Step-by-Step Instructions on Epoxy Flooring Installation for a Wet Look

Dreaming of a durable, high-gloss, solid-colored concrete floor?

Concrete Floor Supply floor epoxy can transform your concrete surfaces with a durable, glass-like finish. This guide will walk you through the process of installing this 100% solids epoxy system, creating a beautiful, solid-color "wet look" floor in your home or garage.

Benefits of a Clear Epoxy Floor Coating:

• Durable and Long-Lasting: Epoxy floor coatings are incredibly tough, resisting scratches, stains, and chemicals.
• High-Gloss Finish: The clear epoxy creates a reflective, water-like surface that brightens your space.
• Easy to Clean: The smooth, non-porous surface makes cleaning up spills and dirt a breeze.

Before You Begin:

• Project Planning: Measure the area of your concrete surface to determine how much epoxy is needed. Consider renting a diamond grinder for optimal surface preparation (Concrete Floor Supply offers rentals in the Kansas City area).
• Safety First: Always wear proper safety gear during installation, including gloves, eye protection, and a respirator. Ensure good ventilation in your work area.

Materials for Epoxy Flooring Installation:

• Concrete Floor Supply Clear Epoxy Coat System (includes Epoxy Flow 100 Regular or Slow Set epoxy)
• Diamond grinder.  Grinders can typically be rented from your local rental store.
• Safety gear (gloves, eye protection, respirator)
• Mixing containers and a paddle mixer
• Squeegee or roller for application

If you're installing a clear-coat (grind-and-seal) floor like the one in this guide, the Turnkey Poly Clear Coat Kit includes the entire system.

Step 1: Surface Preparation:

Profiling:

Diamond grinding is the recommended method for surface preparation. This process creates a rough texture that improves adhesion for the epoxy coating, also called Concrete Surface Profile or “CSP”. You want the product to ‘bite,’ so you are going for a light broom-like texture.  Dry grinding with a vacuum attached is preferred.  When done, vacuum up the duct and leaf-blow the surface clean. DO NOT USE WATER TO CLEAN.

1. 1. Concrete must be fully cured for a minimum of 28 days

Step 2: Product Mixing: 

Before you begin, ensure that substrate, air, and material temperatures are at least 50°F and no more than 80°F.  (You can go beyond 80 degrees…it just speeds up the coating.)

Pour a full pre-packaged kit of 2 parts of Part A to 1 part of Part B together, then mix well with slow-speed mixing equipment, such as a jiffy mixer, until the material is thoroughly mixed and homogeneous. NOTE: If you want a solid-color floor, add the desired pigment and continue mixing until the color is uniform. (One unit of our epoxy pigment will pigment one 3-gallon kit of epoxy.  Do this for both coats.  If you don’t want color, leave the product clear.

It is recommended to mix in a new, separate bucket rather than the original package. Typically 2-3 minutes. Avoid whipping air into the coating. POUR ONTO THE CONCRETE IMMEDIATELY AFTER MIXING. DO NOT LEAVE THE BUCKET UPSIDE DOWN ON THE FLOOR. Epoxy will not kick over as quickly when it is on the floor.

Step 3: Epoxy Application:

Base Coat:

Apply a coat of Epoxy Flow 100 with a notched squeegee, then back-roll evenly to maintain the desired thickness within the usable pot-life frame. Refer to the product data sheet for recommended mixing ratios and application techniques, pot life, and recoat window.

1. 1. Pour onto the concrete immediately after mixing. This product will set and become hot if left in the bucket.
   2. Spread at around 150 sq ft per gallon using a notched squeegee and a back roll with an 18” ⅜” nap roller cover.
   3. It is recommended to work in sections, usually using control joints as dividers, to ensure proper application. Spike shoes are recommended to walk through the product while applying. 
      1. If any outgassing appears, spray with a solvent such as xylene before the product sets up. 

Note: The second coat must be applied within 10-16 hours of the first coat, after the base coat becomes tack-free. (refer to ‘recoat window’ times in product data sheets)

Second Color Coat:

Within the recoat window, apply the second coat of Epoxy Flow 100. This layer ensures a more uniform color on your floor.

Step 4: Curing and Aftercare:

• Allow the epoxy to cure completely according to the product specifications (typically 24-48 hours for light traffic). Avoid using or walking on the floor during this time.
• Once cured, your epoxy floor is ready to enjoy! Clean regularly with a damp mop and non-abrasive cleaning products (wait 7 days to clean with water).

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Uneven Application:

  Apply the product in one continuous motion, keeping a wet edge.  Avoid hard starts and stops.

• Bubbles:

  Sand and touch up any bubbles after the coating cures to a tack-free state.  Having some bubbles in your first coat of epoxy is sometimes normal and can be due to the concrete breathing.  

• Additional Resources: Concrete Floor Supply offers product data sheets for each component of this process. These resources provide detailed information on mixing ratios, application techniques, and safety precautions.  We also have product videos.  

With careful preparation and by following these steps, you can achieve a stunning, wet-look epoxy floor that adds beauty and durability to your concrete surfaces.

Ready to start your clear-coat floor? The Turnkey Poly Clear Coat Kit has the complete grind-and-seal system in one kit.