Epoxy flooring is an installation that is almost universally applicable. Part of the reason for this is that there are different types of epoxy flooring that are more suited to certain settings than others. These include solvent-borne, waterborne, and 10)% solids epoxy.
Here at Shirley Industrial Painters & Decorators Limited, we are epoxy flooring experts, serving customers throughout the Midlands with industry-leading epoxy flooring for the past 45 years. We have, therefore, used our expertise to detail the three main types of epoxy floor in our latest blog post below.
Solvent-Borne Epoxy
Solvent-borne epoxy is the most common type of epoxy flooring, historically, as it was the first to be invented. As the name suggests, this form of epoxy is solvent-based, which means solvent compounds act as the ‘carrier’ for the epoxy, making it easy to apply – especially into thin layers.
However, as the epoxy cures, the solvents evaporate, which are harmful when inhaled and can also be highly flammable. This means solve borne epoxy floors are not the safest type.
Waterborne Epoxy
As the name suggests, the main carrier of waterborne epoxy is water. This means it is safer than its solvent borne counterpart, but can still be applied relatively easily into thin or thick layers. Generally, waterborne epoxy floors are applied to waterproof existing concrete floors.
100% Solids Epoxy
With no fluid carrier, 100% solids epoxy is a material made from pure epoxy. This means there are fewer environmental impacts from the epoxy and it is going to set to be stronger than the two aforementioned.
The trade-off with 100% solids epoxy, however, is that it is very difficult to apply without there being a carrier and it can only be laid in thick layers due to high viscosity.
An Epoxy Floor for Every Setting
While epoxy flooring, on the whole, is very versatile, this requires a contextual choice of the most appropriate type of epoxy for the setting and requirements. Throughout the three aforementioned types, though, there is definitely something that will work for your situation – whether it is a domestic kitchen or an industrial aeroplane hanger.
Shirley Industrial Painters & Decorators Limited
If you would like to hear more about the epoxy flooring solutions supplied by our excellent team here at Shirley Industrial Painters & Decorators Limited, please reach out to us by calling 03333 660 408 or filling out our simple contact form.
