Epoxy Floor Coatings

Thickness follows service, not a universal number. A light-duty seal coat can be less than 1 mm, while self-levelling or broadcast systems commonly range from about 1.5 mm to several millimetres. Forklift turns, impacts, chemicals, wet cleaning, and slab condition determine the specified build and aggregate.

Only when investigation shows the existing coating is fully bonded, chemically compatible, and strong enough to carry the new system. Harrowgate normally removes weak or unknown finishes mechanically. Coating over a marginal layer simply transfers the new system's bond to the old layer and preserves hidden failure points.

A multi-coat area commonly needs preparation plus separate primer, body, and topcoat windows. Foot traffic may return before forklift or chemical service. Temperature and system chemistry change the timing. Harrowgate issues a phased schedule with the earliest access time for each traffic type before work begins.

Epoxy has low permeability, so moisture moving through a slab can accumulate pressure or carry alkaline compounds to the bond line. That can cause blistering, whitening, or delamination. We review slab construction, test conditions where required, and use only primers or mitigation systems approved for the measured exposure.

Texture must balance traction with cleanability. Fine aggregate often suits dry production and commercial areas. Wet process zones, ramps, and wash bays require a heavier broadcast, while hygienic rooms cannot tolerate deep soil-catching profile. We create representative samples so operations and cleaning teams can review the proposed finish.

No. Dormant cracks can be routed and filled with a compatible rigid treatment, but moving joints must remain functional and receive flexible detailing. If a coating bridges an active joint as though it were solid concrete, normal movement will reflect through, split the finish, and create an edge that deteriorates under traffic.

Provide floor area, drawings, current surface photographs, previous coating history, vehicle and wheel types, chemicals, wash temperature, desired texture and colour, operating hours, and reopening deadline. A site review then confirms repairs, preparation, moisture concerns, terminations, drains, and the most practical phasing plan.