Epoxy Floor Paint – Safeguards For Applying
By: Tom "The DIY Guy" WesleyAlthough epoxy floor paint is a preferred choice for many concrete applications because of its high gloss appearance and durability, there are certain safeguards that must be taken when using epoxy floor paint to prevent hazards to health and safety. When applying to a garage floor there is plenty of ventilation, so be sure to take full advantage of it by raising the doors.
It’s always recommended, too, when working with epoxy floor paint that the painter wear work gloves and eye protection so that the paint will not come into direct contact with the skin or risk splashing into the eyes. If epoxy paint does get into the eyes, splash immediately with clear fresh water and see a doctor if pain or blurred vision results.
Direct contact with epoxy floor paint can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, along with itching and the development of skin rashes. To prevent breathing in certain chemical components of epoxy floor paint while doing the application, it’s also advisable to wear a breathing mask. Wear long sleeves to avoid getting the paint on exposed skin surfaces of the arms. If the epoxy paint does happen to get onto work clothes, wipe off immediately or change into another work outfit to prevent prolonged skin exposure to the epoxy paint.
It is also essential that the area being painted have adequate ventilation to avoid becoming sickened by the paint fumes. This can either be fresh air from open windows or free-standing floor fans that help to circulate the air and force it outside the building while the paint is being applied. Do not simply recirculate the air within the same enclosed space. Be sure your ventilation system is allowing the paint fumes to totally escape the environment that is being painted. Especially when epoxy floor paint is being used in small confined areas, workers should leave the area for three to four hours during the initial drying process as well.
To prevent fire, it’s important not to use cigarettes, any smoking materials or open flame when working with epoxy floor paint.
Never reuse containers that held epoxy paint formulas for other purposes. These should be properly disposed of after the contents are used up.
Allow any areas painted with epoxy floor paint to properly dry and cure, sometimes as much as two weeks or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. To remove epoxy paint that has spilled onto surfaces not intended to be painted, use proper hand and eye protection and wipe it away as soon as possible with a cleaning solution containing Methylene Chloride.
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Tags: epoxy floor paint, epoxy floor painting, floor paint, garage floor paint, painting floors