Why an Epoxy Floor?
While diligently working on a residential area in the EPH project, project manager Henry Pierce faced a problem. He needed to install a serviceable floor over a heated concrete floor. Epoxy floors over stained, heated concrete have become increasingly popular because of their attractive appearance and tolerance for heat and wear.
When prepping to install an epoxy floor the first step to get the best results with the stain is to open the concrete pores with a grinder. I elected to use my right-angle grinder with a dust-collector attachment and collection bag inside. The dust-collector attachment is made by DeWalt and available online or you can order through a retailer like Spokane Power Tool. Also make sure that you are wearing the best dust respirator that money can buy; epoxy fumes are not to be trifled with.
The second step is to spray the acid stain on the concrete (second photo), taking care to brush it around the edges and spray over the overlaps before it dries. After about 4 hours you are ready to wash it with a mild ammonia solution to neutralize the acid.
The products for this floor were recommended by Arrow Concrete in Spokane Valley. We elected to use their Euclid Epoxy with its prescribed 2/3-1/3 ratios.
After the ammonia wash, you are ready for the third step. Ensure that that the floor is thoroughly dry, then mix your epoxy according to the manufacturer’s directions.
This 150-ft room required about 3 gallons of epoxy. We applied the mixture with an epoxy roller used a torch to eliminate the air bubbles. The picture of the finished floor was taken as the floor was just starting to set up, approximately 2 hours after application.
About 30 hours after application, the floor is ready for service. At some point as the project winds down, we’ll sand the floor with 220-grit paper and apply a nice coat of hard urethane finish. We like how the stain shines through, and think this will look terrific with some area rugs.
Project manager Henry Pierce is always happy to field phone calls about the restoration methods at 509-218-2248. You’re welcome to ask for a set of project photos or a tour of the project.
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