Epoxy paint and epoxy coating are often confused with one another, but they’re two distinct coatings that have different applications. Epoxy paint is acrylic paint that includes a small bit of epoxy that helps it bond to concrete, but an epoxy coating is transparent flooring made from epoxy resin and polyamine hardener. The two are a bit like a bowl of ice cream and an ice cream milkshake. While they share some of the same ingredients, the end product is very different.
Epoxy coatings can be used as a flooring solution in factories, industrial settings, or garages. The strong epoxy coating makes it resistant to wear and tear from vehicles and heavy machinery. Epoxy paint is used to paint walls and floors in residential or commercial settings that need paint with a little extra durability.
The following information will define epoxy paint and epoxy flooring, outline their benefits, explain their commercial and industrial uses, and discuss how and when to use each.
What is Epoxy Paint?
Epoxy paint is a highly durable and chemical-resistant coating composed of epoxy resin and a hardener (catalyst) that, when mixed, undergoes a chemical reaction to form a strong, protective surface. It is widely used for industrial, commercial, and residential applications, particularly on floors, countertops, and metal surfaces, due to its resistance to wear, moisture, and chemicals.
Epoxy paint begins as a monomer-based system, consisting of epoxy resin (a reactive pre-polymer or monomer) and a curing agent (hardener or catalyst). When these components are mixed, a chemical reaction called polymerization occurs. Once fully cured, the epoxy paint hardens into a non-porous, high-strength finish that is resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and impact.
What is Epoxy Paint Used For?
Epoxy paint is used to paint residential garage floors, apartment buildings, and retail spaces, like stores and restaurants. It can also be used for marine applications like the hulls of boats. Because it has an epoxy additive, this specialized paint holds up well to heavy foot traffic, chemicals, moisture, and stains.
Commercial Spaces
Epoxy paint is often used in businesses with lots of foot traffic like stores and restaurants. The durable epoxy paint is stain-resistant, easy to clean, and it lasts longer on flooring than other types of paints that have no added epoxy.
Garages
Epoxy paint is a popular option for painting garage floors. The paint can help protect the floor from stains and damage, and it’s easy to clean. Because of the epoxy additive, epoxy paint lasts longer than regular paint.
Benefits of Using Epoxy Paint
The key benefit of using epoxy paint is that it’s more durable than normal paint. The epoxy additive makes the paint last longer, withstand foot traffic better, it’s easier to clean, and more resistant to cracking and chipping.
What is Epoxy Coating?
Epoxy coating is a mixture of epoxy resin and a hardener. When the epoxy and hardener are combined, the result is a transparent surface that’s extremely durable and adheres well to surfaces. Epoxy coating is corrosion-resistant making it great for industrial workspaces where harsh chemicals are present. In a commercial setting, epoxy coatings can withstand heavy foot traffic or vehicles.
What is Epoxy Coating Used For?
Typically, epoxy coating is just used for flooring in manufacturing and industrial buildings. It can also be used for projects like warehouses, piping and tanks, concrete repair, and garages for industrial vehicles.
Industrial Floors
Epoxy flooring is so durable that it’s practically made for industrial use. Because it’s resistant to tire marks, chemicals, scratches, and it’s strong enough for heavy vehicles it’s perfect for factories, warehouses, and garages with fleets of oversized vans and trucks.
Pipes and Storage Tanks
In addition to flooring, epoxy coating can be applied to pipelines and storage tanks to protect against corrosion. The exterior epoxy coating keeps moisture from touching the metal of the pipes and tanks, preventing rust and other types of corrosion.
Concrete Repair
Epoxy is so strong, that in some cases, specially-formulated epoxy can actually be used to spot-repair concrete structures like bridges, highways, and overpasses. The epoxy can be injected into cracks or open areas and after curing it will be sealed, holding the concrete pieces in place.
Benefits of Using Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coating is notable for its smooth, shiny appearance. It’s durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can last for years. Epoxy coating is extremely strong, resisting chipping and cracking even in the presence of vehicles and heavy machinery.
What’s the Differences Between Epoxy Paint and Epoxy Coating?
While they both contain epoxy, there are several differences between epoxy paint and epoxy floor coatings. These differences include the purpose of the coating, the thickness, the required surface preparation, the overall durability, and which types of projects they’re used for.
Purpose
The purpose of epoxy coatings is to protect the floor by creating a hard, protective layer. The purpose of epoxy paint is different, which is just to paint a surface, but with a paint that has a bit of added durability.
Durability
Epoxy coating is much harder and more durable than epoxy paint. Epoxy coating can withstand the weight of heavy machinery and trucks, and won’t break when heavy tools are dropped onto it. While epoxy paint is a bit tougher than normal paint, it’s nowhere as durable as a solid epoxy floor.
Applications
Epoxy coatings are used in factories and industrial settings where its main purpose is to protect the floor from damage. Epoxy paint is used for residential and commercial projects when a paint that has a little extra protection is needed.
Surface Preparation
Both epoxy and epoxy paint require surface preparation before they can be applied, but the surface preparation for epoxy flooring is much more intensive and requires special tools to ensure that the epoxy can properly bond to the floor. The surface preparation for epoxy paint is standard surface preparation of removing debris and loose paint.
Thickness
Epoxy coating is much thicker than epoxy paint. Paint thickness is measured in mils, which is thousandths of an inch. Epoxy paint will be around 1-3 mils per coat while epoxy coating will be 10-100 mils or even thicker. When you compare the thickness of epoxy paint to epoxy coating, the difference is immediately clear.
How to Apply Epoxy Paint
There are a handful of steps to applying epoxy paint. These include surface preparation, applying a coat of primer, applying the epoxy paint, and then allowing it to dry.
Surface Preparation
Before applying epoxy paint you need to perform standard surface preparation. This includes removing debris, chipped or flaking paint, and patching any holes or cracks in the surface. Ideally you’ll have a smooth surface that’s free from debris or uneven texture that the paint you apply can adhere to.
Primer Coat
Apply a coat of primer if the surface being painted requires it. For porous surfaces like wood, primer is necessary. The coat of primer paint creates a smooth base layer that the epoxy paint can adhere to. Primer can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
Application
Using a roller or paint brush, apply the epoxy paint in thin even coats. Use smooth even strokes with the brush to ensure a smooth finish. If desired, you can apply additional coats of epoxy paints. Be sure to allow each layer of paint to dry before painting again.
Drying
Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s specifications listed on the paint can. To expedite the drying process, you can open doors and windows, or use electric fans to push air through the room so the paint will dry faster.
How to Apply Epoxy Floor Coating
Epoxy floor coatings are difficult to apply, and should always be installed by a professional. This information should serve as an overview for the process, and not literal instructions. The application process includes surface preparation, adding a primer, mixing the epoxy, applying and smoothing the epoxy, and then letting it cure.
Surface Preparation
Epoxy flooring requires thorough surface preparation before it can be applied. Any debris that’s left behind will impact the epoxy’s adhesion to the floor. Surface preparation can include shot blasting, diamond grinding, and repairing any cracks in the floor.
The next step in surface preparation is to clean the entire floor with detergent or a degreaser and a stiff bristle brush or a power washer, if one is available.
Primer Coat
Now that the surface is free from dust and debris, apply a coat of primer. Use a paint roller or spray and apply the primer in thin coats. Be sure to give the primer coat ample time to dry before applying the epoxy. Consult the instructions on the can of primer for more information.
Drying
Allow the primer to dry for at least two hours. After it’s completely dry, clean the surface again to remove any dirt or debris that may have collected while the primer was drying. You can use fans or open doors and windows to ventilate the painting area so it will dry faster.
Mix the Epoxy
Epoxy has two components: the epoxy and a hardener. Prior to application these components need to be mixed together. Consult the information on the epoxy container for the proper mixing ratios. After these parts are mixed the epoxy will begin hardening, so it’s important to apply it to the floor as quickly as possible.
Epoxy Application
Pour the mixed epoxy from the bucket onto the floor in a long strip. Use a roller to slowly spread the epoxy into an even coat around the floor. Remember to provide yourself with a path to exit the room. Check the epoxy for any bubbles that may have developed and use a brush or foam roller to remove them.
Curing
After the epoxy has been applied, it needs ample time to cure. During the curing process the epoxy will dry and harden. Check the epoxy packaging to find the curing time. There may also be instructions about avoiding humidity or using fans during the curing stage. Follow these instructions carefully, otherwise the epoxy won’t cure properly.
Which Option is Right for Your Project?
Because their uses are so different, the choice of epoxy paint and epoxy coating will be decided by the nature of your painting project. If you’re going to paint your home garage, then you’ll use epoxy paint. If you need to paint a factory floor, you’ll use epoxy coating.
Contact Alpine
If your project demands epoxy coating in Pennsylvania or the Tri-State area, the experienced team at Alpine Painting and Restoration are here to help. We’ve proudly served Philadelphia businesses for more than three decades. Contact us today via phone or email to discuss your epoxy project and to receive a free quote.
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