DIY Installation of Epoxy Flake Flooring

Epoxy flake coating is a multi-layered, cutting-edge method of flooring finishing or covering. It combines a base coat with dry paint, metal, or vinyl chips to produce a smooth, long-lasting, and multicoloured finish. 

Flake floor coverings are available in a wide variety of shapes, hues, patterns, and textures that may be tailored to fit any room and the individual tastes of property owners.

Coloured flake materials are mixed with epoxy to give the surface a distinctive, multicoloured appearance. 

A new epoxy flake flooring will give your home or business a whole new look. With a little time and elbow grease, you can have a beautiful new floor that will last for years. But do you wish to DIY? 

Here’s a brief overview of what you need to do to install your new epoxy flake floor. 

Process of Epoxy Installation

Step A: Sanding & Grinding 

You must first prepare the surface of the room before installing the epoxy floor finish. To do it, you can use two procedures: sanding and diamond grinding. 

You can use a floor grinder to polish concrete floors. More importantly, if the surface is contaminated, you might need to use chemical cleaning to get rid of stains on surfaces.

At the end of the sanding and grinding process, your surface will be ready for the next procedures. 

Step B: Clean the Surface of Dirt and Dust

After grinding the surface, you must clean up any dust the floor grinder generates. Sweep the floor to collect most of the dirt and remove it from the surface. 

You can use an industrial vacuum to remove any leftover minute dust particles from the cleaned surface. It is a necessary step to need less primer. 

The longevity of the epoxy layer will be reduced if you leave a lot of particles on the surface since they will become trapped there.

Step C: Epoxy Priming

It’s time to prime the floor with the epoxy primer recommended by your provider. Make sure you clear the majority of the dust particles from it before priming. 

The basecoat is a two-part epoxy that comes in separate cans labelled “Part A” and “Part B.” Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the basecoat. Typically, you will mix equal parts of each component. 

Once the basecoat is mixed, you can begin applying it to the surface. Primer is essential because it:

■ Extend the lifespan of your surface.

■ Improve adherence to the epoxy coating’s main layer. 

■ The substrate will be sealed better, removing extraneous gases and bubbles in the process.

So, ensure that the space is properly ventilated before applying the epoxy primer and get on with the first coating of the primer. Always apply two layers of the product to the surface to ensure effective sealing. 

Also, an electrical mixer is recommended to combine the two components of the application thoroughly.

Step D: Grouting for Cracks and Holes

Epoxy grout should be used to fill in any surface cracks and holes. 

Before using the product to fill in thin cracks, the appropriate instrument, such as a diamond cutter, may need to be used to slice the crack. As a result, the grout will adhere better during application.

Step E: Apply Flakes Scrape Off Excess

When the epoxy primer has dried, sprinkle the flakes with your hands. Begin by spreading a thin layer of flakes over the entire surface using a putty knife or trowel. After finishing the entire area, wait 24 hours for it to cure completely. 

Once it’s dried, you must remove any unusually projecting chips. It is easily accomplished using a floor scraper or a big drywall knife strung onto the tip of a pole. 

Simply sweep the blade over the floor, knocking the odd chips sticking into the air to the ground. After finishing, you may pick up the loose chips and completely vacuum the floor to get rid of the leftover fragments.

The ultimate look of your floor will depend on how creatively you remove the flakes.

After the initial procedure, if you see any cracks or holes, fill them up with the right materials before applying the second layer. With the appropriate instrument, uneven surfaces should first be sanded.

Step F: Final Protective Topcoat

Applying a topcoat of protection comes next. 

More of the chip texture may be seen with only one topcoat. You can diminish it by adding a second topcoat. 

First, you must put the fitting quantity of material and ribbon on the surface. Now, spread the material back and forth with a squeegee with a flat blade. Back-roll the fabric with a 3/8 nap roller until it is even and spotless. 

Also, you must wear only spiked footwear when stepping on the floor. In 4 hours, the floor can be walked on. For 3–7 days, stay away from heavy furniture.

Conclusion                                  

Epoxy flake floor is a good option for both residential and industrial use since it is practical, adaptable, and has a high level of impact, chemical, flame, and scratch resistance. Its smooth, non-slip surface can support high weights.

With just a little time and effort, you can install a beautiful new epoxy flake floor in your home or business! 

But be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take all necessary safety precautions while working with these products. However, if you need a professional installation of flake flooring in Melbourne, you can get in touch with Premium Concrete. 

Have fun, and enjoy your new floor!

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