What to Expect During Your Epoxy Floor Installation

Upgrading your space with an epoxy floor is one of the best ways to add durability, visual appeal, and long-term value to your home. If you're preparing for your installation day, it's helpful to know what the process involves so you can plan accordingly. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish.

Surface Inspection and Moisture Testing

The first step in your epoxy floor installation is a thorough inspection of your existing concrete surface. Your installation team will look for cracks, pits, or stains that may interfere with adhesion. They’ll also perform moisture testing to make sure the substrate is suitable for coating.

If your concrete has too much moisture, it can compromise the bond and lead to bubbling or peeling later on. Identifying any underlying issues early helps ensure a long-lasting, seamless finish.

Surface Preparation

Once the surface passes inspection, preparation begins. This is one of the most critical phases. The installers will mechanically grind the concrete using industrial-grade equipment to remove any old coatings, grease, or surface imperfections. This process opens the concrete’s pores and creates the ideal texture for the epoxy to bond.

Dust and debris are vacuumed away to leave a clean slate for the coating system. Proper prep work is essential and directly affects how well the floor performs over time.

Crack and Joint Repair

After grinding, the crew will address any cracks, holes, or expansion joints in the concrete. These are typically filled with a high-strength repair compound that’s compatible with the epoxy system. This step not only smooths out the surface but also reinforces weak areas that could otherwise lead to future damage. Depending on the condition of your floor, this phase may be quick or require additional time and care.

Application of Base Coat

With the surface now ready, the base coat is applied. This layer acts as the foundation of your epoxy system. Installers use professional-grade materials and tools to ensure even distribution and proper thickness.

If your chosen flooring system includes color flakes or metallic accents, they are typically broadcast into the base coat while it’s still wet. These add both texture and style, enhancing the overall appearance of your floor.

Flake Broadcasting and Curing

If you're going with a flake or decorative finish, the flakes are generously spread across the entire surface. They provide traction, visual depth, and added durability. After broadcasting the flakes, the floor is left to cure for a set period, usually a few hours. Once cured, any loose flakes are scraped and vacuumed to create a consistent, level surface.

Top Coat Application

Finally, the top coat is applied. This clear, protective layer seals in the flakes or pigments and gives your floor its glossy, easy-to-clean finish. It’s also what provides chemical resistance, UV stability, and long-term wear protection. Once the top coat is complete, your floor will need to cure again, typically 24 hours for light foot traffic and up to 72 hours for full use. After that, your new epoxy floor is ready to shine.

Investing in an epoxy floor is a decision that pays off in strength, style, and simplicity. At Deschutes Concrete Coatings, we walk you through every step of the process to make sure you feel confident and informed. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and see how we can transform your space.