Today metallic epoxy coatings have become popular on many homes and office floors. It offers a unique approach when establishing a decorative concrete floor.
Nothing can beat the appealing scene that comes with metallic epoxy coatings. Considering you are getting a floor that is more a work of art than a floor, the cost of epoxy coatings really isn’t that bad. We’ve done hundreds of them.
If you want to Learn Metallic Epoxy, then you are in the right place. Here is a step by step guide on how to DIY when it comes to installing a metallic epoxy floor.
Everything You Need To Know About Applying Metallic Epoxy Floors
Step 1: Get Materials Ready
To successfully install a metallic epoxy floor, make sure you have all the tools and material needed. You might be required to work with several tools in the process, so make sure all of them are available. You don’t want to run up and down looking for the tool as work proceeds. Make sure you have a grinding machine and many others. After having all the tools, the next thing would be to clean up your floor and find a flat surface for mixing the materials. Most importantly, Make sure you get enough metallic pigment to clear epoxy. Depending on the number of colors you want, you can buy epoxy and add as many metallic pigments as you need.
Step 2: Grinding the Concrete Floor
Up to this point, you have all it takes to commence working on your floor. Perform Concrete surface preparation to introduce a little ridged on your floor. The floor needs to rough; otherwise, epoxy may not stick on the floor surface. The two (the concrete surface and epoxy) need to bond for good results. Grinding and sanding improve the binding. Once you feel that the surface has attained the necessary profile, the next thing would be to remove all the dust. Use a vacuum for better result. Remove as much dust as you can, aiming at least 99% dust-free. Once this is done properly, the surface is ready for epoxy coating.
Step 3: Install a Concrete Moisture Barrier
it would be best to choose the right moisture barrier formulation depending on the hydrostatic pressure they can withstand. You need to install a pigmented moisture barrier epoxy floor coasting to act as the first coat in this step. The coating will prevent the epoxy from peeling off due to pressure caused by moisture accumulation. To mix, carefully follow the as stated by the manufacturer. It would be best to mix it as fast as possible and immediately pour the mixture on the floor to prevent the accumulation of air bubbles. Start spreading as fast as possible before it starts to dry. Give it time for the moisture barrier to dry, and then clean it using a microfiber mop and acetone. Remember to put on protective gear when you are handling an epoxy moisture barrier.
Step 4: Mix the Metallic Epoxy
At this point, you need to mix part A and Part B epoxy with the metallic pigment that you have. As mentioned earlier, you need to ensure that you have as many pigments as you need the colours on your metallic floor. Manually mix the metallic pigment into part A of the epoxy. After that, mix metallic epoxy part A with part B until the metal pigment is completely mixed without any clumps. Then pass the mixture through a strainer to eliminate any would-be debris and partly mixed crumbs.
Step 5: Actual Application of the Metallic Epoxy
At this point, you are at the climax of this process. Apply the metallic coat on to the base coat in small puddles. Pour out the mixture in the bucket and remove the buckets on the floor so that you can spread the mixture. Use a form roller and a magic trowel to spread evenly. To add accent to the main metallic epoxy colour, you can add small quantities of different metallic epoxy colours.
Step 6: Apply a Topcoat
A topcoat is necessary to protect the floor from scratches and to peel off. You don’t want to miss this step in the metallic epoxy application process. There are many materials use for the topcoat. You can choose to use high-quality wax as a coating agent. Wax maintain the gloss and beauty of the floor for years to come.
Now You have A Beautiful Metallic Epoxy Floor
If you want a professional to do it for you, there are professional epoxy floor coating contractors that will help. Don’t get overwhelmed by the process. It will turn out good.
