Metallic Epoxy Floor Guide – How to Get That 3D Look

Metallic epoxy floors use metallic pigments mixed into clear epoxy to create a marbleized, three-dimensional look on concrete. The pigments are made from mica and iron oxide — they reflect light and swirl within the epoxy as you apply it, so no two floors look the same. The final result depends on your color choice, base coat color, application technique, and the concrete itself.

We offer three system levels depending on your experience and the performance you need. All three use our Epoxy Flow 100 as the base — we recommend the Slow Set version because the extended work time gives you more time to manipulate the metallic effects.

Where Metallic Epoxy Works Best

Metallic epoxy is popular for garages, basements, showrooms, lobbies, restaurants, retail spaces, and anywhere you want a high-end look on a concrete floor. It's also used for concrete countertops. The surface is seamless, easy to clean, and resistant to chemicals and abrasion.

Three System Levels

All three start with the same surface prep and use Epoxy Flow 100 with metallic pigments for the metallic coat. The difference is what goes under and over the metallic layer.

Rookie Basic Metallic (2-Coat System)

Best for: First-time installers and budget-friendly projects. Two coats — a pigmented base coat and a metallic coat. No separate topcoat, so the metallic layer is the final surface. Simplest system, lowest cost, still looks great.

Metallic Plus (3-Coat System)

Best for: Most residential and commercial projects. Adds a WB Urethane topcoat (gloss or matte) over the metallic layer for added protection, depth, and durability. The urethane topcoat also gives you the option to add traction additives like Grip X or Wear Pack.

Pro Ultimate Metallic (4-Coat System)

Best for: High-performance commercial installations or concrete with moisture concerns. Starts with an MVB moisture mitigator primer before the pigmented base coat, then metallic coat, then WB Urethane topcoat. Maximum adhesion and protection.

What You Need

All three systems use the same core products:

• Base coat: Epoxy Flow 100 (regular or slow set) mixed with color pigment (typically black). Mix ratio: 2A:1B. Coverage: 100–125 sq ft per gallon.
• Metallic coat: Epoxy Flow 100 mixed with metallic pearl pigments. One container per 3 gallons of epoxy. Mix ratio: 2A:1B. Coverage: 50–100 sq ft per gallon.
• Topcoat (Plus and Pro): WB Urethane in gloss or matte. Goes on white, dries clear. Coverage: 300–400 sq ft per gallon. Add Grip X (100 grit) or Wear Pack (220 grit) for traction.
• Moisture primer (Pro only): MVB Moisture Mitigator. Coverage: 50–100 sq ft per gallon.

We carry 20+ metallic pigment colors including Pearl, Dolphin, Driftwood, Overcast, Guava, Shipwreck, and Sandal. Browse all metallic pigment colors to find the right look for your project.

How to Install a Metallic Epoxy Floor

These steps cover the Metallic Plus system (3-coat). For Rookie Basic, skip the topcoat. For Pro Ultimate, add MVB moisture mitigator as your first coat before the base coat.

Download detailed instructions: Rookie Basic | Metallic Plus | Pro Ultimate

1. Surface Preparation

• Clean the surface of all sealers, dirt, oils, glues, and contaminants.
• Grind dry using a lower grit (16 or 30) metal bond diamond tool on a single-head or planetary grinder. The goal is a surface profile that mimics a light broom finish.
• Vacuum thoroughly and wipe clean. Any particles left on the floor will be visible under the metallic coat.
• Super Blue can be used as a secondary cleaning option.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before coating.
• Equipment rental: We rent diamond grinders from our shop in the Kansas City area.

2. Base Coat Application

• Mix color pigment (typically black) into the A side of Epoxy Flow 100 for 1–2 minutes with a drill mixer at low speed.
• Mix with part B at a 2A:1B ratio. Always measure A and B before mixing.
• Pour immediately on the floor — do not let the product sit in the bucket.
• Spread with a notched squeegee and backroll with an 18", 3/8" nap roller.
• Spiked shoes are a must to walk through the product.
• Coverage: 100–125 sq ft per gallon.
• Allow to dry tack-free before the next coat. Sand and fill any bubbles before moving on.
• The base coat color influences the final look — black creates deeper contrast, white or light colors create a brighter, more reflective finish.

3. Prep Between Coats

Before applying the metallic coat, clean the base coat surface to remove any dust, debris, or imperfections that could show through the metallic layer.

4. Metallic Coat Application

• Mix metallic pearl pigment into the A side of Epoxy Flow 100 for 1–2 minutes at low speed. One container of pigment per 3 gallons of epoxy.
• Mix with part B at a 2A:1B ratio.
• Pour immediately on the floor — do not let the product dwell in the bucket.
• Coverage: 50–100 sq ft per gallon. Metallic coats go on thicker than base coats.
• Apply within the recoat window of the base coat becoming tack-free. If beyond the window, screen with a 120 or coarser sand screen and wipe clean.
• Create effects with erratic rolling patterns, using other metallic colors as highlights, or misting xylene on the wet surface. Test these techniques on a mock-up first.
• Spiked shoes are a must.

Watch how to create the cloud effect by applying solvent droplets to the wet metallic epoxy before it starts to tack up.

5. Topcoat Application (Plus and Pro Systems)

• After the metallic coat is tack-free and within the recoat window, apply WB Urethane (gloss or matte).
• Pour in ribbons on the floor and spread evenly. Do not let it sit before rolling. Do not over-roll.
• Goes on white, dries clear. Use an 18", 3/8" nap roller.
• Coverage: 300–400 sq ft per gallon.
• Add Grip X (100 grit) or Wear Pack (220 grit) for traction if desired. Test an area first.
• If beyond the recoat window, screen with a 220 or coarser screen and wipe clean first.

6. Moisture Mitigation (Pro System Only)

• Apply MVB Moisture Mitigator as your first coat before the base coat.
• Pour on the floor and spread with a notched squeegee, then backroll with an 18", 3/8" nap roller.
• Coverage: 50–100 sq ft per gallon.
• Allow to dry tack-free and within the recoat window before applying the base coat.

Tips for a Better Metallic Floor

• Mock it up first. Always do a test area before committing to the full floor. Metallic epoxy reacts differently on every slab. We encourage mock-ups on every project.
• Base coat color matters. Black base = darker, more dramatic. White base = brighter, more reflective. Experiment on your mock-up.
• Use Epoxy Flow 100 Slow Set. The extended work time gives you more time to manipulate the metallic effects on the floor.
• Don't let product sit in the bucket. Pour it on the floor immediately after mixing. Epoxy that dwells in a bucket will set up faster than epoxy spread on the floor.
• Watch your recoat windows. Each coat needs to be tack-free before you apply the next, but don't wait too long or you'll need to screen and wipe before the next coat will bond properly.
• Get creative. Erratic rolling patterns, accent colors, misting xylene — there's no single right way to apply metallic epoxy. Check our video gallery for more technique ideas, and always test on a small area first.