Garages are used for a lot more than just parking cars these days. Whether doubling as a workshop, storage area or even a home gym, it’s a multi-purpose space that gets occupied much more frequently than was once the case. As such, it makes sense to give it a more welcoming look and feel. An effective way of doing this is by brightening and smartening up the floor with a stylish flake epoxy finish.
What is garage flake epoxy?
Garage flake epoxy is a floor coating often used in garages and other commercial or industrial spaces. The ‘flake’ refers to small decorative flakes, made from vinyl or coloured epoxy resin chips, that are mixed into the epoxy to provide a unique, textured appearance. The size, colour, and pattern of the flakes can be customised according to preference, resulting in a stylish and attractive finish.
How long does flake epoxy flooring take to install
and dry?
The process of laying the flooring usually involves a first coat of epoxy being applied to the existing concrete garage floor, and then being left to dry for several hours. After this, the flakes are spread evenly over the surface, and a clear epoxy topcoat is applied to finish things off.
From this point, the epoxy flake flooring generally takes several hours to dry, though temperature, humidity, air flow and the thickness of the epoxy layer can affect this time. Although it will be set and dry enough to walk on after 10 to 12 hours, it can take up to seven days to fully cure so, if possible, it’s best to leave your freshly coated garage empty for a week.
Is it as hard wearing as regular epoxy flooring?
Yes, flake epoxy is as tough as other epoxy finishes. The epoxy forms a hard, durable, and low-maintenance surface that is very resistant to everyday wear and tear, as well as chemical and oil spills and other potential sources of damage that can occur in garages.
Is flake epoxy garage flooring anti-slip?
Yes, despite its smart and glossy appearance, flake epoxy flooring is formulated to be anti-slip, which makes it a safe surface for a heavily-used space like your garage. The grip is achieved by incorporating tiny particles into the epoxy resin that result in a very lightly textured surface. Other additives can sometimes be incorporated into the epoxy to further increase its anti-slip properties.
Is flake epoxy flooring easy to maintain and clean?
Like all epoxy flooring, flake epoxy surfaces are easy to maintain and clean. Epoxy resin is highly resistant to staining and damage, and because it’s poured as a single, seamless surface, there are no joins or crevices for mould and dirt to take a hold in. Epoxy is also non-porous, which helps prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from taking root.
Keeping your flake epoxy garage floor in top condition generally requires little more than regular sweeping and occasional mopping with nothing harsher than lightly soapy water. You can read more on How to clean and look after your epoxy garage floor here.
How long will your garage flake epoxy floor last?
A high quality and professionally installed flake epoxy floor can last up to 20 years or more in a residential garage, depending on how heavily it is used and how well it is maintained.
As with all flooring, taking a few minutes to regularly sweep up grit and debris can prevent scratches that could potentially lead to greater damage in the long run. A little care can go a long way in terms of maintaining its optimal appearance, function and longevity.
Protect Epoxy can apply an epoxy surface to suit any premises, from factory, warehouse or laboratory, to car-park, showroom or domestic kitchen.
