Floor Coatings
From Floor Coverings
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What are floor coatings?
Floor Coatings provide protection to concrete and wood floors, garages, gymnasiums and playground areas. Not only for the purpose of safety issues, but a good floor coating is desired for the sake of appearance and to increase the life of the floor. Cracks in Concrete Flooring can cause slips and falls. Wet and otherwise slippery floor surfaces can also contribute to injuries resulting from falls. Oil and chemical stains make floors unsightly in appearance. And although concrete is considerable very durable, it can be susceptible to erosion if not protected with a floor coating.
Two types of floor coatings?
There are two main types of floor coating, Epoxy coating and urethane. Epoxy floor coating is very sturdy, but it will still be comfortable to walk on. It is usually used in garages and basements. Urethane floor coatings will have a flexible, cushioned feel to them and are generally used in gymnasiums, playgrounds and exercise areas. Floor coatings are chemical resins that are melted and applied to a pre-prepared surfaces and then allowed to cure or harden for approximately 6-12 hours.
Fluoropolymer coating.
Less common and less stable, but also in use as a durable floor coating is epoxy paint. Fluoropolymer based floor coatings offer special protection against soil, chemicals, extreme weather conditions and have flame retardant abilities. This coating might be used in areas that are frequently exposed to industrial elements.
A concrete floor is prepared for coating application by cleaning it with an acid wash mixture of 10% muriatic acid and water and then completely rinsing. A wood floor is prepared by cleaning the floor, sanding it and then vacuuming it. A damp mop is then run over it to open the wood fibers up to accept the coating. There should be no harmful fumes during application, because epoxy coating is a water based product. Floor coatings can be applied professionally or if you desire, there are floor coating kits available for the do-it-your-selfer.
Care and Maintenance
Maintaining the strength and appearance of your floor coating is simple. It will promote the life of your floor coating if you keep the floor as clean as possible, not allowing stains or chemicals to sit for long periods of time. Also, salt chunks can do some scratching damage if allowed to sit on the floor and be dragged around by the tires of a vehicle or heavy pieces of equipment. Sweeping the floor regularly and washing it with a vinegar and water mixture will preserve its appearance for a long time. Floor coatings are considered lifetime products, however, if the floor treated receives very high traffic or a lot of abuse, then usually in about 10 years, you may need to apply another coat. Occasional polishing will also contribute to the life of your floor coating.
Floor coatings come in a variety of colors and thicknesses depending on the location where it will be applied. You might choose a light color to brighten up a basement. Other colors available are darker solids, quartz and granite color schemes.
