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The Science Behind Con-tek’s Epoxy Garage Floor Coatings


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At Con-Tek Coating and Polishing LLC, we often encounter clients who want to discover exactly what makes an epoxy garage floor coating so special. Our experts are here to demystify the science behind this cutting-edge coating solution and why it’s always worth the investment.

The Origin of Epoxy Concrete Coatings

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of epoxy concrete coatings, it’s essential to recognize that they are purely synthetic materials. In other words, they don’t naturally occur in nature and instead require a chemical reaction for creation.

The Russian chemist, Nikolai Prilezhaev, observed the first epoxy resin reaction in the early 1930s. The discovery later led more manufacturers and scientists to develop the durable and long-lasting product we know today.

Breaking Down the Basic Components of Epoxy

Epoxy has two main elements: a resin and a hardener. Experts often call these components A-side and B-side, respectively, due to their distinct textures and coloration when mixed together:

  • A-side. The A-side comprises large molecules specially formulated with acrylic esters, polyester resins, or vinyl. It has a naturally liquidy and sticky texture, and is generally yellowish or amber in color.
  • B-side. The B-side contains smaller molecules known as co-reactants which typically have long-chain amines or raticide-based agents. This side’s texture is thick, like syrup, and its color can range from off-white to light brown.

Some contractors apply additional chemicals to provide UV resistance or speed up the curing process, but this isn’t always necessary.

How Does Epoxy Form?

When you mix resin and hardener together, a chemical process takes place and produces an exothermic (energy-releasing) reaction. This is why epoxy becomes so hot and firm while it cures in your garage or basement.

The epoxy strongly bonds to concrete surfaces because of its unique cross-linking process. During this phase, the molecules form tiny links that provide added stability and durability.

The end result is a tough polymer surface with long-lasting color and shine. It will also resist stains, spills, and cracks while making the area much easier to clean.

The Downsides of Epoxy

While epoxy is one of the most durable garage floor coatings available, it does have its shortcomings. When exposed to sunlight for extended periods, the natural process of polymer degradation speeds up, meaning the surface might discolor or turn yellow faster than expected.

Another issue is that the epoxy weakens when exposed to high heat. This is why you rarely see pure epoxy floors in hot or industrial environments.

How We Use Epoxy Floor Coatings to Their Full Potential

Our team at Con-tek Floors always aims to deliver long-lasting and vibrant epoxy floor coatings for residential and commercial clients. That’s why we address the above issues with several effective strategies.

Using Premium Epoxy Products

Epoxy products have different grades. Some have 100% solids content, while others might contain high-performance additives, such as UV stabilizers or acrylic resins. Con-Tek Floors only applies the best garage floor coating that guarantees maximum performance and durability.

Measuring the Right Epoxy Thickness

Con-tek Floors uses different epoxy thicknesses to suit the needs of each client:

  • Film coatings (10-20 mils). Film coatings excel in lightly used spaces like hallways and lobbies. If the garage you want to coat doesn’t typically see chemical spills or heavy machinery, we recommend this option.
  • Slurry systems (60-125 mils). Slurry systems are ideal for areas that take more of a beating. They provide better scratch, stain, impact, and chemical resistance than film coatings.
  • Trowel down resurface (125 mils-1/4″). Does your concrete have extensive wear and tear? If so, a trowel-down resurfacing system is a way to go. This technique includes a thick application of epoxy for maximum protection.

Applying Protective Topcoats

A multi-layer approach is always best when it comes to epoxy floor coatings. We always apply a well-formulated urethane or polyaspartic topcoat, which adds extra protection against wear and tear while preserving the color. It also makes the floor easier to clean and maintain.

Why Choose Con-tek Floors for Garage Floor Coatings in Greeley

Con-Tek Coating and Polishing LLC has over 13 of experience in the concrete industry. We always take great care to deliver top-notch results that meet our client’s standards. When you work with our team, you can expect the following:

  • Fast turnaround time. We understand the frustration of drawn-out projects. That’s why we strive to complete garage floor coating installations on time and without disrupting your daily routine.
  • Comprehensive warranties. Our confidence in our products reflects in the 15-year warranties we offer. If you’re ever unhappy with our performance, just contact us, and we’ll make it right.
  • Excellent customer service. Do you have questions or concerns? Our experts can provide personalized advice and answer all your inquiries.
  • Competitive rates. We don’t believe in cutting corners or overcharging: when you hire us, you’ll get excellent coated floors at a fair price.

Depending on your specific needs, the Con-tek Floors team can apply a single coat of epoxy or build a multi-layer system. Contact us today for more information, and get ready to experience the benefits of epoxy garage floors in your home or business!

Call to Get a Free Quote Today

Do you want to know how much garage floor coating will cost for your particular project? Contact the coating professionals at Con-Tek Coating and Polishing LLC at (970) 632-0648 today and request a free estimate. Our team in Greeley is eager to help you make the most of your garage’s surface!

What are concrete coatings?

Our epoxy floor coatings are a concrete resurfacing option that is installed over existing concrete floors for both interior and exterior concrete. All of our coatings are installed by hand (we do not use any stamps), thus giving our clients a true, one-of-a-kind floor. We install a wide range of flooring systems such as: 100% solid epoxy, concrete stain, acrylic cement, and rubber based products.

Clients have the ability to customize any coating with our various color options and design techniques. Concrete Coatings are used not only in residential, but industrial and recreational settings as well. ConTek Coating uses only the highest quality, industrial products on the market to ensure every customer is getting the best value.

How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Durable Are Your Epoxy Concrete Coating Systems??

We use only industrial products on all of our epoxy floor projects. They are designed to give clients the most value and longevity over any other coating material on the market. Just to give you an idea of how strong our products are, we installed an epoxy flake floor in the garage of a Fire Station in 2008 to protect the firehouse’s garage from dirt, debris, salt, and the extreme work environment. Due to our expertise and industrial coatings, we have yet to receive a repair call. Those same products are used in all of our residential projects.

How long does a typical epoxy flooring project take to complete?

A typical residential project takes approximately 3 – 5 days to complete depending on several variables. Variables include, but are not limited to: size of job, repairs and/or preparation requirements, weather, additional design details, customer requests, etc.

What if I already have an existing concrete coating?

We must grind off any existing coating and repair materials before we can install any of our concrete coatings. This ensures the integrity and longevity of our flooring systems.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

If using 100% solids epoxy, your floor will be cured and walkable in about 12-18 hours. You can return to full heavy traffic after about 24 - 72 hours. Wait for at least 24 hours before moving light weight furniture on your brand new concrete coating flooring. Before moving anything heavy (car, equipment and furniture).

How do you prepare concrete for resurfacing?

We start every project by first preparing the concrete for our products. It is imperative that we have a fresh concrete surface before installing our concrete coatings on your project – this will allow our products to have only the BEST mechanical bond.

We spend approximately 66% of the project prepping your floor which may either be by diamond grinding or shot grinding the concrete (depending on the location of the project) and in some cases we do both! Some contractors will come in and just acid wash or not even prep your floor – we get calls all the time about botched installs with customers asking if we can save their project; we must start fresh every time.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

What If My Concrete Floor Has Cracks, Chips And Is Old?

No worries, we are experts in repairing existing problem areas of concrete. In some cases we have been found to be a cheaper alternative over tearing out and replacing existing slabs of concrete. Once we have saved your concrete we then install our decorative designs to hide the flaws and repairs.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping or mopping. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Epoxy floor coatings are extremely resistant to most hazards, including cleaners, gas, oil, transmission fluid, and even most industrial chemicals. Our epoxy concrete coatings system is both oil and moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyurea Coatings?

Andy Phelan, director of business development and training at Rhino Linings Corporation, explains, “Polyurea was invented in the early 1980s when a less moisture-sensitive form of polyurethane was desired. By replacing the hydroxyl group in the urethane with an amine group, a product we now call polyurea was formed.

What Are Polyurea Concrete Coatings?

Polyurea is useful for concrete floors, as it quickly and strongly bonds to concrete while providing a smooth, virtually impermeable surface that protects the floor from impact, water damage, chemicals, heat, and sunlight.

What Types Of Environments Can Epoxy Floor Coatings Be Used?

Epoxy flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts or garages.

How Are Epoxy Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Epoxy Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, prime floor with epoxy primer, fill all cracks, holes with epoxy grout, then apply epoxy paint. 

Can I Apply Epoxy Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Epoxy can be used at cold temperatures but must be handled and applied with techniques adapted to cold temperatures.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Epoxy Floor Coating?

Installing Epoxy Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! 

Does My Concrete Floor Coating Come With A Warranty?

We provide a 10 year warranty on your concrete floor coatings against peeling, delamination and wear for as long as you own your home.

Where We Service

We service Weld County, CO cities and the surrounding areas including:

Weld County, CO

Location

Con-tek Coating and Polishing of Weld County

EVERY job is done right and our customers are 100% Satisfied.

700 Automation Dr, Suite H, Windsor, CO 80550

Our List of Services

Here are the Different Services We Offer!

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High-Performance Coating

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Industrial Floor Coating

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USDA Approved Coatings

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Polished Concrete

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ESD Coatings

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Diamond Grinding

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Line Striping

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Corrosion Resistant Coatings

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Waterproof Deck Coatings

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Non-Slip Safety Coatings

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Moisture Vapor Barriers

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Impact Resistant Coatings

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Crack Bridging & Joint Fill

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Mastic & Glue Removal

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Shotblasting

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Surface Prep

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Much More

"Austin applied a polyaspartic epoxy solid-color coating to our garage. The work -- which included grinding off the old coating and the application of three coats of polyaspartic (primer coat + 2) -- was done meticulously. The new coating looks great and the sand added to the primer coat has eliminated the slippery nature of the old coating. Austin was exceptional to deal with from start to finish. He communicated by phone, e-mail & text...always in a timely and totally professional manner. I highly recommend this company."

Robert M.
Verified Client

"Finally built a shop and I had the concrete floor coated by Con-tek Floors. No regrets, awesome job! I am a very detailed person and Austin did a great job. You can tell he takes great pride in his work. Great customer service. I highly recommend Con-tek Floors!"

Craig B.
Verified Client

"We hired Austin to level our basement floors before we installed vinyl flooring. He was on time, a pleasure to work with, clean, reasonable and our basement floors look amazing. We recommend and we would use his services again. After the floors were completed he was kind enough to drop off a thank you and some delicious coffee for us try. Thank you Austin!"

Katrina Y.
Verified Client