Epoxy floor coatings are some of the most popular materials out there, and for good reason. They offer a safe, budget-friendly option for your concrete floors and other surfaces. They’re also relatively quick to apply and come with minimal downtime – in comparison to a poured concrete job, which can take weeks or even months to fully complete and set correctly. Here’s how to get the most out of your epoxy floors while minimizing the downtime in the curing process.
What makes epoxy floor coatings so great? They’re incredibly durable. They can withstand years of constant foot traffic, furniture moving, scraping, wearing, and tearing. Most epoxy floor coatings last at least two to five years, with some lasting up to ten. So when commercial flooring experts weigh in on the best materials for high-traffic areas, epoxy floor coatings are often at the top of the list.
Besides their durability and longevity, epoxy flooring is also relatively affordable. It’s extremely easy to clean and resistant to liquids and even caustic chemical spills. These floors are customizable, with a range of colors and textures to perfectly enhance your space’s aesthetic. And the application job can be done fairly quickly (with the right team, of course). The only waiting period tends to be the downtime, since epoxy must cure before use.
Epoxy is designed to dry into what is eventually a traction-friendly, non-slip surface finish. But it takes some time after application to achieve this result. First, a team will come in and thoroughly clean your floors to remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Then, they’ll apply the epoxy solution to the freshly cleaned surface. This could be done using one coat or several. Once it’s applied, the epoxy takes roughly 12-18 hours to dry.
After this, however, the epoxy must “cure.” And depending on the size of the floor, the porousness of the material (concrete in particular), and the technique used, this could take anywhere from 36 hours up to a week. During this curing time, no one should walk on or otherwise use the floor. If you’re in an industry or running a building where one week of downtime isn’t possible, you may be rethinking epoxy floor coatings. But don’t worry, there are solutions.
By using a reputable team with extensive experience in epoxy floor coating application, you can avoid some of this downtime. Sure, you can purchase epoxy and attempt a DIY project. But only a knowledgeable commercial flooring team will be able to assess your surface, make recommendations on the type of epoxy paint to utilize, and give accurate estimates for downtime. Plus, they’ll have industry insider tips and tricks that could shorten the time you have to wait for the epoxy to dry and cure.
PAINTech professionals can help you with your building’s epoxy floor job. Our team has more than 20 years of experience providing commercial interior and exterior painting, power washing services, commercial flooring, and more. We’ll work with you to ensure that any downtime needed happens during a time that’s convenient for you, and we’ll do our best to limit that downtime. If you are in Pennsylvania, The Main Line area, Maryland, Delaware, or Northern Virginia and would like a quote, contact PAINTech today.
Serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia
