What is epoxy paint?

Answer 1

Epoxy concrete paint is a 2-part coating system that cures by a chemical reaction rather than the evaporation of solvent/water. It results in an extremely tough film that is very abrasion and chemical resistant. With a solvent-free epoxy system, it is possible to apply the coating much thicker than solvent-borne systems. This allows for the cover-up of minor defects in the surface. The cons of epoxy are that it is very inflexible, which makes it very abrasion resistant. This poses a problem if you try to coat over a crack without stabilizing it first. If the substrate under the coating moves, the crack will reappear. Epoxies are not "breathable" either. This presents a problem if no vapor barrier was installed under the slab when it was poured. If moisture tries to move from inside the concrete to the outside through the coated surface, very high hydrostatic pressures will develop and make the coating detach from the concrete. This is when they flake, peel, and blister. You can test for water vapor transmission by taping a 1 ft. X 1 ft. square of plastic flat to the floor, making sure to tape all sides with no gaps. Leave it overnight, and condensation will develop under the plastic if vapor transmission is present. Be wary that sometimes the vapor transmission only appears when it is or has rained, so this is not a gauranteed test. A key to getting good results with epoxy coatings is surface preparation. Overkill is much better. You should clean/degrease, acid etch, and neutralize (baking soda in water) followed by at least one thorough clean water rinse. Allow the surface to dry completely (at least 12 hours) before coating. Work quickly, since the coating has a limited life span once the two components are mixed together. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Answer 2

There are two kinds, single-component epoxies and two-component epoxies. Both are available at home centers, with a caveat I'll explain later. Single-component epoxy is oil-based paint that contains epoxy ester. Now understand: it's really good oil-based paint. It's just not epoxy. Two-component epoxy paint...you know what epoxy glue is, right? It comes in two containers. You mix component A with component B in a precise ratio, stir them together and work like a dog to do the job before the epoxy hardens in the mixing container. If you were to thin it out some and add colorant to it, you'd have two-component epoxy paint. This is used on industrial floors because it's very hard and sticks to the floor really well. It's also used as automotive primer, and it's excellent. Here's the caveat I spoke of earlier: if you go to a home center you can get two-component epoxy garage floor paint from Rustoleum. They buy it in huge quantities from whoever's got the best price right now, package each component in a quart can, then sell it to you for about $100. This is completely out of line. Go to an industrial paint store--Sherwin-Williams has a nationwide chain of them--and get it there; you'll save a few bucks.

Answer 3

Epoxy paint (2-part epoxy) by any name i.e. Rust-oleum, Ultra-guard, UClad, "is a two component 100% solids epoxy colored coating ideal for areas where a high build colorfast, impact resistant floor is desired. This self-leveling product is easily used to repair spalled and pitted areas of concrete floors and is also well suited for interior area." Description compliments of www.wrmeadows.com. ---- 2 part epoxy is has been used for about 50 years on commercial and industrial concrete floors such as automobile service bays, aircraft hanger floors, etc.

The product does not react well to UV rays and chemicals. No manufacturer has ever recommended its use as an underwater application. It will not, and does not react well to constant submersion and, under constant submersion, the life expectancy is less than four years. This is why no legitimate manufacturer has ever recommended its use for Swimming Pools.

Answer 4

Epoxy paints are multiple component paints that harden through a chemical reaction versus off-gassing of solvent.

Answer 5

The Epoxy industrial paint is recommended particularly strongly. It is available through many different online vendors and is affordable too.