When choosing protective flooring, epoxy coating has become more popular than ever. You can use it to protect floors from chips, cracks, and stains. It is also easy to clean. Did you know there are different types of epoxy floor installations to consider? Here are some different types of epoxy flooring to compare before you make a decision.

Water-Based

In our experience, if you want the easiest type of epoxy flooring, you should use a water-based one. This type of floor is low in toxicity. It's also the cheapest type of epoxy coating to get. That said, you'll have to replace it more often than others. According to This Old House, you must reinstall your water-based epoxy floors every one to three years. If your floor is prone to objects that may cause chemical leaks or abrasion, this may not be the best type of epoxy coating to use.

Solvent-Based

How do you feel about a beautiful glossy floor? If that is your preference, you should use a solvent-based one, as we know that it is stronger than your water-based coating. This type of solution can penetrate deeper into a concrete surface and bond better with it. Installation should include proper ventilation, as this type of coating may have more volatile organic compounds released. Be careful about how much direct light reaches this type of flooring. Sun exposure can result in yellowing or fading over time.

100% Solids

The resource Industrial Paint and Protection Magazine states that the 100% solids option has less of an impact on the environment than the other options. In other words, when solvents evaporate in coatings, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released. This can contribute to air pollution, but it's less of a problem with low-VOC paint and low-VOC epoxy. Additionally, compared to the other types, fewer coats would be needed, which will save you a lot of time for your project. With this choice, you'll also see faster drying times. Although the exact drying times can be different in each case, some 100% solids epoxy coatings can dry in a matter of hours rather than days.

As you can see, many different types of flooring can meet your style preferences. By finding the right contractor, you can have a range of epoxy flooring options that suit your flooring needs. Our company has years of experience with epoxy flooring and offers free site surveys. For quality and protective flooring you can trust, don't hesitate to contact Pro Maintenance, Inc today for a consultation.