin, hardener, and activator.
- It’s branded as 100% solids.
- It completely dries in a little more than 24 hours.
- It forms a hard and durable surface.
- It lasts beyond 20 years.
Water-Based Epoxy
Water-based epoxies are much easier to work with than other types of coatings due to their slow curing time and increased malleability. These epoxies can usually be purchased online or in a hardware store. Water-based epoxy is less expensive than other coating options and market themselves as simple or easy to apply. You may even find hundreds of different water-based epoxy brands and feel overwhelmed in choosing one. But, if you are looking for professional work from master craftsmen, we suggest going with a licensed coating company.
Water-based epoxy is easy to apply, but it’s often incapable of providing high abrasion or heat resistance. They usually last between 10 and 20 years. Also, if you’re looking for an industrial-grade epoxy for your garage or any space where you park vehicles, we always suggest something that will counter the heat from a hot tire.
Solvent-Based Epoxy
Solvent-based epoxies are usually made with xylene, which is a chemical often used in industrial-grade paint thinners. These epoxies are not as durable as other coating options, but they are more resistant to petroleum contamination. However, solvent-based epoxies contain a VOC (Volatile organic compound) which will create potentially harmful fumes during installation.
Here’s how you can identify a solvent-based epoxy.
- It has greater durability and performance.
- It’s more resistant to petroleum contaminates, making it perfect for garages and parking structures.
- It has a glossier finish.
If you’re considering a high-quality solvent-based epoxy, your search might be difficult. Not all solvent-based epoxies are made equal, making them harder to select. Some are very durable, and others are weak. Always consult an epoxy floor professional and ask what type of epoxy is best for your flooring needs.
Two-Part Water-Based Epoxy
These hybrid epoxies are made with the components of 100% solids (resin, hardener, activator) and water as a solvent. Two-part water-based epoxies are also marketed as “low VOC” or “low odor.” However, this form of epoxy requires extensive ventilation in order to cure effectively.
Two-part water-based epoxies usually require a longer drying and curing time (2 – 3 days).
Here’s how you can identify this form of epoxy.
- It consists of a two-part blend of a hardener and resin, as well as an activator and water solvent.
- It requires 2 to 3 days to cure completely.
- It’s marketed as “low VOC” or “low odor.”
Epoxies You Should Avoid
Below are some epoxies that professionals do not recommend.
One-Part “Epoxy Paint”
If you see an epoxy at a store or online that says “premixed,” be warned. This is not real epoxy and should be considered as “paint.” Here’s how you can identify a one-part epoxy.
- It doesn’t require mixing since it’s sold in a single container.
– It’s branded as “one-part epoxy” or “epoxy/acrylic.”
– It dries in around an hour.
– It requires reapplication every few years.
Water-Based Epoxy Paint
This type of epoxy is the least expensive coating option on the market. But, it’s also the least durable. They are barely resistant to stains, chemicals, and heat. The only benefits of a water-based epoxy paint is that it’s easy to apply (you can usually do it yourself) and has a longer pot life (how long the paint can sit in the can). If you want an actual protective coating for your floor, we do not recommend epoxy paint.
The Best Industrial Epoxy Floor Coatings Near You
If you live in the Greater Salt Lake City area and need a professional concrete coatings company that provides the best industrial epoxy floors, call Complete Concrete Coatings. Since 2005, we’ve installed thousands of epoxy floors, waterproof coatings, and sealers in all sorts of spaces. Whether you have a garage, basement, commercial building, retail space, or even an airplane hanger, we’ll come out and protect your flooring with the best industrial-grade epoxy on the market.
If you live in the Greater Salt Lake City area and need concrete coverings for your patios and porches, you should call Complete Concrete Coatings. Since 2005, we’ve installed thousands of coverings on patios, decks, garage floors, and other concrete surfaces. Don’t let DIY kits stress you out. Call today and receive your free estimate and stress-free repair plan.
Kevin Wood
Kevin Wood founded Complete Concrete Coatings in 2005 with the goal to create a company that offered the best deck and concrete coating service in the industry. Our elite combination of price, product, and service has allowed us to protect thousands of decks, garage floors, airplane hangers, and other concrete surfaces.
