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Posted 06/30/2020 in About Epoxy

The Benefits of Slip-Resistant Epoxy Floor Coatings


The Benefits of Slip-Resistant Epoxy Floor Coatings

If you have been considering using epoxy coatings on your concrete floors, you may have some concerns regarding the potential chance of slipping and falling when the surface gets wet. Nobody wants an unsafe floor to be installed in their homes or their businesses, so if you are using epoxy coatings there are flooring solutions to prevent the dangerous risks of slipping falling.

How Does A Slip-Resistant Epoxy Floor Coating Work?

Since epoxy coatings are non-porous, the application cures as a smooth, seamless surface, similar to a sheet of ice. In order to create traction, there is a specially formulated product that can be dispersed directly into the coating mixture called a grip traction additive. This specialty product is commonly used to improve traction coefficients, which dramatically increases the durability and abrasion properties your floors have to offer. You may also choose other protective coating systems such as polyaspartic coatings, urethane coatings, or polyurea coatings. These systems are typically pre-formulated with traction additives, and incorporate flakes, vinyl chips, or quartz, which creates an extremely slip-resistant and safe surface. Even if your epoxy surfaces do not seem slippery, you may still want to consider including a grip traction additive.

Tips For Installing Slip-Resistant Epoxy Floor Coating Systems

1. When you are applying much thicker epoxy coating systems, such as 100% solids epoxy, it’s ideal to mix the grip traction additive into the final topcoat.
2. When you are applying a thinner, water-based epoxy system it is very important to mix the grip traction additive into the coating thoroughly before applying, to ensure an even and smooth finish.
3. Some people may prefer sprinkling the additive into the topcoat of the epoxy system. However, this can be an issue when trying to achieve an even distribution throughout the application and it may create a lumpy and uneven finish.
4. Note that even though the grip traction additive could stay suspended in the mix, it will eventually sink to the bottom and should be remixed before pouring the contents each time.
5. Pour the epoxy/additive mixture into ribbons across the floor. The mixture will naturally begin dispersing on its own.
6. Use a floor squeegee or a roller to evenly distribute the mixture across the entire surface. (floor squeegees are recommended)
7. Ultimately, making the decision to add a slip-resistant grip traction additive into a floor system like epoxy coatings will create a durable and non-slip surface. This surface is still smooth to the touch, so is not rough on your feet. Even so, it still protects you from slipping even when the surface gets wet.

Resources, Guidance, and Support

Epoxy coatings have been gaining major popularity around the world, particularly for flooring and countertops, because of the exceptional durability and pleasant appearance it is able to deliver. The experts at Xtreme Polishing Systems are available to guide you in the proper direction because they understand that every epoxy coatings application can vary in properties, therefore must be treated differently each time.

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