Epoxy Paint: Exploring Its Features, Differences from Normal Paint

What Is Epoxy Paint?

Epoxy paints are made up of latex acrylic and a small amount of epoxy, where epoxy is one type of polymer that is responsible for the elasticity and toughness of paints.

So that is a good option in today’s scenario, also it is popularly known for its strong adhesive qualities, and also it makes a versatile product in different industries such as Hospital parking, garage, warehouse, factories, schools, etc.

Epoxy paints offer resistance to chemical application and heat, and it is used for different material like glass, china, metal, and wood.

Why Is Epoxy Paint Or Coating Used?

As you know epoxy paint contains two components latex acrylic and Epoxy, so due to epoxy paint will stick faster to the concrete surface than usual.

in the absence of epoxy, the result will be peeling and flaking on the surface, especially in heavy-loaded areas.

while selecting paint we also consider the appearance, so the epoxy provides a huge variety of colors by which you can get what you want for your garage or factory. with that, it can add some extra shine to the surface.

epoxy also seals porous concrete surfaces which may damage your paint in the future. so you will get two-in-one benefits in epoxy paint because of its epoxy substance.

to protect different surfaces in your home like kitchen countertops, children’s rooms, and some common spaces from stains from food, sues, animals, and some small hand tools.

Read More: Best Exterior Paint In India 2022 | Best Paint for Exterior Walls

The Main Difference Between Epoxy Paint & Normal Paint

Epoxy paint has one substance called epoxy, which makes it thicker and more able to bond and stick to the concrete.

While normal paint is not able to stick on concrete for a long period of time, it gets harmed by particular things in factories and warehouses and resulting in paint crust.

Paint is not directly applicable to concrete however with Epoxy, it good to go because it has properties like durability, toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Epoxy paint needs 72 hours of curing time, on the other hand, normal paints take 12 to 16 hours. 

In both paints coats(one coat or two coats or three coats) are dependent upon client need. Generally, in Epoxy paint for industries, one coat is preferred because we need maintenance after every year. 

Preparation Before Painting

There are two conditions for preparation. One is we already applied paint over the surface and another is for a fresh surface. So for both surface preparation is quite different.

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There are two conditions for preparation. One is we already applied paint over the surface and another is for a fresh surface. So for both surface preparation is quite different.

Step:1 

Oil particles are works as a barrier between the surface and the paint. Therefore, there are chances that paint will not stick to the surface completely at that particular portion.

So, Remove wax by polishing the surface with the use of cleaning chemicals and scrubbing.

Step:2 

If the surface is fresh (never applied color) then there is some turbulence in the concrete surface because of minor deformation in shuttering. We have to level that portion if required and ignore it if not noticeable.

If the surface is not fresh(already painted) then we have to remove the previous color. Pain has very less thickness but if we apply color on another then there will be a fluctuation on the surface. So the previous color should be removed completely. 

Step:3 

Sometimes there are some cracks generated on the floor due to many reasons like poor concreting work, very heavy loading, etc.

so we have to fill those cracks otherwise it will affect the current paint after a few months. So for that, we can use concrete patch products which are easily available in the market at a reasonable rate.

Step:4 

Just before painting, we should remove debris with the help of a sweep or we can use a vacuum cleaner. Because if dust particles mix with paint then it will reduce the quality of paint and sometimes it affects the shade of color.

So this is how you can prepare the surface that you going to paint and this preparation step is important for a painting job.

Read More: What Is Chalking Paint | 10 Causes of Paint Surface Chalking

How To Apply Epoxy Paint?

First of all, if the surface epoxy Paint is too smooth then we have to use concrete etching. It is the roughening process of a concrete surface with a solution of water and acid.

In this, the acid is muriatic acid which is already active in the bottle or vessel. So many people ignore using that.

But there is one alternative is available which is Drylok Etch. And while doing this make sure the surface is wet.

Apply epoxy paint on a surface and then after 12 to 16 hours apply another coat of epoxy paint it takes a total of 72 hours to cure fully and after that, you can use that light up to some time.

Advantages of Epoxy Paint

1. Toughness

Highly resistant to nearly every industrial chemical, gas, and oil, including cleaners. So it can be easily used in industries where chemical or chemical products manufacturing.

Also, it is water resistant and heats resistant so it is perfect for warehouse and factories like auto shops, factories, labs, medical facilities, and retail stores.

2. Cohesion

Epoxy paint very easily sticks with concrete or floor. So once we apply this then it is durable for a long period of time.

Sometimes surface is very smooth so as mentioned in the above paragraph we can use concrete etching. 

3. More Style Options

There are many options available with different colors and patterns for Epoxy pain. Different forms like a glossy, mat and some other. 

4. Low Maintenance

For every painting work, flooring work, and other construction work maintenance is a very big point. Because without maintenance quality of paint decrease.

For Epoxy paint maintenance is very low nearly one or two year time period we have to maintain.

Disadvantages of Epoxy Paint

1. Time-consuming

Epoxy paint is time-consuming. First of all, prepare a surface, and remove every substance from the surface.

Then for curing and drying of painting, it takes nearly 72 hours, whereas normal paint takes just 12-15 hours. 

2. Slippery Surface

Epoxy paint is not as slippery as it is visible. But in some cases, people feel it is slippery in wet conditions.

so we can add skid resistance. Which is easily available in every city from the market as well as online. And it is very easy to apply. So it is not either advantage or disadvantage.

3. Price of Epoxy Paint

There are so many companies with different prices. It varies from 400 rupees to 600 rupees per liter.

Read More: What Is Aluminium Paint? | Advantages and Disadvantages of Aluminium Paint

Safety Information While Epoxy Painting

• Do not process at temperatures below 10°C.
• Provide adequate ventilation. In case of insufficient ventilation use breathing masks.
• Wear suitable protective gloves and goggles to protect your eyes. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of running water and consult a doctor. 
• Keep out of reach of children & Food areas. 
• Do not discharge into drains or into surface or groundwater

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