Although epoxy is a versatile product, it was first developed in the 1930s, when scientists tried to fix broken bones by inserting it directly into the body.
The glue-like substance acts not just as a binder but also as a filler for cracks and holes. It’s used mostly for filling gaps and cracks or repairing objects like concrete, glass, or steel.
For those reasons, epoxy floors have become popular among people who have very old houses and want to repair them cheaply.
However, you must be careful when applying this type of flooring; improperly placed glue can cause problems with water pipes or electrical wiring in walls.
The material itself is available at home improvement stores; if you buy it there you’ll find that it comes in many different colors blue or black being most common which is why companies often market their products under these colors instead of just plain white (like the stuff I work with), which would make finding the right color more difficult.
Can I pour epoxy on concrete?
Yes, you can pour epoxy over concrete. It’s actually a lot easier than it sounds! But before you start pouring, there are some important steps to take first.
First of all, your concrete needs to be clean and free of any oil, dirt, or grease residues. Otherwise, your epoxy is not going to stick correctly and will most likely end up peeling off soon after it has been applied.
This can be accomplished by using a pressure washer or scrubbing the surface thoroughly with a stiff brush, soap, and water solution.
Once the concrete is clean and dry, you should also roughen up the surface before proceeding with an application.
This can be done easily by using muriatic acid to etch the floor (be sure to wear eye protection when doing this).
After that has been taken care of, it is also recommended that you apply a primer to further ensure proper adhesion of your epoxy coating.
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How do you apply epoxy resin to concrete?
You can easily apply epoxy to concrete by following these steps:
- Prepare the surface. Begin by sweeping and vacuuming the floor thoroughly, then use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove any glue, grime, or other debris from the floor. If you have an unfinished concrete surface, lightly sand it so that the epoxy has something to grab onto. You’ll also want to wet down the floor using a garden hose with a spray attachment; this helps ensure that there is enough moisture in the concrete for the epoxy to properly cure.
- Apply your epoxy. Get all of your materials ready before you start, because once you pour out your epoxy solution on the floor, you won’t want it sitting around too long without being spread out. Pour your mixed epoxy into a paint pan and use a roller with an extension pole (or a roller made specifically for garage floors) to cover large areas quickly and evenly; switch to a brush when it’s time to get into corners and hard-to-reach spaces like along walls and around cabinets. If any air bubbles appear in your coating after it’s been set out for about 30 minutes, pop them with an air compressor or heat gun (check with your manufacturer first).
Can I pour epoxy on a floor?
Yes, you can pour epoxy over concrete. All concrete floors need to be cleaned and etched before applying any type of epoxy coating, otherwise, the epoxy will not adhere properly.
Concrete is porous and must be etched to get the best bond for your new flooring.
- How much does it cost? The price of an epoxy garage floor varies based on several factors, including the size of your garage, where you live, what kind of epoxy you choose, and how thick you apply it. According to Porch’s research team, the average cost nationwide is $2-$4 per square foot for a basic job with a single coat. If this is your first time using an epoxy coating, I would suggest staying in that range and keeping things simple until you’ve got some experience under your belt.
Do I need to seal concrete before epoxy?
Do I need to seal concrete before epoxy? Yes, you do!
The preparation process for an epoxy coating to adhere properly is a three-step process that involves cleaning, etching then sealing the concrete.
If you are planning on applying an epoxy coating over an existing paint finish, this process can be shortened to just cleaning and sealing the floor.
Painted floors are not ideal for an epoxy finish because as the paint ages it chips and flakes off leaving a concrete surface that is not smooth and even.
Painting over an already painted floor will almost always end up being less than satisfactory. The best way to apply an epoxy coating over concrete is to remove any existing paint first and then go through the entire three-step process of cleaning, etching, and sealing the floor in order to achieve maximum durability and longevity of your new epoxy flooring system.
And when it comes time to seal your concrete before applying your new epoxy coatings make sure you use only the best products available on the market today like DURA-KOTE 100% Solids Epoxy Primer by ArmorPox Concrete Coatings
Can you epoxy over self leveling concrete?
As long as you seal the self leveling concrete first and make sure all loose material is removed, you can use epoxy as a coating on top of it.
Self leveling concrete will typically be smoother than rough or unfinished concrete and may require a different installation process.
You should also check with the manufacturer of your epoxy to make sure it is rated for self leveling concrete.
Self leveling concrete has enough strength in the base materials that you will likely be able to use a thinner coat of epoxy than you would on regular concrete.
However, this may depend more on the condition of your flooring than anything else. If there are large cracks or gaps in your floor then you may need to apply multiple coats regardless of whether it is self leveling or not.
How do you install epoxy on concrete floor?
- Gear up
- before you begin, make sure that you have all of the necessary tools on hand:
- a large bucket or container for mixing up your epoxy
- a measuring cup for measuring out parts of resin and hardener
- a paint roller with an extension pole (or, alternatively, a paintbrush) along with other painting materials (a tray, drop cloths)
- a concrete grinder to rough up the floor and remove any old coatings, sealants or other debris
- Prep the surface
- start by cleaning the area in which you’ll be applying epoxy thoroughly, using soapy water to remove any oil or grease stains that may have built up over time. Next, grind down any existing coatings or paints to create a smooth surface free from imperfections. Ensure that pressed concrete block is well-sealed as well prior to applying epoxy.
Is epoxy flooring cheaper than tile?
Tile flooring can cost anywhere from $4 per square foot for budget materials up to $50 or more, depending on stone type and installation costs.
Epoxy flooring, on the other hand, ranges from $3 per square foot to $12, so it is always more affordable than tile and may even be cheaper than your existing flooring.
But you get what you pay for with tile it can be a beautiful addition to your home that lends a classic feel and elegance.
The downside is that tile is usually the most expensive option, and not all tiles are suitable as garage floor coatings.
It also proves difficult when trying to apply it over an uneven surface such as an old concrete slab since any imperfections may show through the grout lines.
Epoxy offers a more durable solution at less cost while delivering beautiful results in any space!
How do I epoxy my basement floor?
We’re going to show you some of the ways in which you can improve the look of your basement floor. You can do it yourself or get help from a professional, but either way, you’ll want to walk away with a product that will last at least ten years. If you’re working on your own, here are some general tips for doing so:
- Pre-work: Getting ready for epoxy should be a top priority. Before each and every project, take two minutes to get rid of all dirt and debris under the surface of the concrete by scraping off as much as possible with a utility knife. Use this time to also prepare any other surfaces that might need epoxy application (floors and ceilings).
- Prep work: After scraping off any loose material, apply de-ionized water (DIW) right over the whole surface area where epoxy is going to be applied. The DIW will flush out excess dirt and rust while penetrating deep into cracks and crevices on floors. Wait until the water has saturated the entire floor before rinsing off excess liquid with fresh DIW since any trapped dirt will prevent epoxy from sticking properly later on down the line when applying it into these areas.
- Mix up: Now pour in a small amount of resin along with activator nozzles into a container (like an empty pasta sauce jar). Add in just enough water until it looks like pancake batter. Stir up everything together thoroughly and make sure to wear gloves when handling epoxy!—then apply this mixture according to directions for type of surface being covered (“select” or “all”). One tip we learned from watching TV was if there are metal pipes running through your basement floor, add extra resin because these can stain easily otherwise; another tip was if you have wood floors don’t add too much resin because it would change how your floor feels afterward when walking on it barefoot instead of wearing shoes/sneakers/
Conclusion
Thanks for tuning in! As you’ve seen, there is no reason not to pour epoxy over concrete. Before deciding to do so, however, make sure that the floor is clean and dry.
You will also need a primer and a roller brush. Once you have these things, it’s smooth sailing!
