Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paints or coatings come in two different ways, one as a ready-made mixture to be applied to a surface, and the other as catalyzed, which means it comes as two seperate materials, and when the two are mixed, they start a reaction to become a hard surface.
01: Concrete Stairs coated in epoxy
Characteristics
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Chemically cured, chemically resistant
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Combines small molecules to create larger ones, making it very durable with a low porosity
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Can lose shine from direct sunlight, additives can be added to slow that process and also add to its strengths and where it can be used.
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Most common epoxy resins are produced from a reaction between epichlorohydrin (ECH) and bisphenol-A (BPA), though the latter may be replaced by other raw materials (such as aliphatic glycols, phenol and o-cresol novolacs) to produce specialty resins
02: Floors and Furniture Coated in Epoxy
Production & Maintenance
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To produce epoxy, it is the result of a reaction between the resin itself and a specific hardener.
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the resin and hardener can have subtle changes based on what the epoxy is being used for, like coatings or adhesive.
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Because it is a fairly easy coating to use, the ingredients are manufactured, but a person wouldn't have to hire a professional to produce the hard product residentially if they've worked with epoxy before.
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To maintain epoxy floors, specifically, using a dust mop is one of the best options.
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A regular cleaning, recommended every 1-2 weeks to keep dust and dirt to a minimum
03: Art Installation with Epoxy Coated Floor
Environmental Impact
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Epoxy coating is environmentally-friendly because it comes from organic plant sources
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Is manufactured in a way that releases no bio-hazards to the environment
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When hardened as protective coating, it has no contaminants that could endanger the safety of humans and the environment. During the curing process it can have some fumes which can be harmful for certain groups of people
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Because of durability it lasts a long time, though it can not be recycled
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The making of epoxy also has minimal energy used, making the impact lower as well.
Epoxy paint is mainly used in areas where there is moisture, where harsh chemicals are used, and floors. This application focuses on floors.
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Installation:
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Clean surface and wet floor to prepare for the etching mixture
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Scrub and etch, which prepares the substrate for bonding with the epoxy, then mix the epoxy coating
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Apply along perimeter first then roll on the epoxy in the main areas. It will need a second coat when the first is finished.
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Finish with a border on the wall.
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ASTM:
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ASTM C722-18 Standard Specification for Chemical-Resistant Monolithic Floor Surfacings
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This standard goes over the requirements for aggregate-filled, resin-based, monolithic surfacings for use over concrete floors in areas where chemical resistance and the protection of concrete are required.​
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American Coatings Association
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ACA is "is a voluntary, nonprofit trade association working to advance the needs of the paint and coatings industry and the professionals who work in it, including: manufacturers, raw materials suppliers, distributors, and technical professionals. ACA serves as an advocate and ally for members on legislative, regulatory and judicial issues, and provides forums for the advancement and promotion of the industry through educational and professional development services."
Application
04: Epoxy coated garage floor
