Epoxy coat system is known to be one of the best ways of adding a layer of security, elegance, and long-lasting factor to your garages, workshops, or other high traffic floorings. Choosing the right epoxy system for the right job can be a real pain. All the varieties, differing opinions make it tough to pick an ideal epoxy system. But no need to start worrying as, after reading today’s guide, you will be able to choose the right epoxy coat system for yourself.
In today’s article, I will help you go through various factors that you need to check based on your workspace requirement to make sure you get an ideal epoxy coat system. Similarly, I will go through some well-known epoxy types out there and how they differ based on your needs.
To choose the right epoxy system for yourself, you need to check its cost, the finishing touch, durability, traction to choose safe or smooth layering, maintenance, UV protection, and how you will apply the epoxy system. Check each factor based on your need to get the best option.
Some Best Options of Epoxy Coat System
When you go for the epoxy coat system, you will find out so many varying options that can be overwhelming and confusing. Each one has its unique characteristics and application. So, I will break down each option based on its effectiveness to help you choose the right epoxy coat system.
Two-part Epoxy 100 percent solids floor coating formula
These are described as a layer without any solvent being 100 percent solids. The two-part Epoxy coating offers the best surface in the shape of a thick, hard, and attractive finish. These epoxy layers also provide an option to select a premium texture. The decorative chips are then sprinkled over the surface while it’s hardening to obtain a beautiful texture. The surface needs about 24 hours after its application to be fully hard.
These are the best options for your garages but, this also makes them an expensive option. Installing the two-part epoxy system is also a bit tough as compared to the others. The products of two-part Epoxy coating are known to produce awful fumes after their application that need proper ventilation to clear the environment. The average cost for these is 200$ or more. You can also check [amazon link=”B077YVKGG1″ title=”Rust-Oleum 293517 Rocksolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Coating”/] easily available on Amazon.
Core Features of Two-part Epoxy floor coating :
- Two part in which risen is mixed with hardener
- Five times harder than epoxy paint
- Need 24 hours to get dry and fully hard.
- These are labeled under 100 percent solids
- The average cost is 200$ or more per kit.
- Used in combination with vinyl paint chips
Two-Part Water-Based epoxy floor coating formula
These products contain a solvent in the shape of water along with epoxy. Water-based epoxy coating systems are almost as easy to apply like paint. Therefore, these often get advertised as epoxy paint. In contrast to the typical epoxy coating systems, these don’t require thorough ventilation and, you can also check these out under the category of low VOC and low odor.
These take longer to get completely dry as compared to 100 percent solid epoxy coatings. The approximate drying time is around 2-3 days. The average price for Water-based epoxy coating systems is 50$-150$. These are inexpensive and less durable when compared to 100 percent solid epoxy coatings. You can also check [amazon link=”B000KESBL6″ title=”Rust-Oleum 238466 Epoxy Shield”/] easily available on Amazon.
Core Features of Two-part Epoxy floor coating:
- Two part in which risen is mixed with hardener
- Needs reapplications after few years
- Inexpensive yet less durable
- The average price per gallon is about 50$-150$.
- It has longer pot life as compared to others.
- It Needs about 2-3 days to get completely dry.
One-part epoxy floor coating formula
These products are called one part as they don’t contain the two-part mixing of resin and hardener. Thus, they more closely resemble paint and are sold in a single container. One-part epoxy floor coating formula still provides more hardness than the typical paint and is easily dried up within 1 hour. These are normally advertised as epoxy/acrylic or one-part epoxy.
The average price of the One-part epoxy floor coating formula is about less than $50 per gallon. These need to be reapplied after few years. You can also check [amazon link=”B000U9K85S” title=”Homax 720773 Tub & Sink Brush-On One-Part Epoxy”/] easily available on Amazon.
Core Features of One-part Epoxy floor coating:
- More durable than paint
- No two-part mixing
- Dries very quickly in about 1 hour
- Average cost per gallon is less than $50 per gallon
- Needs reapplications after few years
How to Choose the Right Epoxy Coat System for You?
To choose the right epoxy system for yourself, you need to check its cost, the finishing touch, durability, traction to choose safe or smooth layering, maintenance, UV protection, and how you will apply the epoxy system. Check each factor based on your need to get the best option.
Cost
For many people cost of a product is a real concern when starting home, office, or workplace renovation. Whereas, in terms of epoxy coat system, the higher the kit cost, the more durable that particular kit is. So, if you want a permanent long-run solution, then the cost paid on a high-end epoxy coating system saves you all the retries you will have to do with other options.
For a low budget, I will advise you to go for floor paints which are cheaper but less durable. You will need to reapply it from time to time. These can also crack, chip flake, and so on. So, for a long-term solution, high-quality epoxy is worth the cost.
Finishing
For some people, the texture matters more than the durability of the best epoxy coating system. Most of the epoxy floor kits generally offer a thick polished final finishing loved by the majority. Epoxies are clear in color so, based on your requirement, you can also alter it using colorful flakes to get your needed look.
Durability
The epoxy durability needs to top-notch when you are going for a long-term solution for places like garages or busy workplaces. You should check out garage floor epoxy coating, which is extremely thick, strong, and can endure harsh conditions. These are also known for their high-quality scratch, heat, and chemical resistance.
PRO TIP
Different epoxy products have different durability. So go for the one best suitable for your environment
Traction
The smooth layering of epoxy floor coating can get slippery when it’s wet. Therefore, many people prefer a safer alternative to this. Each epoxy floor coating has its varying traction. Some even come with anti-slip additives that reduce the chance of such hazards. So you can choose the right product based on your needs.
Maintenance
Nobody loves cleaning busy places such as garages or offices way too often. One of the major factors that separate the best epoxy coating system from the rest is how easy it is to maintain and clean. Most epoxy coating systems are maintenance-friendly and usually need a simple wipe in case of dust or food spilling. These are also long-lasting and won’t need reapplication for several years.
CAUTION
Every epoxy product has different lasting period. So, be careful while selecting one.
When you go for the cheaper options such as floor paints, they are cheaper but not easy to maintain. These require reapplications and can even get marks and scuffing from time to time.
UV Protection
When you are looking to decorate indoor sunny areas, then you need an epoxy floor coating with UV protection. For particular areas where sun rays can reach through windows and doors can lead to UV damage. If you have chosen a product that is not a UV product then, you might see some traces of yellow or discolor over your floor after some time. So, for long-lasting shine and clarity, make sure you select a UV-protected epoxy floor coating.
Application
Before purchasing any epoxy floor coating, make sure you understand the application procedure for that particular kit. Applying epoxy kits can be a long process and, you need to know how the process of mixing and preparing epoxy works. Many of the best kits are known to be easier to mix with simple ratio requirements.
PRO TIP
If you want to avoid these processes then go for single-component paint
Some helpful Products
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Ending thoughts
In today’s article, we found out how you can choose the right epoxy coat system? I started this article by dividing various well-known epoxy products based on their core characteristics. I discussed each one for its best features, price, and best application. In the end, we discussed all the related factors that act as the main deciding cause when you are looking to choose the right epoxy coat system for yourself. I also attached some cool products to help you in this search.
That’s all from my side for today. Make sure to follow all the advised do’s and don’ts.