Do It Yourself Epoxy Floor Coating

Applying your own epoxy floor coating is a lot easier than you may think, and is a great way to save yourself some money and learn a new skill. More and more people are turning to epoxy flooring for many areas of the home, but particularly kitchens and bathrooms because it is easy to clean and waterproof. Epoxy flooring can also have unique colourings and effects by using different application techniques. Marbling and glittering are two popular options for a kitchen diner or an en-suite bathroom. Epoxy flooring has a lot more to offer your home than plain colours.

There are a number of excellent epoxy floor treatments available in hardware stores, and specialist flooring services that can offer a high-end finish to your flooring if you want to spend a little more on a more complicated finish. If you fancy having a go at epoxy flooring in your home, here are a few of the steps you need to take to get the job done.

Cleaning and Preparation

Before you apply or install any type of new flooring to a space, you are going to have to make sure it is clean and clear. Furniture must obviously be moved out, but the floor should also be spotlessly clean, especially when using epoxy. Any dust or particles will taint the coating, and any stains may discolour the end result in that area. When preparing a floor for epoxy you must remove any stains on the surface either with chemical cleaning, or by using a sander or grinder.

Many people prepare a floor for epoxy by removing a small top layer of their floor, if it is concrete or stone. This gives them an opportunity to make a level and blemish free surface for the epoxy to adhere to. Any cracks or divots in the surface also need to be filled and levelled to ensure a smooth and even finish to your floor.

Priming the Surface

Once you have a clean and level surface you can apply the primer layer. The primer is usually a base coat of epoxy that forms an initial seal on your floor. Follow the instructions that come with your primer, but often you will have to apply a thin layer of water to the floor first. Then, while the floor is still damp, you will pour the primer on to the floor and work it with a roller around the surface. It is applied a lot like paint and uses the same sort of rollers and brushes so is simple enough to do, but be careful not to paint yourself into a corner. Plan your application and have an exit strategy; you should be applying the final strokes from the doorway to the next room, or from outside the area.

Applying the Finish

Applying the finishing layer of the epoxy is very similar to applying the primer layer, but without putting any water down. The finishing coat is where colour and effects come into it, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully. A smooth and shiny surface is one the most attractive features of epoxy flooring so, you should take some time to plan the application carefully and give yourself time to pay attention to detail. As with applying the primer layer, you run the risk of boxing yourself in if you are not careful, so plan your route so you don’t have to sit on a cabinet waiting for your floor to dry.

Epoxy is a great flooring solution that has a very modern look and feel, and can be used to great effect in a kitchen, dining room or bathroom. It is hard wearing and waterproof, meaning it can be used outside and in a pool area, or its tough and wipe clean surface can be used in a garage. There are a variety of finishes and colours available, and some products offer interesting options like glittering and marbling, or metallic effects. With the right preparation and approach, epoxy flooring can be simple to apply, and anyone can save a lot of money by doing it themselves and getting a floor that looks great and will last a lifetime.