Residential and Commercial Epoxy and Polishing Services
Epoxy flooring goes way beyond home garages. Epoxy floor coatings are implemented in multiple commercial applications such as industrial facilities, auto shops, commercial kitchens, warehouses and aircraft hangers. Or nay floor that is in need of a durable long lasting coating. Commercial or residential floors that experience a large amount of foot traffic or constant wear are perfect candidates for epoxy coatings. Exterior floors exposed to the elements can be protected with aggregate mixed epoxy coatings that will create a safe and slip free profile.
How do we prepare for the epoxy flooring?
The key to a long lasting floor is the preparation, whether it be in preparation for an epoxy coating or polishing a ruff slab to a mirror finish. We only use HEAVY 1000 pound plus concrete grinding machines with large diamond plates to scratch away the top surface of concrete. Then the edges and corners are leveled with angle grinders and scrapers to insure a uniform floor. Once the floor has been completely ground which opens up the pores in the concrete, we apply the epoxy coating and aggregate. The aggregate can be either paint chip flakes, sand, rubber pellets or quartz. After the floor coating has cured we apply the UV resistant polyurethane coating. Typically we can apply the top coat within 24 hours after epoxy is installed.
So what is an Epoxy Coating?
Unlike a paint or one coating, epoxide polymer bonds deep down in the pores of the concrete. It is called a “two part” coating which means both parts must be mixed together to activate the epoxy. Once properly mixed the epoxy chemically changes into a solid. Creating a coating that is in most cases stronger than the concrete it is being applied to. Due to these properties, it is extremely useful for the marine, industrial, residential and commercial applications.
Types of epoxy’s we install.
When looking into getting epoxy for your own flooring or covering needs, it is important to know the basic types of epoxy that are available. Know your options as well as where you will be able to find them.
100% Solid-Based Epoxy – this is the strongest type of epoxy that you are going to be able to find today, but with that strength comes an added expense. Most commercial applications will find that this added cost is justified due to its durability and resistance to harsh conditions. You will often find these in industrial and warehouse settings that have floors that take quite a bit of abuse from heavy machine, forklifts, vehicles, and more. Known as the premium epoxy product in the industry, it is difficult to install, and we highly suggest that only professionals install your product.
Solvent-Based Epoxy – Although not a 100% solid, it is very practical and useful for many different types of industrial use. They generally contain 40% to 60% solids, and you do have to take precautions just as you would with solid-based. Because of its excellent bonding properties, it is an ideal primer for industrial or commercial grade applications. We often use this method in our own commercial epoxy systems.
Water-Based Epoxy – The most economical and practical choice for residential applications. This type of epoxy stand up quite well against normal foot and vehicle traffic that one might have through a garage, walkway, or finished basement with concrete flooring. These are often available in home improvement stores. At MS Epoxy, we use a grade above the big box store options and use Pure Epoxy products.
In addition to the various types, including the tile clad variety of flooring you will also find quite a few different colors available, which will be able to match your aesthetic and decorating needs. The chips mixed into the epoxy can help to give it a nice look as well.
Benefits of Epoxy Coating
Affordable – Compared to other types of flooring costs, epoxy is long lasting and easy to care for, which cuts down on maintenance costs in the future.
Easy Maintenance – Epoxy flooring is very simple to care for. With simple cleaning on occasion, and a reseal every five years, your floors should remain in great shape for decades!
Durable – you want to have flooring that is going to last and that can stand up to the abuses of weather and everyday traffic. Epoxy hardens into a protective shell that has the potential to last a lifetime with proper care. It will remain looking good for much longer than many other types of flooring.
Creative and Beautiful Designs – while it is true that epoxy flooring has quite a bit of use in the industrial sector, that does not mean that it has to have a sterile industrial appearance. Residential homes working with professionals are able to create some beautiful designs and aesthetically pleasing floors with this type of coating.
Safer/Anti-Slip – another great thing about this type of flooring is the fact that it is able to offer slip resistance. This can be especially helpful on wet floors and in areas where safety is going to be a primary concern.
Fewer Particulates – these floors are not going to hold onto dust and other particulates as easily as normal flooring. This means that sweeping and cleaning this type of flooring regularly will be much easier compared to traditional floors.
Fast Installation – the installation of epoxy coating in normal conditions is relatively quick, especially when you have the professionals doing it for you. Preparation is the key to ensuring a fast, easy, and quality installation.
Preparation for the Coating
Proper preparation of the flooring is the most important step when one is getting ready to apply epoxy. If you do not set up the floor properly, the result is going to be poor adhesion, which causes the coating to peel and flake prematurely. You need to make sure that you clean the entire surface thoroughly, and this can be a labor intensive task. Remove the dirt, dust, and other particles on the floor and do your best to remove stains. It is important that you clean the entirety of the floor, including the corners and along the edges. You will want to do this by hand to get the best results.
For grimy/greasy surfaces, acid etching is usually the next step in getting a floor ready for the epoxy coating. Always make sure that you are wearing the proper safety. Spray the mixture onto the floor, which should cause some fizzing to show you that it is working. When the fizzing stops, you may rinse with water. However, if done incorrectly, inadvertent damage may result from improper use of acid etching.
Crack Repair
We always ensure that the surface is ready for proper installation. Next, you will want to look for any cracks or holes that you will have to repair before you can apply the epoxy. While these steps are not overly difficult, they are very time consuming, and one misstep can cause quite a bit of trouble for your floor.
Why Should You Hire a Professional?
If you are thinking of applying an epoxy coating in your home, you should consider having professionals come and take care of the epoxy flooring process for you. You will find quite a few benefits when you are working with the pros.
At MS Epoxy, we have specialized techniques of using solvent based, as well as 100 percent solids in the same application to create an industrial grade system that is second to none. In addition, we will take care of the floor cleaning and preparation for you. We clean the floors with high quality tools and cleaners to ensure they are ready for adhesion. This ensures that you are doing it right the first time, and it will save you money and quite a few headaches. We are specialists and have done hundreds of epoxy installs in the Jackson Mississippi area for many years. You will be able to rest easy knowing that your floors are safe in the hands of the pros!
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. Call us at 601-665-7030 Today!
Thank you for choosing MS Epoxy!
