What is a Self-Dispersing Epoxy Floor?

A strong epoxy floor, this kind of covering is generally used in locations where heavy work equipment such as trucks and forklifts are run. It will make a surface less slippery and resistant to damage. It is ideal for floors in a construction or warehouse settings that would otherwise be compromised without adequate protection. This type of epoxy is created by reacting a polyepoxide with a polyoxyalkylene polyol. The resulting compound is then reacted with a polyepoxide and a polyhydric alcohol. The final result of this process is a self-dispersing epoxy resin.

Where is a Self-Dispersing Epoxy Floor Used?

Because of its strength and durability, this type of epoxy floor is used for practical purposes rather than decorative. Food manufacturing plants, warehouses, and construction sites, are all places where this heavy-duty type of floor covering is most beneficial.

How is a Self-Dispersing Epoxy Floor Applied?

While it is most often applied to concrete, it can also adhere to metal or wooden substrates. Rolling on the self-dispersing epoxy is the final and easiest part of the whole process. Preparing the substrate is the most detailed part.

If the epoxy will be applied to a concrete substrate, you must make sure that a vapor barrier is created and joints must be properly prepared to prevent cracking. Any curing compounds must be removed mechanically and the concrete must be thoroughly cleaned before starting the application process. The floor will need to be made level and all cracks must be repaired as well. It is suggested that concrete floors undergo acid etching prior to the application of the epoxy rather than being mechanically prepared. This involved diluting muriatic acid with water and sprinkling it over the entire surface. It then needs to be scrubbed with a bristled broom and, once the whole surface is bubbling, rinsed. If you are applying the covering to old concrete, the base needs to be tested to insure that it is sound and then totally stripped down before the cleaning process begins. New concrete must be totally dry before applying the epoxy resin.

This type of covering can only be applied to EXTERIOR grade plywood. To prepare, the floor needs to be cleaned and fasted to the floor joists or laid directly on the joist. The plywood must be cleaned of all waxes, varnishes, etc., and secured with glue and screws. To insure proper adhesion, the wood will need to be sanded first. Lastly, a primer will need to be applied, then the epoxy.

Metal substrates deemed structurally sound must be cleaned and all rust must be removed. The, the surface will need to be treated with phosphoric acid. Lastly the primer and then epoxy can be applied.

Special Features of a Self-Dispersing Epoxy Floor

This type of epoxy floor covering is formulated to withstand a beating in the roughest of environments. It provides a non-skid and sealed surface while protecting the base from damage that can be caused by crates falling from forklifts, wheels of heavy equipment, etc. While it is not he most attractive of the epoxy floors, it is the most functional in industrial settings.

Want to see what else is available? Check out all of the types of epoxy floors:

Epoxy Flaked Floor
Epoxy Anti-Static Floor
Self-dispersing Epoxy Floor
Self-dispersing Epoxy Floor with Quartz Sand
Self-leveling Epoxy Floor
Mortar Epoxy Floor
Graveled Epoxy Floor
Epoxy Terrazzo Floor

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Self-Dispersing Epoxy Floor