Building contractors often choose epoxy resin paint as their favorite choice on concrete floors. This is because epoxy resin paints are long-lasting, durable, hardwearing, and suitable for heavy traffic. They are also available in different color options to match the interior or exterior décor theme.
Euro Painting, Inc. notes that the painting technique deployed when applying epoxy resin paint can affect the outcome. Painters and homeowners must know the right painting technique to use to improve their chances of enjoying the many benefits of this painting product.
Generally, the epoxy resin painting process follows three steps;
- Preparing the surface correctly
- Applying the paint correctly
- Allowing ample time for paint drying
These three steps are essential to the success of your project, whether you’ve hired a professional or have chosen the DIY route. Let’s take a deeper look at each of the steps.
Surface Preparation
The right surface preparation process guarantees a better outcome. Cleaning and etching are two important preparatory steps when painting concrete floors using epoxy resin paints.
Depending on the condition of the floor, start by cleaning it to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris. If it is a bare concrete surface, go the extra mile by scrubbing it to remove dead organic matter. You can also add heavy cleaning agents like degreasers to surfaces with grease and heavy oil. Do not forget to etch with acid, power wash the surface, rinse cleaning agents off, and repair damages.
Concrete floor damages can be repaired by mixing concrete to patch cracks and holes. Ensure that all patches are repaired smoothly to improve the project’s outcome.
Applying Paint on the Surface
The epoxy resin paint application process is a delicate one. It is advised that you do not spray the epoxy paint on the floor surface as the results can be unreliable and uneven. The resin paint can also damage painting equipment when they harden.
Instead of spraying, get a roller and brush for this project. Although it may take a significantly longer time to complete, the outcome is often better.
Some of the tools you’ll need for the painting task include;
- Epoxy resin paint
- Roller tray
- Tape
- Roller
- Brushes
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To get the best outcome:
- Mix your epoxy resin paint correctly by adding the paint and catalyst in the right proportion.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re attempting a DIY application.
- Once mixed, pour the paint into the roller tray and use your brush to mark the boundaries of your work area.
- Use the tape to mark the corners, edges, and other areas you do not wish to work on.
- Get your roller, dip in paint, and start from a convenient spot.
- Ensure that you’ve maintained the same brushstroke throughout the project.
Painting Tips:
- Ensure that the catalyst and paint are thoroughly mixed using a stirrer and allowed to stand for at least 5 minutes before you start painting.
- Choose the best weather condition for painting using epoxy resin paints. Avoid intense sunshine and high humidity for the best results.
Drying the Paint
Paint drying is a critical process that can affect the outcome of your project. An epoxy resin paint will typically take between 24 and 72 hours to dry out completely. It is important to avoid direct and intense sunshine for the best cure.
It is also important to read the manufacturer’s instructions about drying before proceeding. Some paints can be walked on after about 24 hours of application; others may require a longer time to solidify.
Important Tips to Know When Painting With Epoxy Resin
Hire a professional
It is always good to know that whatever can go wrong will go wrong when applying epoxy resin paint. However, professionals have a wealth of experience in the common errors that could occur and surely have a process to minimize them. The quality of your epoxy resin paint’s outcome relies heavily on how good you are at minimizing errors.
Pay attention to surface preparation
Like any other painting process, surface preparation is an essential step that should not be avoided. If you’ve hired a professional painter, chances are high that you’ll experience at least one common surface preparation method, whether sanding, grinding with a diamond grinding machine, shot-blasting, or milling.
Priming
Primers are an essential step to the success of your painting project. Professional painters are familiar with this information and can deliver better outcomes with improved primer choices. In most cases, you may need a second coat of primer to get the best outcomes in the end. Never skip on priming your work surface.