Epoxy coatings Port Charlotte Sarasota - How Epoxy Coating Protects Your Floors

Image Custom Coatings - An epoxy floor coating will likely be applied if you are considering a polished concrete floor, designer floor, or other specialised finish. Epoxy is a clear resin with a high level of hardness, which both seals and protects concrete, and other surfaces. This makes the surface non-slip, hygienic, waterproof, durable, and also achieves an attractive high-gloss finish.

What is an Epoxy Floor Coating?

Epoxy is a two-part polymer which is formed by combining an epoxide resin with a polyamine hardener. When the two are mixed, what we usually refer to as epoxy resin is formed. Epoxy has a wide range of commercial and industrial applications, which extend far beyond flooring.

Epoxy is used to seal, protect, and harden concrete floors, as well as other surfaces such as floorboards. In commercial and industrial settings, epoxy is used to help make floors more durable. Epoxy can also be used to protect surfaces from graffiti. Its waterproof and dust proof qualities make it a hygienic choice of floor covering. It can create a food-grade surface which is preferred by the hospitality industry, and is also suitable for wet areas such as kitchens and toilets.

There are many different grades of epoxy coatings available, which are designed for different applications. For instance, the choice of epoxy for a domestic home would be different than that of a commercial space. There are also different choices available which can alter the finished look of a floor.

How is Epoxy Applied?

Image Custom Coatings - Before an epoxy floor coating can be applied, the surface beneath must first be prepared. Concrete surfaces will be diamond ground, exposing the desired amount of aggregate for the right finish. Epoxy is also used to correct uneven floor surfaces.

Epoxy is mixed on site and applied to the floor surface. Depending on climate, it usually sets and can be walked on within 24 hours. Some heavy-duty epoxy coatings can take longer, depending on the mix and thickness. For polished concrete floors the surface can be ground again and resealed, for an even better result.

What Kind of Finish Will be Achieved?

The type of finish will depend on the type of floor surface beneath. Epoxy resin is clear, and will add a glossy overcoat to the existing floor. When choosing your epoxy resin, high gloss and semi gloss options are available.

What is Epoxy Like to Live With?

Epoxy floor coatings create a gloss finish which reflect the light and make spaces seem big and airy. Dust and dirt will settle on the floor surface, and can be quickly and easily cleaned up, also a great benefit for allergy sufferers. It's low-maintenance, and also quiet. There are no noisy footsteps or echos.

Epoxy resin coatings also work well in workplaces. Clean ups are quick and easy, and there is little concern about spills and stains.

For a floor that is attractive, durable, and easy to maintain, consider the application of an epoxy floor coating in your home, office, or factory.

About The Author :-

Image Custom Coatings - We offer over 150 different styles of textured, colored, decorative cement and epoxy based floors. Industrial, commercial, residential, acid stained, dyed, solid colored, interior, exterior, floor coatings removal, grinding, cutting and polishing concrete. Nobody offers more options on concrete. If its on the floor, we have you covered.

Address :-

Image Custom Coatings

623 SW 23rd St., Cape Coral, FL, 33991

(239) 628-6436

     

Image Custom Coatings - What Are Different Types of Concrete Floor Coatings?

Image Custom Coatings - The porous surface of concrete flooring allows water and soluble contaminants to penetrate into a structure, which can lead to premature degradation. The degradation of concrete flooring can manifest in efflorescence, laitance and physical defects such as cracking and spalling. Concrete floor coatings can protect it from degradation by providing abrasion, stain, chemical and freeze/thaw protection.

Typical coatings that can be successfully specified and used for concrete floors include acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes, polyaspartic polyurea and specialized elastomeric coatings. It should be noted that alkyd based coatings should never be specified for application to concrete, since the alkyd resin may chemically react with alkaline concrete compounds and moisture, leading to saponification. This reaction transforms the resin into a soft material that no loner functions as a coating and provides little protection to the concrete substrate.

Acrylic coatings/sealers are generally several mils thick and are applied 2 or 3 mills per coat. They are either water based or solvent based compounds. Usually solvent based acrylic sealers are used in exterior applications whereas water based acrylic sealers are used in interior applications. A variety of epoxy coatings can be used for coating concrete. typical epoxies are multi component materials with a polyamide or amine curing agent. Polyamide epoxies are known for possessing better flexibility and water resistance, while amine-cured epoxies typically offer better chemical resistance. Epoxy systems are usually applied in one to three coats at an application thickness of several mils per coat. Thicker-film epoxy coatings, such as those based on epoxy phenol novalac resins are also used on concrete. Novolac epoxies are more often used for the purpose of providing chemical resistance. Epoxy coatings should be topcoated with a finish coat of a different resin chemistry, since they chalk / amber in sunlight. Typically they are coated with polyurethanes.

Polyurethane coatings are widely used as topcoats over acrylics or epoxies due to their higher abrasion and UV resistance properties. They can be blended with cement-sand matrix to create ultra durable polyurethane concrete flooring systems. PU Concrete is know for its quick return to service properties.

Image Custom Coatings - If exterior concrete requires greater protection, particularly against water intrusion such as wind driven rain, elastomeric coatings are a good choice. Elastomerics are also a good match for concrete since they can tolerate some substrate movement and may be able to fill or "bridge" minor cracking. Elastomeric coatings are generally thick (10 to 100mils dft), flexible coatings with low water permeability. They are typically used for exterior concrete applications such as building exteriors, roofing systems and parking decks, but can also be considered for interior applications such as showers and spas. Multiple resin chemistry form the basis for the various types of elastomeric coatings, including acrylic, silicone, polyurethane and polyurethane/polyurea hybrid.

Concrete surfaces must be properly prepared before the application of any coatings. Preparation methods may include mechanical abrasion or pressurized water cleaning. Testing for moisture in the concrete may also be warranted, particularly when any previous problems have been observed. Concrete coatings can significantly extend its useful service in many applications. Successful application requires performing the appropriate method of surface preparation and selecting the right type of coating based on performance requirements and service environment.

About The Author :-

Image Custom Coatings - We offer over 150 different styles of textured, colored, decorative cement and epoxy based floors. Industrial, commercial, residential, acid stained, dyed, solid colored, interior, exterior, floor coatings removal, grinding, cutting and polishing concrete. Nobody offers more options on concrete. If its on the floor, we have you covered.

Address :-

Image Custom Coatings

623 SW 23rd St., Cape Coral, FL, 33991

(239) 628-6436

     

What Are the Advantages of Polished Concrete Floors in the Home?

Image Custom Coatings - Polished concrete floors, long consigned to finished basements and commercial spaces, are making well-deserved inroads into residential homes. Recent advances in the ability to seal and stain concrete have raised its aesthetic appeal, allowing it to compete with other stone flooring such as marble, granite and slate--at a fraction of the cost. Polished concrete flooring offers a slew of benefits to home builders and renovators. Below are several of the pros to building your new home with flooring of polished concrete or exposing the concrete floor of your existing home.

Polished floors are sustainable

Those most interested in building environmentally sustainable homes have been among the first to embrace polished concrete floors, and with good reason. Sealed concrete has an extremely low environmental impact. If your home, like most, is built upon an existing concrete slab, simply sanding and sealing the concrete eliminates the need for additional environmentally costly flooring materials. In addition, the compounds used to sand and finish a concrete floor are extremely low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pollute the environment and decrease indoor air quality, which can have adverse health effects. The compounds used to seal concrete floors have no lasting odour.

Treated concrete offers great value

In addition to making polished concrete incredibly sustainable, concrete has long been the least expensive flooring option available. The fact is: concrete comes pre-installed in most homes, because most houses are built on concrete slabs. The later additions of timber, vinyl, carpeting or tile are simply laid over it. For this reason, concrete comes second only to bare earth in terms of initial outlay. In addition, polished concrete's reflective surface can help reduce the cost of interior lighting. It remains cool in the summer, reducing household cooling costs as well.

Polished concrete is easy to maintain

Image Custom Coatings - Most traditional flooring have rigorous cleaning requirements. Carpeting must be vacuumed. Floor boards need to be waxed. Marble floors can require special cleaners and are prone to scuffs, which require special attention.

By contrast, a polished concrete floor, which is highly resistant to scuffs and stains, can be simply mopped when necessary. This can end up saving you hours in labour and cleaning costs.

Concrete for floors is extremely durable

Treated concrete floors are some of the world's most durable. According to houzz.com, a properly treated concrete floor can be expected to last for more than 100 years. This has been long-known by commercial interests, who often utilize this flooring option in showrooms, retail locations and other high traffic areas. Concrete allows the floor to "breathe," as such, it is not susceptible to moisture and rot issues in the manner of tile or vinyl floors, which can trap moisture between themselves and the slab below, resulting in costly replacements.

Sealed concrete offers health benefits

Since the 1960's household dust and dust mites have been known to exacerbate (if not cause) allergies, and are particularly problematic for those with existing respiratory issues. Carpeting, with its long fibres, as well as tile and floorboards, with their grout lines and grooves, are known to harbour bacteria, germs and mildew. Polished concrete is seamless, leaving no place for dust mites to gather and expose the bacteria that can be trapped between tiles and floorboards. Polished concrete flooring can be the first step toward creating an allergy-free environment.

Concrete is very versatile

Image Custom Coatings - Homeowners have a host of options where treatments and stains are concerned. For homeowners who wish to eschew the "wet" look often associated with polished concrete, there are silicon-based penetrating sealers. For homeowners who were considering salvaged wooden planks, concrete can be stamped to mimic them. It can be made to resemble slate tiles.

Concrete can be stained to achieve a marble-like effect or to nearly any colour imaginable. It can be ground before treatment to the desired level of aggregate exposure. Aggregate is the materials mixed with cement to create concrete, when exposed, they create a textured look. In short, a polished concrete floor can be made to look truly unique.

Concrete comes pre-installed in virtually every home. Properly sealed and polished, it is one of the most environmentally sustainable flooring options available--and one of the most versatile. Additionally, it is one of the most durable and perhaps the least expensive materials. In short, sealed concrete flooring offers a host of advantages over other floors. It is no wonder that the advantages of concrete flooring are being increasingly recognized by savvy home builders and renovators.

LV Concrete Polishing is servicing people around Melbourne, Australia from past so many years. With great experience they have earned the trust of their clients by servicing them with commitment and quality.

About The Author :-

Image Custom Coatings - We offer over 150 different styles of textured, colored, decorative cement and epoxy based floors. Industrial, commercial, residential, acid stained, dyed, solid colored, interior, exterior, floor coatings removal, grinding, cutting and polishing concrete. Nobody offers more options on concrete. If its on the floor, we have you covered.

Address :-

Image Custom Coatings

623 SW 23rd St., Cape Coral, FL, 33991

(239) 628-6436

     

Concrete coatings - Diamond Concrete Floor Polishing - The Basics

Image Custom Coatings - Concrete polishing is the finish of choice for most owners of new and existing concrete floors. The process is simple to apply with state-of-the-art technology. Low cost, durability and minimal maintenance make this the ideal flooring choice for industrial, commercial and other high-traffic situations. But what, exactly, is diamond concrete polishing?

1. What is Diamond Concrete Polishing?

The diamond concrete polishing process is relatively simple. Abrasive pads file down the top surface of the concrete. Next, diamond-embedded abrasive pads buff and polish the floor until it shines. The glossy surface is then sealed to maintain the appearance and increase the floor's durability.

2. Design Ideas

Color

Diamond concrete floor polishing offers consumers a number of options to change the

appearance of their floors. To change the color of the floor, customers may request shake-on color hardeners or penetrating chemical stains and dyes to change their grey concrete to any number of colors.

Design

Dying is not the only design option for polished concrete flooring. In addition to a mirror-like shine, concrete flooring may be spruced up with embedded patterns, lines, images, grids and other designs. These are embedded into the floor with a saw so the design options are quite flexible.

In combination with or as an alternative dyes or designs, aggregates or other items like coins, nails and colored glass can be embedded into the concrete. The surface is then polished down to a smooth, flat high-gloss finish.

3. Can all concrete be polished?

Image Custom Coatings - Polishing may be applied to most sound concrete floors. Once they have cured, new concrete installations are easily and inexpensively brought to a shine.

Older concrete benefits the most from diamond concrete polishing. The polish spruces up and evens out wear spots in high-traffic areas. Older floors may first need additional grinding, patching or repairs before it can be polished. But in many cases it saves thousands by allowing customers to recycle their old floors instead of tearing them up and starting anew.

4. Is it slippery?

Polished concrete flooring looks much more slippery than it is. The coating applied to polished flooring is shiny but it is thoroughly tested for slip-resistance at all traffic levels.

5. Polishing Equipment - How it works

Concrete is polished with a walk-behind or riding diamond disc grinder. The grinder spins diamond-impregnated discs with various grits. The grinders start with coarse grits and move to finer grits until the concrete is polished to a smooth shine. Because the polishing takes place layer by layer, customers can choose the level of gloss that they want on their concrete floors.

Concrete floors may be polished wet or dry. Customers often have different preferences. Wet polishing creates waste slurry that easily spreads into hard-to-find hard to reach places. It is considered hazardous waste in most areas and must be disposed of according to regulation.

Dry grinding creates a significant amount of dust. Professional contractors control the dust with a high-performance vacuum system. When used correctly, it virtually eliminates airborne dust.

Image Custom Coatings - While concrete polishing shines concrete to a high gloss, it opens up the pores in the concrete. To increase the longevity of the floor, those pores must be sealed. A chemical hardener is coated on the floor to cut down on maintenance. The chemical hardener is low-odor and non-toxic. It not only protects but adds density to the top layer of the concrete where surface wear takes the most toll.

6. Maintaining concrete polished floors

Diamond concrete flooring requires minimal maintenance to protect its high gloss and protective ability. The best regular maintenance for a polished concrete floor is consistent cleaning.

- Immediately mop up liquid spills, especially those containing highly acidic or basic liquids.

- Sweep or dry mop daily in high traffic areas to remove the abrasive debris that would otherwise grind down the polished flooring's protective coating. Microfiber pads are quite effective at catching and lifting even small particles from large areas.

- Regularly wet mop the floor with a non-acidic or neutral floor cleaner designed for concrete floors. Always start mopping with a clean mop and clean water.

- Unlike many other flooring materials, polished concrete does not require regular waxing, polishing or sealing.

Diamond concrete floor polishing is one of the most durable and visually impressive finishing options from concrete floors. From a simple high-gloss shine to extensive patterns and embedding, a diamond concrete floor polishing transforms a floor.

About The Author :-

Image Custom Coatings - We offer over 150 different styles of textured, colored, decorative cement and epoxy based floors. Industrial, commercial, residential, acid stained, dyed, solid colored, interior, exterior, floor coatings removal, grinding, cutting and polishing concrete. Nobody offers more options on concrete. If its on the floor, we have you covered.

Address :-

Image Custom Coatings

623 SW 23rd St., Cape Coral, FL, 33991

(239) 628-6436

     

Decorative concrete Estero - The Use of Concrete in Concrete Flooring

Image Custom Coatings - As early as 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians were the first to use the application of concrete in the building of their pyramids. Concrete mortar was used to secure each block in the construction and many pyramids are still standing today. The modern version of the concrete mortar is the cement such as the Portland cement.

Since then, concrete has been utilized on construction of homes, infrastructure, sculpture and roads. Concrete's affordability, versatility and ease of use make it a popular building material. The floor is usually the part of a building or house that is concreted for various reasons. One is because a concrete flooring is ideal for decorating the home in many interior schemes. A concrete floor also serves as an ideal base for installation of other flooring products like carpets, hardwood and tiles. In addition, floors made up of concrete are durable, costs cheaper due to lower fee of labor and easy to clean compared to other flooring types.

There are concrete floors which appear gray and plain just like those found in garages and factories. However there are also other types of concrete that are more chic and stylish. Concrete floors may be painted, stained, glossed or enhanced with other materials as preferred by the homeowner. Stained concrete floors are stained with colors to match any decoration. The color of the tile may be used as the same color to stain the concrete floor. Little bumps and ridges are created on textured concrete floors for a better traction while walking.

Image Custom Coatings - Nowadays, there is even a new technology utilized on concrete floors. Concrete floors tend to get cold especially on colder temperature so before the cement mixture is poured on the floor, radiant floor pipes or flexible tubing are first laid on the surface. With this technology of concrete flooring, the floor will be kept warm even in the coldest climate and you can walk on the floor even without any footwear.

The time it takes to finish the installation of a concrete floor is based on how big or small the floor area is. Apparently, a small floor area to be covered may only take a short period of time to complete while a larger area may be finished after a longer time period. For a standard living room or family room whose floors need to be concreted, expect the concreting task to be finished in a day or two. Moreover if you want the floor to have additional finishes or touches, those additional procedures may also take additional days to complete.

If you are planning the floor of your house or office to be concreted, there are a few things you need to consider. One is your budget. A very tight budget may prompt you to accomplish the concreting task on your own. However, the problem with DIY floor concreting is you might not be able to mix an exact proportion for the cement and water mixture and will lead to a poor result. Hiring professional concreters or concrete contractors may cost a little but you are guaranteed of a better end result. If you want to stick with DIY task completion, you will need to research first on the proper proportions of materials to mix.

To read more articles about concrete and concreting, or to find a range of concrete related services such as concrete foundation construction services. Please visit Concreters.com.au, an Australian Concreters Directory for all your concrete needs.

About The Author :-

Image Custom Coatings - We offer over 150 different styles of textured, colored, decorative cement and epoxy based floors. Industrial, commercial, residential, acid stained, dyed, solid colored, interior, exterior, floor coatings removal, grinding, cutting and polishing concrete. Nobody offers more options on concrete. If its on the floor, we have you covered.

Address :-

Image Custom Coatings

623 SW 23rd St., Cape Coral, FL, 33991

(239) 628-6436