As I sit on the plane headed home from Vegas after a week of intense learning and testing out the latest and greatest products in the concrete industry at The World of Concrete. I ponder the best way to share and implement the things learned.  Many of them are very technical. They are also ways to increase productivity or improve application methods. Others are basic and should be shared. One such example is the main floor systems being offered by epoxy floor coating contractors.  

There are many epoxy floor systems that can be used to create a good floor that will last for years. Many of them are hi solids and true epoxy systems made with good chemistry that will allow them to bond well and be chemical resistant. I would like to discuss the different characteristics of them, and when each would be needed as well as our own elasti-deck system.

CHEAP DIY BIG BOX EPOXY FLOOR COATING SYSTEMS

We do not recommend this type of epoxy floor for anything more than a storage shed.

People often mistake these DIY systems as a true epoxy system because they have a part A and part B. This technically makes them a 2-part epoxy. The problem is they are really just hardened water base paints that are not chemically resistant or well bonded to the concrete. They tend to fail when solvent spills or hot tires sit on them. Also, it will chip off very easily from impacts. The manufactures recommend an acid etch to get a profile on the concrete so the coating can bite.  The problem is this profile is minimal and most likely the moisture that was introduced into the concrete floor will cause more adhesion issues than the etching that was accomplished.      

BASIC RESINOUS 100% SOLIDS EPOXY FLOOR COATING SYSTEM

This is the lower cost durable epoxy system. We recommended the basic resinous epoxy floor system for many applications where ascetics are minimal and cost per square foot must be kept down. 100% solids epoxy coatings only hold back about 4-8 psi of hydrostatic pressure. Since a 100% solids true epoxy floor is not going to “breath” or allow moisture vapors to pass though the coating, it’s a good idea to apply a vapor barrier. A moisture test will determine if you need a vapor barrier. Do not confuse this with basic primers. Adding sand or another aggregate, creates a slurry and this system can become impact resistant. The cost goes up because the coating thickens. The floor needs more epoxy resin as well as labor to apply the slurry. Resinous epoxy is a great base coat for flake or chip floors, especially when top coated with Polyaspartic.

POLYSPARTIC FLOOR COATING SYSTEM

Polyaspartic top coat is very tough and chemical resistant. This kind of floor would be a very durable floor that can handle a lot of impact along with high chemical resistance.  It would make a great shop floor or garage. A great looking floor with unlimited color options. Polyaspartic can be used as a base coat. It is very useful in some cases because it can cure in 45 minutes. It’s extremely durable and is a great base coat for a flake or chip floor. It is also a great top coat over flakes.   

100% SOLIDS METALLIC EPOXY FLOOR SYSTEM

Metallic epoxies are gaining popularity and among the most beautiful floors available today. A moisture test may be required to determine if a vapor barrier is needed. 100% solids epoxy coatings only hold back about 4-8 psi of hydrostatic pressure. Any more than that and they will fail or “pop” off the floor. Since a 100% solids true epoxy floor is not going to “breath” or allow moisture vapors to pass though the coating it’s a good idea to apply a vapor barrier. Do not confuse this with basic primers. Many floor coating contractors use these to stop out gassing and reduce bubbles. They have about the same durability as a basic resinous epoxy floor. The main difference is all scratches will show and affect the ascetics of the floor more than solid color floors.    

FLOOR SKINZ ELASTI-DECK FLOOR COATINGS SYSTEM

This is obviously our favorite floor system, but for good reason. Floor Skinz Elasti-Deck acts as a base coat as well as a vapor barrier. It is hydro static pressure resistant to 25 psi. The Floor Skinz System does not actually act as an epoxy. Instead, it acts as a moisture cured urethane. This means that it penetrates deeper into the concrete and achieves a very good bond. Elastideck remains more flexible than other systems allowing it to bridge cracks and gaps. This flexibility makes it extremely impact resistant. In fact, an Elastideck flake floor with a Polyaspartic top coat is nearly indestructible.

All chip floors are UV stable and can have sand broadcast into them for added slip resistance.