When it is time to renew your facility’s floor (or if your floor is brand new), epoxy resin coatings are an outstanding choice. They provide a long lasting, aesthetically pleasing surface which will enhance the looks, safety and maintenance of your floor. Here are the right questions to ask of your warehouse painting contractor as you explore your options.
1. How long will it take for the coatings to set?
Epoxy coatings are manufactured with a variety of set times, ranging from slow to fast. The length of set time will affect how long your job takes, how expensive it is, even durability. You should know the set time being recommended and why that is the right choice.
2. How thick will the coating be applied?
Again there is a wide range of coating thicknesses, depending upon the product and application. They can be as thin as 2-3 mils and as thick as 40-50 mils. The thickness needed is dependent upon several factors such as type and condition of the substrate, the kinds of usage the floor will receive, budget costs and more. Generally, thicker coatings will be more expensive. Be sure to explore the options since they will affect the final cost.
3. What is the VOC content of the coating?
Volatile Organic Compounds content generally refers to the solvents contained in a coating, which will evaporate into the atmosphere as the coating cures. If possible, specify a coating which contains 100% solids. This will virtually eliminate toxicity (no solvents are released) and will help protect employees and customers alike from indoor air pollution. These coatings are also ideal for food plants or food preparation areas. Unless there is a compelling reason for using solvent based resins, most contractors will not use them because they are highly regulated by the EPA.
4. What is the slip resistance of your flooring?
Indoor areas generally don’t need as much slip resistance as outdoor areas such as loading docks or ramps. If needed, you can increase the non-slip properties of a floor coating by adding aggregates. There are many options available, but generally they aren’t needed for normal traffic. Be sure and have a conversation with your contractor if you have concerns about slip resistance.
5. How much gloss or sheen can you expect?
Floor coatings can add reflection to your facility floors, which will help increase the effectiveness of your lighting. This can help make your facility safer and more aesthetically appealing. There may be reasons you don’t wish to add a great deal of gloss, so you need to let your commercial painting company know that.
6. What is the resistance of the coating to abrasions and impact?
If your facility is a working facility, then your floors will get banged up. They will be subject to scratching and abrasions more so than floors in more decorative areas. Make sure that your epoxy resin coating will provide you with the hardness you need so that your flooring will hold up over time.
You probably aren’t a coatings expert, so you don’t know the answers to these questions. However, at least now, you know the questions to ask. Be sure and confirm that the company you are considering doing business with has the answers.
