Adding flakes into an epoxy mix is the ideal way to add texture and depth to the finish. However, one mistake novice installers sometimes make is not paying enough attention to every element that influences the end result – and this includes the colour of the basecoat.
One of the crucial roles of the basecoat is to create the right backdrop on which the colour flakes are displayed. No matter how carefully an epoxy flake floor blend is installed, tiny gaps may exist. This means that the basecoat affects the finished appearance of the floor.
Before we delve into the science behind basecoat choice, let’s quickly overview the different layers that make up an epoxy flake floor.
- Concrete: Or whatever substance the floor is to be laid over.
- Primer: This will be a slightly darker shade than the basecoat.
- Basecoat: This should complement the flake element above.
- Colour flakes: That contains a variety of shades and colours.
- Topcoat: While this isn’t 100% necessary, a clear topcoat adds shine and durability to any epoxy floor project.
Professional tips for selecting the right basecoat
An epoxy floor with textured flakes typically contains a variety of shades. The key to a great basecoat choice is to match it with the dominant colour. If the blend consists of different shades of the same colour – blue, for instance – then choose a base colour that closely matches the flakes that are most prominent.
In our blue example, the flakes will probably encapsulate the whole colour spectrum – from white through the whole rainbow of blue. There might be some grey in there too, as the colours naturally blend well together. Selecting a blue that’s the same or very close in shade to the overall blue flake element means that the theme follows through from base to topcoat.
For very light-coloured blends, which have flakes mixed into a white or cream colour, you need to decide if you want to go for a truly vibrant look or one that’s more muted. For the latter, then a slightly darker and complementary basecoat would work. But if you want the flake colours to be as bright as possible, then using white or off-white is key to making them really ‘pop’ to the eye.
And then…. You have the flake-colour combo where there’s no obvious overall shade. While this might, at first, seem to make the base colour selection a little confusing, there are a few easy rules to follow.
- Choose the base colour depending on the shade you want the overall floor to present.
- A basecoat that closely matches one of the prime base colours will result in that shade blending more into the background.
- A neutral basecoat that complements the overall flake blend but doesn’t exactly colour-match any of them will provide a well-balanced finish where all the colours stand out.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the basecoat-flake combination. Deciding on whether you want a muted or bright finish will direct the selection of basecoat colour.
Another option for a high-grade flake flooring finish is to install it with a double broadcast. This involves using a first basecoat as a primer, covered by the first broadcast of colour flakes. This is then topped with a second basecoat, upon which you apply another layer of flakes. Finishing it off with a clear topcoat provides the ultimate long-lasting flake floor system that brings incredible longevity.
Epoxy resin colour flake flooring systems are one of the best options for multiple locations, including offices, auto dealerships, healthcare facilities, showrooms, food and beverage outlets, schools and more.
The wide range of Shimicoat flake floor options allow your creativity to be, quite literally, limitless. Every design, colour scheme and aesthetic requirement is easily created with a bespoke basecoat and flake blend. This can easily be incorporated into one of our popular complete kits, making purchasing a breeze.
As experts in the trade, we’re always available to assist with purchasing choices or easily get a quote for your flooring project using our interactive online quote service.
