The Different Types Of Concrete Floor Coating
By: Tom "The DIY Guy" WesleyWithout a coating, concrete floors will become stained, and also chip and crack over time. There are different types of floor coating for protecting concrete.
Epoxy concrete floor coating can be applied to a new floor or used to fill in chips and cracks in an old one. Epoxy floor coating comes as a primer and a topcoat. The epoxy topcoat can be clear or pigment can be added to it; decorative flakes can also be added. It provides a smooth surface. There is also the option of adding an epoxy stipple coat over the topcoat, which provides a surface much like an orange peel. Epoxy floor coating is resistant to automotive fluids and chemicals. It takes about three days to set up. Epoxy floor coating is often used in hospitals, detention centers, factories, and warehouses.
A concrete floor urethane sealer can also be used. Urethane sealers are high-gloss. They also involve putting down a primer and a topcoat. The topcoat is clear, but pigment may be added. Urethane sealers are also resistant to automotive fluids and chemicals, and they take about three days to set up. Urethane sealers are often used in retail stores and showrooms.
Although epoxy floor coatings and urethane sealers are largely used in industry, you can purchase epoxy kits for your garage that include a degreaser, topcoat, and decorative nonskid flakes. Measure your square footage so you know how many to buy. The epoxy floor coating is fully set in seven days.
Another option for a concrete floor coating is oil-based enamel paint. It resists automotive fluids. It cleans up with soap and water. But moisture or heat from tires may lift it off the floor surface. Some experts advise that you never use oil-based paint on a concrete floor.
Stains can also be applied to concrete floors. Stains have the advantage of soaking into the concrete instead of sitting on the surface of the floor. However, they don’t stand up to snow and rock salt well. For that reason, they’re used more in the South than any other part of the country.
Whichever concrete floor coating is used, it’s important to prepare the floor before applying it. The floor needs to be as clean and dry as possible. Use a degreaser, and, if necessary, a pressure washer. Remove all peeling paint. Give the floor several days to dry out. That way, all your work will pay off.
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Tags: concrete floor coating, concrete sealer, concrete stain, concrete stains, epoxy floor coating