Ugly floors have a dramatically negative effect on the aesthetics of a space. Whether it’s stained concrete, tiles that have seen better days, damaged pavers or virtually any other sub-par surface, an epoxy resin flooring system is the easiest, most cost-effective way to makeover an area.
Out with the Old and In with New: Upscale any floor in 3 simple steps
Flooring can make or break a room or space. From car showrooms to swimming pools, dining areas to offices, everyone subconsciously (or, perhaps, consciously) notices a floor the first time they encounter it.
But ripping up a floor surface and prepping for a new one has historically been a laborious and expensive task. And that’s even before the new surface is laid into place.
But not any more…
Enter the wonder of Shimicoat epoxy resin – a chemically advanced, environmentally-friendly flooring option that’s affordable, simple to use and, very importantly, created with the sustainability of the planet in mind.
The 3 easy steps to an epoxy floor upgrade are:
- Determine the colour scheme and finish: Epoxy floors come in virtually every colour across the spectrum. This makes it easy to choose a shade that complements existing décor. Or, perhaps, go for a complete contrast for a true wow factor. A showroom, for example, can benefit from an instantaneous upgrade simply by swapping an outdated surface for a gleaming epoxy covering. As well as colour, there’s also a wide variety of finishes to select, including flakes, metallic – you can even incorporate a company logo if desired. Factories, car parks, food prep areas and other areas benefit from the easy addition of waymarking, lineage and sectional areas as required.
- Prepare the surface: While concrete is the most common medium that epoxy is applied to, it can be used over virtually anything. Wood, tiles, bricks, paving slabs, metal – even glass! Because epoxy is poured into place as a liquid, it removes the effort of meticulous surface preparation. Apart from cleaning and removing dirt and any particularly dense elements or solid constructions, all that’s needed is a relatively smooth surface. This means no costly digging up or removal of the original floor – epoxy is simply installed over the top.
- Pour, wait, get back to business… Once the surface is prepped, the fun begins. First the surface needs to be acid-etched, a simple process that requires pouring diluted muriatic acid over the surface, waiting a few minutes, and washing it off. This is included with every Shimicoat flooring system/complete kit, with full instructions on how to use. Once the floor has dried, then it’s time to apply the resin. This comes in two parts, so needs to be mixed together. This is then either poured into place or applied directly from a floor roller. Either way, the roller is used to smooth it over the surface. Wait a couple of hours and repeat. Some floors might require a third coat, depending on the application.
Then, it’s just a matter of waiting a few hours for the product to dry. You’ll be able to walk on it then, although you should wait at least 24 hours before applying any undue pressure or stress to the surface.
One of the main reasons ugly floors often remain in place for too long is down to the length of time it takes to replace them and, of course the cost.
Choosing epoxy to makeover a floor surface removes such worries. Plus, it upgrades the floor in so many other ways too:
- Easy to clean: A quick sweep (or vacuum) and a mop with warm water is usually all that’s required. In the case of chemical, oil or other spillages, epoxy can withstand virtually any cleaning product.
- Unparalleled hygiene: Epoxy flooring has no gaps or joins. This removes the ability for dirt to fester in tiny gaps and for bacteria to grow.
- It’s waterproof: Use it in bathrooms, kitchens, workshops… Anywhere that splashes and spills are commonplace.
- High non-slip properties: One of the most important considerations for any flooring surface.
- Excellent longevity: Great quality epoxy floors remain pristine for many, many years.
- Exceptional value for money: When you combine ease of installation with how long an epoxy floor lasts, there’s virtually no other flooring option that comes close to the same bang for your buck.
- They look great! Epoxy floors look incredible!
- Responsibly created with the least possible environmental impact: Take full advantage of Shimicoat epoxy flooring products completely guilt-free – thanks to utilising todays cutting-edge technology that’s focused on planet-friendly practices and creating benchmark standards that are driving global adaptation.
There are multiple reasons why so many commercial and domestic projects are now bowing to the power of epoxy. And the world-beating Shimicoat products make it even easier. From complete kits to all the related decorative additions and consumables needed for an easy installation, Shimi is the only one-stop-shop you need for everything related to epoxy.
Visit our online store today and say, “Goodbye ugly floor – hello chic, contemporary décor”. It really is easier than you think…
