In the simplest term, epoxy flooring involves the mixture of resin and hardener. When both materials come into contact with concrete, strong covalent bonds will be formed, and hence turning the surface to be an elongated elastomer.

 

As a result, epoxy flooring toughens the ground, enabling it to withstand wear and tear, heavy impacts, erosion, and varying temperatures, making it ideal for floor protection, by extending longevity and improving the performance of concrete. This is to why epoxy flooring is well-receive in both domestic and commercial settings.

 

Popularity brings along demand, as more and more consumers choose epoxy flooring, variations begin to emerge. One of them is epoxy coating. Amateur may question to how epoxy coating is different from epoxy flooring, even though, at a glance, both epoxy flooring and coating evolve the same ambience. Indeed, the duo aid in strengthening of surface, but a closer look will reveal the superiority of epoxy flooring.

 

The prime different between epoxy flooring and epoxy coating is the thickness to which epoxy is going to be applied onto the surface. For epoxy flooring, it is normal for at least two millimeters of epoxy to be applied, while less than two millimeters to be employed for epoxy coating. This means that epoxy flooring is relatively longer lasting as compared to epoxy coating, making it more suitable for high human and machinery traffic experienced in commercial or industrial setting.

 

Nevertheless, epoxy coating requires less hassle during application and most DIY kits available on the market mostly use epoxy coating, thus, this is an option ideal for homes. Another obvious different between epoxy flooring and coating is the volume of solid content. The former allows a wider ranges of volume from 100%, 50%, to 20% solid epoxy, but such option is absent from the latter. As the name suggests, 100% solid epoxy means that the layer to be applied onto the floor made up of nothing but resin and hardener. 50% solid epoxy means that the flooring consists of 50% epoxy and the other 50% will either be made up of water or other forms of solvent. Similar concept applied to 20% solid epoxy.

 

100% solid epoxy is extremely pricey and is only recommended for industrial or commercial use. Majority of the epoxy coating DIY kit available on the market may contain 50% or less solid epoxy, so that it can be applied at ease.

 

Despite the many differences, both epoxy flooring and coating come in many colours and varieties to suit different needs. However, it is still advisable for one to consult expert or approved contractor before deciding on which is most appropriate and prevent themselves from falling into the marketing name game.