Epoxy flooring is becoming an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial properties. Its affordability, durability, customizability, and ease of maintenance make it an attractive option for those looking to refresh their space with a long-lasting, eye-catching finish. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using epoxy to colour a garage or basement, the colours available, how to match the colour to the existing décor, and what the process of applying epoxy entails,
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a type of resin floor surface consisting of several layers of epoxy resin and hardener that are applied onto a concrete surface. It is usually used to create a sealed, glossy finish and a thick coating that makes the surface highly resistant to wear and tear. This type of floor is also water and chemical resistant, making it great for high-traffic areas such as garages, basements, and other industrial or commercial settings.
Benefits Of Using Epoxy To Colour My Garage or Basement
The primary advantages of using epoxy flooring compared to other types of flooring are its relative affordability, high customizability, and great durability. With epoxy coatings, you are able to achieve unique designs and finishes that are not possible with traditional flooring materials such as carpet, tile, or vinyl. Epoxy flooring also provides an easy-to-clean finish that resists stains, dirt, and oil.
Disadvantages Of Using Epoxy
While there are many benefits to using epoxy flooring, it also has some drawbacks. For instance, the installation process is quite involved and can often be quite time consuming – it can take up to 72 hours for the material to fully cure. Additionally, epoxy floors can become slippery when wet or oily, posing a slip hazard and potentially leading to injuries.
Epoxy Colours Available
Epoxy flooring comes in a variety of colours and finishes, from solid colours to intricate designs and patterns. While solid colours such as black, gray, and white are among the most popular choices for residential purposes, almost any colour can be achieved by mixing in tints, pigments, or dyes prior to application. For example, homeowners may choose to add yellow paint to get a sunshine yellow colour or blue pigment for a light blue finish. Colourants such as children’s watercolour paint or dyes for home use can also be used to colour epoxy resin.
Matching The Epoxy Color To The Existing Decor
When selecting an epoxy colour for a garage or basement, it’s important to consider the colour scheme of the room and how the chosen colour will fit into the overall design. Sectioning off small patches of the space to test different colours is one way to determine which colour best complements the existing decor. Alternatively, some epoxy suppliers offer custom colours that you can order to perfectly match any existing decor.
Applying Epoxy To A Garage Or Basement Floor
The process of applying epoxy flooring involves several steps, including cleaning the concrete floor, mixing and applying concrete etch, preparing the room for painting, mixing and applying the epoxy coating, and allowing the epoxy to dry before adding a second coat. Depending on the level of customization desired, it may be necessary to apply an epoxy baseboard finish after the second coat has dried.
How To Know Which Epoxy Colour Is Most Durable
White epoxy coatings are the most prone to yellowing, followed by light grey. If yellowing is a concern, opt for colours with a black base such as dark greys and charcoals. Earthy tones are the least likely to discolour, as brown shades are essentially pre-yellowed. The longevity of an epoxy floor system will vary based on thickness, use and maintenance. Typically, epoxy floors last between 10 and 20 years; much longer than a painted concrete floor, which will chip and wear quickly in high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
Epoxy flooring is becoming an increasingly popular and there are a variety of colour and finish options available, ranging from solid colours to intricate designs and patterns. Additionally, matching the colour to existing decor is a relatively simple task, and the process of applying epoxy to a garage or basement floor is straightforward. With proper maintenance, epoxy floors can last up to twenty years.