Epoxy resin is a combination of multiple chemical polymers that is applied over concrete floors of many commercial buildings. It is added with suitable hardeners and fillers, which make it a readymade material for adding over both old and new concrete floors. All reputed builders now prefer the epoxy floor coating for all their constructions, as per the preferences of their corporate clients. So, they should be aware of all the characteristics of epoxy coating to satisfy the building owners with best concrete floors.
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| Epoxy Floor Coating |
Prime Qualities of Epoxy Floor Coating Used by Builders
- The material used for epoxy coating consists of a base chemical and a curing chemical, which are supposed to be mixed in a fixed ratio. After combining together, a chemical reaction occurs between these chemicals to form a hard and inert substance that resembles plastic. The heat generated due to this reaction renders the desired hardness to the epoxy floor coating. However, this mixture should be used within a definite period of time termed as pot life, after which it will become hotter and harder, making it very difficult to apply over the floor.
- The epoxy resin may turn yellowish and develop a chalk-like texture when exposed to the UV rays of direct sun rays. Hence, it is best to add a dark-coloured pigment to the epoxy mixture so that it does not look ugly when it turns yellowish under the sunlight. On the contrary, light shaded or transparent epoxy develops a negative look, which can be prevented by placing a layer of latex or urethanes over the epoxy coating.
- A floor becomes more durable and non-porous after the application of epoxy floor coating over it, due to the remarkable physical properties of this chemical mixture. Moreover, epoxy coating is resistant to awkward stains caused by various chemicals, achieved due to the strong chemical bonding among all the components of epoxy resin. A variety of epoxy resin can even be used on floors under the water, thanks to the special treatment done to this material.
- Though basically, epoxy resin hardens to some extent within a few minutes after mixing its components, the absolute hardening may take a day or two after its application over the floor. This coated surface can be sanded for best polish, but only after epoxy floor coating attains the maximum hardness after waiting for a few more days or even a week.
- Sometimes, the ordinary epoxy resin may become a bit softer on reaching above 140 degrees F, though it will again become hard as this temperature decreases gradually. Hence, the specially treated epoxy coating can be applied on the floors, which do not soften even at very high temperatures. However, this epoxy resin is more expensive than the ordinary version.
- When the components of epoxy resin are mixed, the temperature of the resultant mixture elevates to approximately 10 – 15 degree Fahrenheit due to the heat evolving during this chemical reaction. When the temperature is higher, the density of epoxy resin may decrease while applying over the floor. Thus, it becomes easier for a professional to spread this epoxy floor coating uniformly over the entire surface. It is seen that epoxy resin is best applicable at the temperature range of 65 – 85 degrees F, due to the apt viscosity at this point.
- This coating can withstand a very high temperature of 300 degrees F and also the extreme cold below 0 degrees F. Due to its extreme hardness, the epoxy coating may tend to be a bit brittle, but that can be averted by mixing suitable additives to this mixture. However, the usual chemical resistance power of epoxy may be diminished due to the action of these additives.
It is best to hire expert professionals who are aware of the epoxy floor coating and who can add the right chemicals in the ingredients to make it last long.
