Loosely defined, Epoxy flooring is a type of flooring that uses a chemical polymer, or liquid chemical, and converts it to a solid with a resin. During the conversion process, the chemical becomes extremely adhesive. Because of this, Epoxy is also defined as an adhesion technique. For a floor, Epoxy is often poured directly onto a concrete floor base. The polymer is laid and the resin applied. Epoxy creates a durable, insulated floor, that is virtually limitless in color and design potential. It is popular in businesses, public buildings and recreation rooms because it is very easy to clean and extremely difficult to damage. It is often used to create an upbeat and contemporary setting. It can also be used in garages or other high traffic areas.
For the do-it-yourself consumer, epoxy floors come in two-part kits, and are sold mostly as protective coatings for the garage, or recreation room. These are commonly offered in grey or white. To customize your floor and get true color, it is best to go to your home building supplier and let him or her know exactly what you want to do with epoxy flooring and see what advice he or she has for you.
For those willing to hire in an epoxy flooring company or contractor, they are extremely easy to find. Hire a licensed professional with his or her own insurance, and one who can offer you a maximum of color and design choices. Part of the fun of epoxy flooring is customizing.
Once in, Epoxy flooring is very easy to clean. For the garage floor, never use paint thinner or other harsh chemicals. Since epoxy is nonporous, all oil, dirt and debris will be on the surface, and, if rinsed right away, will be easy to remove. Soak up chemical spills with a towel, and spray down the floor with a hose. For a more thorough cleaning, or for a custom floor, use these steps.
Remove dirt and debris with a broom or a bare floor vacuum. Use warm water and a little bit of detergent to mop the floor. Rinse the mop and water, and then go back over the floor to remove excess soap. Dry the floor with a large, soft towel. Buff and shine with a separate, soft towel or a floor buffer.
Epoxy floors are durable, great insulators and easy to clean. This makes them a great flooring choice for a variety of areas. Since they are highly customizable, they have something to offer to every taste and style. Do-it-yourself epoxy floor kits are mostly available as protective coatings for the garage floor, but, it may be possible to customize without a professional. For decorative or artistic epoxy floors, there are several companies and individuals offering beautiful, colorful, custom designs. The right professional will have credentials, be self-insured and offer a large, almost limitless, variety of designs and colors. A properly maintained epoxy floor will last a very long time.
