Epoxy Floor Coatings Explained (2023 Update)

Epoxy floor coating is a great way to give your floors protection and style. It creates a strong, durable surface that can withstand heavy traffic and wear while also providing an attractive finish. 

Whether you’re looking for something industrial or modern, epoxy floor coating has many options available to meet your needs. Plus, it’s easy to apply and maintain so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing the coating. 

In this blog post, we will explore all the benefits of epoxy floor coating as well as tips on how to properly install it in order to get maximum performance out of your new floors!

Best epoxy floor coatings

Best Value: Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD

Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD is an epoxy floor coating that provides a strong and durable finish perfect for any residential or commercial space. This high-performance product is easy to apply and requires minimal maintenance, ensuring years of use. With many color and texture options available, you can customize your floors to match any decor. 

Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD features

The two-part formula creates a glossy, seamless finish that resists damage from most common chemicals as well as wear and tear. In addition, it prevents discoloration due to UV exposure while protecting against mold and mildew.

This versatile product has many advantages that make it an ideal choice for those looking to spruce up their interiors without breaking the bank. Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD is a fast drying solution that provides superior adhesion, meaning it won’t crack or chip under normal conditions. It’s also water repellent, making it ideal for bathrooms or other wet areas where moisture is present. Furthermore, applying the finish only takes a few hours so you won’t have to wait days for your work to be completed.

What customers are saying

Those who have used Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD are very happy with its performance. Customers noted how quickly the product dried and how simple the preparation was compared to other epoxy coatings they had used in the past. 

Most reviews were overwhelmingly positive with customers praising how long their floors lasted after application of the coating compared to other products they had tried before Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD. People especially appreciated how affordable this solution was compared to professional contractors who charge a premium rate for similar services and results.

Overall, Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD provides strong protection and vibrant colors that enhance any interior design while being both affordable and easy to apply. Whether you’re looking for industrial strength protection or modern design elements, this powerful epoxy flooring will meet all your needs without putting too much strain on your budget or timeline

Single Shot 100% Solids Epoxy Resin Kit

Single Shot 100% Solids Epoxy Resin Kit is a top-of-the-line floor coating solution for both residential and commercial environments. 

Single Shot 100% Solids Epoxy Resin Kit Features

This kit comes with two components: a resin and a hardener, which must be mixed prior to application. 

This epoxy floor coating offers many advantages over other floor coatings. First, it provides superior protection against wear and tear due to its extremely durable finish. 

It’s also 100% solids, which means it’s a high solids, low VOC component that’s compliant with EPA regulations

Furthermore, this product can easily adhere to concrete surfaces without any additional preparation such as etching or acid washing. Additionally, this product has excellent weather resistance and can withstand extreme temperatures without blistering or cracking.

What customers are saying

Customers who have purchased this epoxy resin kit have reported excellent results when using it on floors in both homes and businesses alike. 

Many customers have praised the ease of installation along with its durability and protection from wear and tear. Some even noted that their floors looked “like glass” after applying this epoxy resin kit! Customers also enjoyed the versatility of this product as it can be used on new or existing concrete surfaces with no additional preparation required.

Overall, Single Shot 100% Solids Epoxy Resin Kit is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable floor coating solution that is easy to install and provides superior protection from wear and tear as well as weather damage. With its long lasting finish and 100% solids formula, this product provides an outstanding value for those seeking a durable coating that will last for years to come!

Epoxy floor coating costs

But how much does it cost to install epoxy floor coating per square foot?

The answer depends on several factors including: 

  • The size of the area being covered
  • The type of epoxy used
  • Any additional preparation required prior to installation
  • Labor

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $2-$15 dollars per square foot for an epoxy floor coating job. This price range will vary depending on all of these factors mentioned above.

For example, if you need a thicker epoxy with extra additives or special features such as anti-slip properties or chemical resistance then this will cost more than standard epoxies that don’t have those features added in already. 

If the surface requires extensive preparation before installation such as repair work or grinding down existing concrete then this too can add up quickly when considering total costs for installing an epoxy floor coating system.  

Additionally if there is intricate artwork involved in creating designs within the coating then this will also add onto overall labor costs associated with installation which could potentially double

Professional epoxy floor coating costs

The cost of a professional epoxy floor coating job can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the condition of the existing floor, the size of the area to be coated, and the specific materials and installation techniques used by the contractor.

That being said, as a rough estimate, the cost for a professional epoxy floor coating job can range from $3 to $12 per square foot, with the average cost falling between $5 and $8 per square foot.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and the final cost may vary depending on the specific details of your project. It’s always a good idea to get a detailed quote from a reputable contractor before starting any work.

DIY epoxy floor coating costs

The cost of a DIY epoxy floor coating job can also vary depending on several factors, including the size of the area to be coated, the type of epoxy used, and the tools and materials needed for the job.

As a rough estimate, a DIY epoxy floor coating job can cost between $0.50 and $2 per square foot, depending on the quality of the epoxy and the tools and materials needed for the project. For example, Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield covers ~400 square feet and costs $165 for a two-gallon kit. 

While a DIY epoxy floor coating job can be less expensive than hiring a professional, it also requires a significant amount of time and effort, as well as a certain level of skill and experience. Additionally, mistakes made during the DIY process can end up costing more in the long run. It’s important to carefully research and follow all instructions and safety precautions before attempting a DIY epoxy floor coating job.

Advantages of epoxy floor coating

  1. Durability: Epoxy coatings are known for their durability and can withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic, impacts, and chemical spills.
  2. Resistance to Chemicals: Epoxy coatings are highly resistant to chemicals such as oils, acids, and solvents, making them ideal for use in manufacturing plants and warehouses where chemicals are frequently used.
  3. Aesthetic Appeal: Epoxy coatings can be customized with a variety of colors, textures, and designs to create a visually appealing and seamless finish.
  4. Easy to Clean: Epoxy coatings are easy to clean and maintain, which is important in settings where cleanliness is a top priority.
  5. Cost-effective: Epoxy coatings are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of floor coatings and can be applied quickly and easily, reducing downtime.

What are the disadvantages of epoxy floor coating?

While epoxy floor coatings offer many advantages, they also have some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing a flooring solution. These disadvantages include:

  1. Slippery When Wet: Epoxy coatings can be slippery when wet, especially if they are not properly textured or slip-resistant additives are not used. This can be a safety hazard in areas where water or other liquids are present.
  2. Susceptible to UV Damage: Epoxy coatings can be damaged by exposure to UV rays, causing them to yellow or fade over time. This makes them less suitable for outdoor use or in areas with a lot of natural light.
  3. Limited Flexibility: Epoxy coatings are rigid and inflexible, which can cause them to crack or chip when exposed to heavy impacts or significant movements in the underlying concrete substrate.
  4. Complex Installation Process: Epoxy coatings require a clean and well-prepared surface, specialized equipment, and trained professionals to install properly. The installation process can be time-consuming and disruptive to daily operations.
  5. Difficult to Repair: Once an epoxy coating is damaged, it can be difficult to repair. In some cases, the entire floor may need to be resurfaced, which can be costly and time-consuming.
  6. Not Suitable for Moisture Prone Areas: Epoxy coatings are not suitable for areas with high moisture content, such as areas prone to water infiltration or damp environments. Excessive moisture can cause the epoxy to delaminate or peel off from the substrate.

Are epoxy floor coatings worth it? 

Whether or not epoxy floor coatings are worth it depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project. Epoxy floor coatings offer many advantages, such as durability, chemical resistance, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance, making them a popular choice for industrial and commercial flooring applications. They can also be cost-effective when compared to other types of flooring systems.

Alternatives to epoxy floor coatings

There are several alternatives to epoxy floor coatings, each with their own unique advantages and applications. Here are three of the top alternatives:

Polyurethane Floor Coatings 

Polyurethane coatings are a popular alternative to epoxy coatings, offering excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to UV rays. Polyurethane coatings are best for applications where high foot traffic and equipment are present, such as manufacturing facilities, showrooms, and warehouses. They are also suitable for outdoor use, as they are highly resistant to fading and discoloration from sunlight.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is a popular flooring option that involves grinding and polishing the surface of the concrete substrate to create a smooth, glossy finish. Polished concrete is best for applications where a decorative, easy-to-maintain surface is desired, such as in retail stores, showrooms, and restaurants. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas, as it is highly durable and scratch-resistant.

Vinyl Floor Coatings 

Vinyl floor coatings are a cost-effective alternative to epoxy coatings, offering excellent durability, slip-resistance, and ease of maintenance. Vinyl floor coatings are best for applications where moisture is present, such as in locker rooms, restrooms, and hospitals. They are also suitable for areas where slip-resistance is important, such as in kitchens and food processing facilities.

Ultimately, the best flooring system will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the project, including factors such as the level of foot traffic, exposure to chemicals, and aesthetic preferences. Consulting with a professional flooring contractor can help ensure that the best flooring system is selected for the project.

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