Epoxy flooring is a common finish for all types of floors due to its adhesive and durable properties. Luckily, you don’t need to be a professional to epoxy your own floors. If you’re looking to lay epoxy floor coating by yourself, or with the help of a friend, follow these steps:
1. Clean the surface of your floors by sweeping away debris and using degreasers to remove grease and oil stains.
2. If you’re placing down garage floor epoxy or creating an epoxy basement floor, check moisture levels by taping a square foot piece of plastic on the floor and letting it sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, check to see if there is any condensation to determine if your floors have moisture. 3. 3. Concrete is porous, and moisture can cause the epoxy to not bind, so if your floors have moisture, you will need a enlist professional to find a vapor barrier solution.
4. Because epoxy is thermosetting, it is extremely sensitive to temperatures. Temperatures that are too cold can cause your epoxy to harden too fast. It’s best to epoxy floors when the temperature is at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Etch concrete floors with an etching solution. This will allow the epoxy to bond with the concrete flooring.
6. If there are any cracks in your concrete floors, patch the cracks with a concrete floor patching kit. If you don’t, the cracks will still be seen through the epoxy finish.
7. Assemble your epoxy solution by following the directions provided on the kit. Begin by filling a container with epoxy resin, then slowly pour the epoxy hardener in while stirring with a wooden mixing stick. Once mixed, pour the epoxy solution into another container and mix for about a minute until there are no clumps or streaks.
8. Use a paintbrush and begin painting the edge of your floors. Once complete, use a nap roller and begin coating the entire floor. Because epoxy hardens quickly, make sure you work diligently and finish within two hours once the epoxy solution is created.
9. If you want to add some color or personality to your floors, sprinkle color flecks onto your floors while the epoxy is still wet.
Once your epoxy floors have dried, finish by painting a final clear coat. Follow the directions in steps 6 and 7.