How to make a metallic epoxy floor?

Epoxy metallic floors are becoming increasingly popular for any room in the house. Its ease of cleaning, its versatility and its look make it an option of choice for new constructions or renovations. Your epoxy floor will certainly help make your project remarkable, but how do you install it?

Safety and equipment

Before continuing, we would like to remind you that epoxy resin is a toxic product. It is therefore important to wear the right protective equipment when installing it. During application, we recommend wearing a mask with vapor cartridges and gloves. Wearing safety glasses is also recommended. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury.

All the protective equipment you need is available in our stores.

Surface preparation

Like many things in epoxy, you have to make sure you have a good base before going any further. So, if your preparation is poorly done, it could jeopardize your project. We have therefore created a complete article on surface preparation which I invite you to consult before continuing.

First primer coat (Basecoat)

 You have finished sanding your concrete slab and you are now ready to apply the first coat of your epoxy floor? It is therefore necessary to choose the color of the basecoat.

Choose a color similar to the desired finish. For example, you should not put a black basecoat if you want a marbled white floor since the black would be seen through the white.

Be sure to always follow the recommendations for mixing colors and epoxy kits.

You will now be able to apply 8 to 10 mils of epoxy to the surface to be coated. To find out how much is needed for the size of your room, you can use our epoxy calculator.

Dump your epoxy onto the floor and spread the liquid over the entire surface using a 24" squeegee and squeegee handle.

To make the perimeter, use a small squeegee to spread the epoxy all the way to the wall. Then using a brush, paint the perimeter with the epoxy you have just applied.

There should now be epoxy all over the surface, but not necessarily the same amount everywhere. You will therefore roll the floor with the help of a lint-free paint roller to make everything uniform.

Once these steps are completed, it should not be possible to see the concrete. The coloring of the epoxy completely hides the color of the concrete. If you still see it, it's because the roller wasn't passed there.

Now all you have to do is wait a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 24 hours to move on to the next step!

Verification between layers

Between the two base coats, it is important to check and correct certain points to ensure a perfect finish.

1- Check for bubbles

The bubbles are not caused by the product, they are due to the small holes in the concrete. In this way, the air tries to get out and this creates a bubble.

To remedy this problem, the surface must be sanded with an 80 grade sandpaper sander, sweep the epoxy surface and repair the holes using an epoxy crack filler. You must therefore wait about 2 hours, depending on the temperature, once the product has been applied before you can install the 2nd layer of epoxy.

2- Check for holes

The holes are really not obvious to see before the first coat of epoxy. The coloring applied helps us to see them. To fill them, use the same process as for the cracks using a sealing epoxy. You will therefore have to wait about 2 hours, depending on the temperature, once the product has been applied before you can install the 2nd layer of epoxy.

Second basecoat

The second base coat is identical to the first except that it is applied over epoxy rather than concrete. You will therefore notice that the product slides more easily. It is therefore necessary to be more vigilant not to stain the walls. Note that this layer is not mandatory if your floor is already perfect.

Wait again between 8 and 24 hours before doing the next step.

Verification if a third basecoat is needed

As after the first coat, check for bubbles or holes. If there are still problems, you will need to apply another coat to your epoxy floor, as before. If everything is fine, you can proceed to the next step.

Verification before final coat

Before the final coat, it is important to ensure that there is no unwanted dust in the epoxy. If this is the case, they must be removed by sanding them to have the floor as straight as possible. Vacuum after sanding.

Next, it is essential to roll the EZ-Roller over the epoxy floor. This tool will remove all surface dust in order to obtain the most beautiful finish possible.

To pass the EZ-Roller, you have to roll in both directions, once or twice. First, roll lengthwise, then widthwise. If when you pass the width you pick up a lot of dust, it is important to repeat the process. Otherwise, there could be a lot of dust on the floor.

Once that's done, we can move on to the most satisfying step!

Finishing coat (Topcoat)

Topcoat application requires between 40 and 60 mils of epoxy.

If your floor will be exposed to a large amount of sunlight, you can apply a UV resistant epoxy to prevent yellowing.

Here's how you'll install it:

1. Mix colors. (Always follow brewing recommendations)
2. Mix with the hardener (B) when you are ready to start. (Always follow brewing recommendations)
3. Spread the epoxy with the 24" squeegee
4. Spread the epoxy with the small squeegee on the perimeter and areas inaccessible with the 24" squeegee.
5. Run the brush around the perimeter as needed.
6. Roll the epoxy floor with a microfiber roller. Be careful not to push too hard as there is a lot of epoxy on the floor.
7. Make color inserts if desired.
8. Make the desired design with a Magic trowel. The trick is to start from the side opposite the one you exit in order to end the wave through the exit.

There you go, all you have to do is wait for the product to dry and you will soon be able to enjoy your new floor. Please wait a minimum of 24 hours before walking on the floor and 7 days before putting furniture on it. Attention, times may vary depending on the temperature, always check that the floor is dry before walking on it.

Note that all epoxy products, painting accessories and protective equipment mentioned in this guide are available in our stores.

Do you want to learn how to make a metal floor with the help of our experts? Sign up for our face-to-face epoxy training where you will have the chance to be accompanied in the creation of a metallic floor.