The benefits of metallic epoxy floor coatings in industrial and commercial settings are well known. It is a quick, low-cost way to protect the surface of concrete, steel, and other materials. When properly applied, it can prevent corrosion from dust, grease, and other particles on the surface, as well as prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. While the benefits of metallic epoxy flooring in commercial settings are numerous, the disadvantages are relatively simple to overcome.
Before you make a purchasing decision, make certain that you understand the needs of your particular environment in which the floor will be installed. There are two basic forms of metallic epoxy flooring: solid and liquid. In addition to being able to provide excellent protection, both of these types of coating can be mixed to create different effects.
Solid epoxy floors are composed of finely ground, compressed particles of aluminum oxide or tin oxide. The particles are combined with an organic compound that gives the coating its color. A solid epoxy is a great option for high traffic areas, such as parking lots, retail stores, industrial production areas, and warehouses. Due to its strength, durable nature, and low maintenance, solid epoxy flooring is a great choice for those who want a long-lasting floor. Since the particles are compressed into large masses, solid epoxy is a superior material to use over time.
Liquid metallic epoxy flooring is applied in two primary forms. One form uses a combination of mechanical and chemical sealants to bind the particles together. Another form uses a solid carrier like polyvinyl butyral or polyurethane. Both methods work very well but have their own advantages and disadvantages. For instance, solid epoxy flooring is stronger than liquid epoxy. Liquid epoxy tends to dry out faster than solid, which makes it more suitable for use over longer periods of time.
A major advantage to using metallic epoxy flooring over other types is its durability. Unlike many other types, metallic epoxy has an incredible ability to resist damage from both temperature fluctuations and foot traffic. This means that metallic epoxy flooring can be left on as long as you like and will not incur any damage over the course of many years. This is a major advantage over other floor types that might become damaged over time, such as carpet or linoleum.
Some additional benefits of metallic epoxy flooring include its ability to offer a variety of benefits. For instance, because this type of flooring is able to provide a higher degree of impact resistance, it can help reduce sound infiltration. The same is true with the presence of anti-static properties. Certain types of flooring can actually repel water when they are in direct contact with water. Other benefits of this flooring include its non-stick characteristics, which make it easy to clean and maintain.
Metallic epoxy coatings are available in a wide range of different configurations. These coatings are typically available in three basic forms. There are those that come already coated with a protective wax, and there are those that require the application of a protective coating after the paint has healed. Another form of epoxy coating is referred to as self-adhesive coating. Self-adhesive coatings use static electricity in order to adhere to a surface, which can also create an epidermal seal that is beneficial in preventing heat transfer.
With all of these benefits, epoxy coatings are quickly becoming the most popular type of floor coating. Consumers today are discovering the benefits that come with this type of coating, and many are electing to invest in this type of protection. This investment is likely to prove worthwhile in the years to come.