Bird's-Eye View: The Science Behind Construction And Contracting

Epoxy can protect a cement floor from all kinds of threats. Thinking about applying epoxy? To ensure it sticks to the floor and provides the protection you want, you need to prepare the floor. Here are some tips to help you.

1. Identify the Right Type of Epoxy

Typically, epoxy floor coatings can fall into three categories: solid epoxy, water-based epoxy and solvent-based epoxy. Think about what you want to protect your floor from. Then, talk with the sale rep about your concerns and see which epoxy they recommend for your situation.

2. Clean the Floor

Once you have found the right type of epoxy, you need to clean your floor. If you have a drain in your floor, you can wash it off with a garden hose. You should also consider cleaning the floor with a rough brush to remove stuck-on debris. Then, follow up everything by running a shop vacuum over the area.

3. Roughen Up the Concrete

After the floor is clean, you need to roughen up the concrete so that the epoxy sticks. You can use a concrete scarifier. This tool is shaped like a lawnmower, and you can push it along the floor. Be cautious and don't remove too much at once. Alternatively, some epoxy kits contain a chemical floor preparation solution that can help with this process. You may want to vacuum up the debris after this step.

4. Gather Safety Gear

Before you get started, make sure you have the right safety gear. In particular, you need gloves, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the epoxy. If you're using a scarifier or any other motorised tools, you should wear steel-toed shoes or something to protect your feet.

5. Tape the Walls

Just as you tape the area before painting, you should also tape your workspace when you are applying epoxy. Ideally, you should apply the tape so that the epoxy doesn't get onto the walls or baseboards.

6. Consider Removing the Baseboards

Alternatively, you may want to remove the baseboards. This can sometimes be more effective than taping the walls. Then, if you get a bit of epoxy onto the walls, that will be hidden when you put the baseboards back on.

7. Consider Hiring an Epoxy Flooring Specialist

Perhaps the easiest preparation step is just to turn this job over to the epoxy flooring pros. You simply make a call to talk about your goals, and then they safely and professionally handle the rest.