Epoxy Floor Durability

The durability of your epoxy floor is directly related to the quality of materials that are used and the proper preparation of the surface.

Professional grade floor epoxy is a self-priming two-part resin system which aggressively grabs into a properly prepared porous surface. This is not a paint that just sits on the surface and "dries" like a wall paint. When mixed in the correct proportions and applied properly, the two parts interact and create a new substance which penetrates deeply into the concrete and creates an extremely durable coating.

See our Epoxy Floor Prep link immediately below for detailed tips and techniques on properly preparing your floor.

The $69 - $99 hardware store kits have homeowner grade materials. The epoxy supplied is usually only a one-part system which contains only 30-40% solids to keep the cost down. The rest is water. The kits also do not contain a sealer to enhance the beauty and durability of the floor.

Professional grade systems utilize a two-part epoxy with 95% - 100% solids. This produces a much thicker and more durable coating. On top of the epoxy and decorative chips, professional installers apply a tough UV-resistant urethane or polyurea clear coat sealer. This further enhances the durability of the coating and produces a high gloss finish which is extremely easy to clean.

Professional grade materials cost the installer $85 to $120 per gallon.

Your floor coating materials should have the following properties:

VOC: Less than 100 grams per liter (g/l). VOC is a measure of the amount of volatile organic compounds emitted during application and curing. A lower number is better for the environment and is required in most Air Quality Management Districts.
Solids: 75-100%
Flammable: No
Odor: None to moderate
Pencil Hardness: H2-H3
UV/Fade Resistance: Excellent
Non-Yellowing: Excellent
Abrasion Resistance: Excellent
Hot Tire Pick-up Resistance: Excellent

(These test results are supplied to the materials manufacturer by an independent testing lab.)

The coating should show "No Effect" to the following household chemicals and automotive fluids:

Motor oil
Gasoline
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Anti-freeze
10% HCL (battery acid)
Degreaser
Liquid Plumber
Ammonia
Vinegar
Clorox
Windex
Acetone
Xylene (a very strong solvent)

Don't use any products on your epoxy garage floor that contain the solvent Methylene Chloride. (Read the label.) Products that contain this extremely strong solvent are normally epoxy or urethane strippers. They will damage your garage floor.

Very, very few products contain this solvent. Normally you have to go out of your way to find them. They are not part of standard cleaning products designed for household use.

California Concrete Restoration, Inc.
Laguna Hills, CA
calconcrete@cox.net
(949) 939-4088

We specialize in installing quality epoxy floor coatings in Southern California. If you are located in another area we will be able to give you a reference to a local professional.