BLOG

Epoxy Flooring Installation: Getting Started for Newbies

Have you ever had your epoxy floor installed by a professional? If the answer is “yes,” then you know how much of an improvement it can make to your home. This blog post will give some tips on getting started with epoxy flooring installation so that you can enjoy professional-quality floors in your own home.

If you’re a newbie to the world of Austin epoxy flooring installation, don’t fret. We’ll walk you through how to start this flooring installation and what you should know before starting any work.

What are epoxy floors?

Epoxy floors are made up of liquid polyurethane resin mixed with another liquid called hardener, which begins to cure when exposed to air. The mixture cures over time and becomes one solid piece. Austin epoxy is considered more durable than traditional ceramic or vinyl flooring because of its protective coating and non-porous surface texture, making spills easier to clean up without spreading across the entire room!

Which areas are best suited for epoxy floors?

Epoxy can be installed on any concrete floors in your home: kitchens, bathrooms, garages. It’s durable enough and resistant against stains, moisture damage, and other types of everyday household spills.

Austin epoxy is also very popular in commercial applications, such as bar or restaurant floors. It is resistant to chemicals and can be used in business environments where bottles of cleaning products are commonly used -- it won’t get damaged even if liquids are spilled on the floor.

As mentioned, a commercial epoxy finish does not absorb liquid -- which makes it ideal for outdoor surfaces too. Think about it: you don’t want water to settle into the bricks of your driveway, do you? An epoxy coating will prevent that from happening while still allowing the surface underneath to breathe naturally.

What products are used in an epoxy flooring installation?

For this type of concrete floor project, you will use 100% solids epoxy (usually 2-part kits), along with anti-slip additives if necessary. It’s also recommended to choose an epoxy that is UV resistant and can be polished if needed. These products come in many different colors/styles, so your choices are nearly unlimited.

The following supplies are usually needed for installation: protective gear, mixing containers & sticks, spreaders, squeegees, heat guns/torches/other sources to accelerate drying time, drop cloths, or plastic sheeting to protect surrounding objects from overspray.

Finally, it’s best practice to choose a brand that has been “tested and proven” in your area by other people.

What sort of prep work will you need to do?

This can vary depending on the current condition of your flooring, but typically it should be thoroughly vacuumed and sweep cleaned before starting any concrete stamping or finishing process. If your floors are sealed already (and stamped), you may require an abrasive cleaning with a scrub brush and some water. The smoother you get it now, the easier it’ll be to get that smooth finish epoxy coating later on. Just don’t go nuts with the brushing unless there’s a heavy buildup in certain areas.

Then check for seams or cracks where two sections join together and repair them by chipping away at the bad sections until they’re flush and even and then filling them with a flooring adhesive. That way, you’re left with a smooth surface that won’t interfere with the epoxy coating later on.

What is the average time frame for an epoxy flooring installation?

This will depend on how big your flooring project is and if you’re using prefabricated products (which save a lot of time). This project could take anywhere from 12-24 hours to complete depending on the prep work involved beforehand.

How much do custom epoxy floors cost?

This can vary depending on the size of your project area and the type of commercial epoxy you opt to use. That said, for a high-quality 30-ft x 60-ft garage flooring installation, the estimated budget maybe $3,000 - $5,000 for materials and supplies (not including paint, primer, or stains). Again, Austin concrete epoxy floor contractors can give you an estimate when you call them.

How do you prepare the surface?

Start by following the epoxy floors’ instructions and cleaning/preparing your area correctly. It’s a good idea to prepare your existing concrete floor before applying new floor coatings.

First, pressure wash or power sweep if dirt is present, then use a degreaser to remove any oil stains/residue from engine fluids/etc., which could get trapped underneath the new product causing it to peel. If you have an oil stain on your concrete garage floor, here’s how to remedy that. Once these areas are clean and dry, you can safely apply an epoxy coating over them without fear of lifting them later on. Before installing, inspect the concrete closely and repair cracks or other damage to ensure a solid base for the new coating.

For example, if it requires mixing two parts, use the recommended amount of catalyst (check that it’s included with your kit if you’re unsure), then mix well before applying. Next, be sure to let the epoxy sit long enough so it can start getting firm on top (this is called “tackiness”).

Usually, this takes between 1-3 hours, depending on humidity levels and temperature. Now you’re ready for installation! Read below for more information about how to do that properly.

Be prepared: Wear gloves, goggles, old clothes, and a breathing mask to protect yourself from the chemicals being used.

What is the epoxy floor application process?

You’ll first want to let your epoxy sit for at least one hour, so it becomes tacky before starting installation. Then it’s as simple as following the numbers on your mixing/pouring containers. Pour out a slightly wider area than you need (about 4-ft usually), then use a squeegee or spreader to smooth it out evenly across the floor. Try overlapping passes by about 1-2 inches for maximum coverage – but don’t worry if this isn’t possible because multiple coats can make up for missed areas later on.

The important thing is not to take too long with this initial application, or it could start to dry before you get the chance to apply it across the entire floor. Next, cut in along your walls using a brush or roller, then wait another hour for installation. After that wait time has passed, mix up some more epoxy and pour another section of about 4-ft wide by whatever length you need.

Use a squeegee, spreader, or trowel (for smaller projects) to push out air bubbles carefully and smooth out any ridges created during the pour. This step is essential because it can cause problems later on if done wrong, such as peeling/delamination. Now just let things sit and cure for at least 24 hours before walking on them or doing anything else with them.

Finally, after everything is dry, inspect the floor to determine if you need another layer (this usually isn’t necessary at all unless you’re doing high traffic areas). If so, follow the same steps as before.

What about the floor edges?

It’s recommended that you seal off your home or garage floor using tape or some other sort of protective barrier so epoxy doesn’t seep out where it shouldn’t. Some people use aluminum foil, but painter’s tape works equally well for this purpose. Just wrap large sections around any objects that could be affected by dripping, then press down tightly every few feet with a putty knife to ensure it adheres properly. For added security against drips/messes, try taping edges together as well to make a sort of “wall” around the garage floor perimeter.

What about the mix ratio?

This depends on your product and what’s being installed. Some epoxies require one part instead of two, but the ones usually have detailed instructions for this procedure printed right on the back. In general, though, follow your manufacturer’s recommendations as you would for any other outdoor project. There is nothing exceptional about mixing up epoxy – it’s simply a matter of pouring/mixing it thoroughly until there are no lumps or streaks left.

Is it ok to install epoxy over another type of floor coating?

Some people choose to install an epoxy coating over another floor coating product, while some do not. It depends on the specific nature of your project and what it’s being used for. If you’re doing a basic floor coating job and want to add extra durability, then yes, I recommend this route.

However, if you’ve had any issues with delamination or other common problems arising from that type of material, then don’t risk it – go back to square one using epoxy instead because it’s much stronger by comparison. The same goes for prior coating materials that are in poor condition/have become worn out over time.

How long does epoxy flooring last?

The length of time depends mainly on what kind of foot traffic & wear/tear your residential and commercial epoxy installation will be exposed to and climate conditions like hot sun exposure or frequent rainfall, which can shorten outdoor installations. If done right in the first place, expect 15+ years out of your new epoxy floors before having any significant issues.

Are epoxy floors easy to maintain?

Yes, generally, all you have to do is sweep or vacuum occasionally. Some people mop their floors with a bucket of clean water and soap every few months. Most epoxy flooring products can be easily cleaned with just plain water. A squeegee comes in handy for spot mopping the floor after heavy traffic areas like cooking/serving lines, entryways, showers, etc...

If your shop gets very greasy or oily dirt build up on your epoxy over time, try gently washing the floor with soapy water, allow it to sit for 5 min & then scrub down with a brush & get back to work.

Where can you find epoxy flooring installation services?

You’ll have to do a little bit of research here before proceeding with your epoxy flooring installation project, as the supplier will play a large part in determining cost, time spent on material acquisition, etc. Depending on where you live, this may also be governed by local building codes, so make sure to check with your city or municipality if need be.

First off, you’ll need to look into epoxy services that exist within your city or surrounding towns.

It may be worth contacting an Austin TX installer and inquiring whether they have prepped jobs in your area. This can give you an idea of what to expect from the cost/labor perspective, especially if the job is relatively close by. You’ll want to get a quote on epoxy flooring installation with some approximate figures so that you have a good handle on things in the future.

One of the most important aspects is making sure you have a quality Austin contractor providing estimates - if their work doesn’t look excellent or is incredibly overpriced, they probably aren’t legit! You should always check for online reviews of nearby contractors to make sure previous customers were satisfied with their work.

It’s worth mentioning that epoxy is generally somewhat expensive, especially compared to other flooring materials like porcelain and ceramic tile. The cost difference may not make sense at first glance. Still, it’s essential to consider what exactly you’re getting here – durability, scuff resistance, ease of cleaning, water/chemical resistance, and ease of application, to name a few. With that said, the initial investment for materials will be one of your most significant expenses.

Make sure you shop around and find a quality epoxy flooring Austin contractor to do work for you, as reputable companies will come in at fair price points compared to other local shops.

Conclusion

Epoxy floors are a fantastic choice for any new customer. It’s durable, easy to clean up after spills, and provides an aesthetically pleasing look in your home or business. If you are looking for the best epoxy floor contractor in the Austin, TX area, ATX has what you need!

We offer residential and commercial services, so no matter where you live or work, we can help with your project. Get started and call today by contacting us at (512) 980-1757 or at the contact page at http://atxepoxyfloors.com/contact/ for free estimates.