Are you in the market for new flooring for your home or business? Do you want something that is durable, attractive, and easy to maintain? You may want to consider resinous flooring. As the name suggests, resinous flooring is made from resin, which is a synthetic polymer. Resinous flooring includes things like epoxy, polyurethane, and methyl methacrylate. The resin is applied over another flooring surface, like concrete. The result is an aesthetically pleasing appearance that is also durable to maintain. Below are some benefits of resinous flooring and tips on how to install it. Check out resinous flooring for your home or business. It could be the right choice for your new floors.
Resinous flooring is a liquid that is applied to other surfaces, like concrete. There are several different types of resinous flooring and each has its own characteristics and benefits. Some are more durable while others have fast installation or easy maintenance. Below are a few of the most common types of resinous flooring and the benefits of each.
Epoxy is probably the most commonly used type of resinous flooring. Epoxy is popular because it’s among the most durable and protective types of flooring. Epoxy fully bonds to concrete floors. That means no materials seep through the epoxy layer to the underlying surface. The result is flooring that is resistant to oil, impact, wear and tear, chemicals, and much more. Epoxy takes a long time to cure and harden, so the installation process can be challenging, but it is a durable and effective flooring surface.
PMMA stands for polymethyl methacrylate, but it is most commonly referred to as acrylic or acrylic glass. The primary appeal of PMMA is that it is easy to apply. It’s durable flooring but doesn’t provide the same level of protection as epoxy. However, it cures quickly so you can apply it in less than a day in a normal room. Another feature of PMMA is that it can be partially replaced. If the floor is damaged, you can simply remove the damaged area and quickly replace it. PMMA is one of the easiest resinous floorings to maintain.
Polyurethae is another common type of resinous flooring that provides durability and aesthetic qualities. Polyurethane has high resistance to heat and high temperatures. That makes it ideal for restaurants and other businesses where temperatures can get hot and hot liquids are often used. Polyurethane isn’t commonly used in residential settings, but it’s certainly an option if heat is a concern for you.
There are a number of reasons to choose resinous flooring for your home or business. Below are a few of the biggest benefits.
As mentioned, resinous flooring’s primary benefit is its durability. Depending on the type you choose, your flooring will be resistant to moisture, foot traffic, chemicals, and general wear and tear. That’s one of the primary reasons why resinous flooring is so popular in business settings. It can withstand pressure and foot traffic without having to be replaced. Resinous flooring can also be beneficial in a residential setting, especially in a garage where they can be a wide range of materials and chemicals.
Another big benefit of resinous flooring is that it can have a unique and seamless appearance. The resin is applied over an entire area, so there are no seams between planks or tiles like you may have with other types of flooring. You can also have the resin custom mixed to create a unique appearance that aligns with your specific style. Most resinous flooring can be mixed in a wide range of colors and styles. Some can even include flakes and other materials to create a specific texture or look.
One big advantage resinous flooring has over other types of flooring is its resistance to moisture. With carpet, hardwood, and even some types of luxury tile, moisture can be a big issue. It can cause warping, cracks, and even mold and mildew underneath the flooring. That’s not the case with resinous flooring. Moisture stays on top of the resin surface and can be easily washed away. It doesn’t leak through the resin to the underlying concrete or another surface. That means resinous flooring can be ideal for rooms with high levels of moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Do you have dogs, cats, or other four-legged friends? If so, you likely know the damage they can cause to floors. Their claws can cause scratches and they can track mud, dirt, and water into the house. That can make your floors hard to clean and maintain. That’s not the case with resinous flooring. It’s resistant to scratches from claws. And the dirt, mud, and water can easily be wiped away without staining or other damage.
With resinous flooring, it’s easy to clean up water, chemicals, or other spills. Simply soak up the liquid with a mop and your floor will be dry in no time. That reduces the chances of a nasty slip. If you live in a cold weather climate where snow and ice are tracked into your garage regularly, resin flooring could make sense. You can also add elements to your flooring to give it anti-slip properties. You can add grip flakes into the mixture to better help shoes grip to the flooring.
Floors are one of the most important parts of your home, and maintaining those floors is critical to keeping up your home’s appearance. Carpet flooring can be difficult because dirt and moisture can get trapped in the fibers. Dirt and moisture can also seep underneath the seams in other floorings like hardwood and luxury vinyl. That’s not a problem with resinous flooring. It can be easily swept, mopped, and wiped down to remove any dirt or liquids. That makes cleaning easy and effortless with no risk of stains or damage being left behind.
Finally, one of the other benefits of resinous flooring is the fast and easy installation. You don’t have to worry about installing padding and tack boards as you do with carpets. There’s also no need to lock planks together or follow an intricate installation pattern. The resin is simply applied over your concrete surface. Most installers use rollers to get an even coat throughout the area. Once the resin dries and cures, you can move your furniture or other belongings back into the room. The process is quick and easy.
The installation process for resinous flooring is much different than that for other types of flooring. It’s not a difficult process but it does need to be done correctly so the floor has the right appearance and durability. It’s usually wise to hire an experienced resinous flooring company to install the flooring for you. Below are the steps for resinous flooring installation.
Resinous flooring installation starts with preparing the underlying surface, which is usually concrete or cement. You want a completely flat surface so the resin applies correctly. Your concrete floor may have bumps or other irregularities that prevent it from being flat. You can use a scraping tool to remove those bumps. Most hardware stores sell scrapers. They have long handles with a flat metal edge at the bottom. You simply run the edge across the floor and scrape away excess concrete. Use a broom or even a blower to remove any dust. Anything that is left behind on the floor will be visible in the resin, so it’s critical that the floor is clean and clear before you move on to the next step.
After you have removed any bumps, lumps, dust, and other irregularities, you want to scrub the floor well to make sure it is stain free. This is best done with a power washer or scrubber that can be rented from most hardware stores. Use a solution of water and soap and scrub every inch of the surface. Pay special attention to any areas with stains or discoloration. When you’re down, use a wet-dry vac to remove all the water. Sweep the floor again to make sure it is clear and then you’re ready to move to the next step.
You’ll want to protect the areas bordering the room and the walls of the room. You can use tape on the surrounding surfaces much like you would when painting a room. The tape prevents the resin from being applied to surrounding areas and walls. Place a few inches of tape along the areas that you want to protect. This will act as a border for your application.
Acid etching is an important step in the installation process. An acid etch is a special mixture of acid and water. This mixture is what makes the resinous flooring bond with the underlying concrete surface. Use an acid-safe brush to apply the mixture across your concrete floor. You want to make sure the floor is fully covered. You may need to apply a few coats. Let the acid mixture dry on the floor overnight.
Your resinous flooring supplier should provide you with multiple elements to be combined in a bucket when you’re ready to apply the coating. Mix them according to the supplier’s instructions. Many people use a power drill with a stirring bit to mix the elements effectively. You can also pour the mixture back and forth between two buckets to make sure the coating is completely mixed.
When you apply the resin, start with a wide border around the perimeter of the area. This will give you an added buffer between your application area and the bordering rooms and walls. Four inches is generally enough width to give you a good buffer and protect your walls and surrounding areas.
Once you have a solid perimeter, you’re ready to apply the mixture to the rest of the floor. The best way to do this is with a paint roller attached to a long pole. Dip the roller in the mixing bucket and then apply it in smooth W-shaped motions across the floor. Backroll over the W shape to eliminate any roller marks. Overlap your movements to reduce the chance of noticeable seams forming in the application. When you put the roller back in the bucket, only lower the bottom half of the roller. You don’t want to soak the roller with each dip. Only dip the bottom half to get an even and smooth coat with each application.
Let your first coat dry overnight and then apply a second coat the next day following the same steps. If you want your floor to have anti-slip protection, the second coat is the right time to add grip elements into the mixture. Sprinkle those elements into the bucket as you mix the second coat. Then apply a perimeter and use the same W-shaped movements to fill the rest of the floor.
It is certainly possible to apply resinous flooring yourself, but there are benefits to hiring a professional for the job. First, a professional will be able to make recommendations about which type of flooring is best, style choices, and additional features like anti-slip characteristics. More importantly, though, a professional can get the application and installation right. They’ll know how to prep the underlying floor and how to apply the resin so there are no lumps, seams, or other defects. If you want to maximize your investment and obtain the best floor possible, it’s wise to go with a professional.
Ready to install resinous flooring in your home or business? Contact us today. We can help you choose the right flooring for your needs and install it so you have the perfect finish. Let’s connect today and find the right resinous flooring option for you.