Table of Contents
What is Epoxy Paint?
Epoxy paint consist of latex acrylic and epoxy. Epoxy is a polymer that provides elasticity and toughness to the paint.
Epoxy paint is high quality paint. It is used where high durability is required. It is most commonly used in industrial buildings. Epoxy paint is very expensive that is why it is not used in normal buildings.
Epoxy paint is a highly adhesive and long lasting paint. Epoxy paint protects surface from chemical reactions.
Why Epoxy Paint is Used?
Epoxy paint made of two elements latex latex acrylic and epoxy. The adhesive nature of these componets, paint stick faster compared to other types of paints.
In heavy loaded areas, peeling and flaking occur. Epoxy paint is used to prevent peeling and flaking.
It is available in various color combinations. You can choose colors as per your requirement. Epoxy paint give little bit extra shine on painted surface.
It close all the porous surfaces. The porous surface sometimes damage paint. By using epoxy paint, you can ride of porous surface.
The Main Differences Between Epoxy Paint & Normal Paint
Epoxy paint is more thicker and adhesive in nature. This types of paint make strong bond with the concrete.
While traditional paint is less thicker and non-adhesive in nature. Normal paint make weak bond with the concrete surface.
Normal paint can not apply directly on the surface of concrete. It required surface preparation before application of paint. While epoxy paint does not need any surface preparation.
Epoxy paint required more curing time while normal paint required less curing time.
For normal paint, 2-3 coats are required. But if you are using epoxy paint only one coat of paint is needed.
Surface Preparation for Epoxy Paint
Painting preparation for already painted surface and new surface is different. There are some differences in both surface preparations.
Step:1
If the surface is oily, paint will not stick on the surface. So remove the oil from the surface. If there are any wax remove it by scrubbing.
Step:2
In case of surface is fresh then there are chances of turbulence in the concrete surfacebecause of small deformation in shuttering. We have to levelthat portion if neededand ignore it if not noticeable.
If the surface is old then then clean the surface by removing old paint. Thickness of older paint is very low. If we apply paint on older paint then then there will be a fluctuationon the surface.
Step:3
If there are cracks in the floor, these crack should be treated properly before application of paint.
Cracks in the floor should be filled otherwise it will affect the new paint. There are lots of grouting products are available to fill the concrete cracks.
Step:4
Before starting paint work, all the debris should be removed. You can use a sweep or vacuum cleaner as per site condition. If not cleaned properly, dust particles will in the paint. Due to this, paint quality reduce and shade of color will change.
This is the complete procedure of painting preparation.
Now we will talk about how to apply epoxy paint.
How to Apply Epoxy Paint?
It is very simple to apply epoxy paint on the surface. Use the high quality paint roller to apply epoxy paint. There should be enough air ventilation to avoid suffocation. After paint work, let the surface dry for 2-3 days. Do not walk on the floor space untill it dried up.
Advantages of Epoxy Paint
- Epoxy paint gives hard layer of paint which can bear loads without harming the surface.
- It is water resistant.
- It is also chemical resistant.
- This paint is most suitable for industrial buildings.
- There is no effect of rain on the epoxy paint.
- It is easily easily available in various color combinations.
- Very low maintenance needed.
Disadvantages of Epoxy Paint
- The main disadvantage is that it is very expensive. A normal house hold can not afford it.
- It take too much time to dry. At least 72 hours required to dry after painting the surface.
- It can be toxic if inhaled high quantity.
Closing Thought
Epoxy paint is very thick adhesive paint. It is normally used in industrial applications to make hard and durable surface.
Epoxy paint can be used in public buildings such as hospitals, exhibition centers, malls, school etc.