How to DIY Epoxy Flooring
This guide provides comprehensive instructions on creating a stunning High Gloss Resin Floor, suitable for various settings including homes, offices, garages, and showrooms. It builds on previous projects like ‘Neon Plank Table’, ‘DIY Resin River Table’, and ‘Resin Penny Floor Project’, and was specifically implemented in the studio of Easy Composites Ltd. The techniques discussed here are also applicable to marbled floors, resin art floors, and as a clear coating on decorative floors.
Preparation and Materials
To embark on this project, gather the following materials:
- GlassCast 3 Clear Epoxy Coating Resin
- Grey Epoxy Solid Colour Pigment
- Fumed Silica
- Scales
- Paddle Mixer
- Safety Equipment
- Spiked Shoes
- Builders Caulk or Silicone Sealant
- Notched Squeegee on a Pole
- Spreaders & Mixing Stick
- Cleaning Equipment
- Polypropylene Strip
- Glue Gun
Step 1: Room Preparation and Calculations
Ensure the room is dry, heated, and maintains an ambient temperature of 20°C. This temperature should also apply to the resin. Calculate the amount of resin needed based on the room’s dimensions and the depth of your pour. For example, a 70m² room with a 1.5mm pour depth requires about 105kg of resin.
Step 2: Preparing the Floor
Firstly, seal the perimeter and any doorways to contain the resin. Fill any cracks or gaps to ensure a smooth surface. Use a mix of GlassCast 3 and Fumed Silica to create a tough epoxy filler, apply it with a trowel, and allow it to harden. Sand smooth any rough spots and thoroughly clean the floor.
Step 3: Weighing, Mixing, and Pigmenting the Resin
Next, ensure all high spots and rough areas are sanded down to achieve a smooth surface, then clean the floor meticulously. It’s crucial to remove all dirt and debris to prevent imperfections in the final finish.
If your floor surface is unsealed or porous, apply a sealer or a thin layer of GlassCast 3 before the main pour to prevent the resin from seeping into the substrate.
Additionally, it’s important to maintain a dry environment as moisture can adversely affect the curing and final appearance of the epoxy resin.
Related Articles:
Ultimate Guide to Epoxy Flooring
Kitchen Epoxy Flooring Costs
Step 4: Pouring & Curing the Resin
Step 5: The Finished Floor and After Care
Pouring the Resin:
Mark the floor sections where each batch of resin will be poured using masking tape. Start pouring the resin at one end of the floor, and spread it evenly towards the exit, using a hand spreader for areas around obstacles like pipes or pillars. For larger areas, a notched squeegee is more effective. We recommend a notch depth of about twice the resin depth, or 4mm in our case.
Continue the sequence of measuring, adding pigment, mixing, and pouring until the entire floor is covered. GlassCast 3 resin levels itself well, needing only minimal adjustment to ensure even coverage.
Curing the Resin:
Complete the entire floor in one go, ideally with an extra person to assist with mixing, as the process can take up to 45 minutes. The resin releases air bubbles naturally, but if you spot any areas where bubbles aren’t popping, pass over them with a propane torch.
Use spiked overshoes to walk on the freshly poured floor if necessary. Once the pouring is finished, seal the room to prevent drafts that can bring dust into the wet resin. Let the floor cure completely to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish.
Step 6: Other Applications
The techniques shared here are versatile and can be adapted for various decorative purposes such as adding marbling effects, using the resin as a clear coat over other materials, or customizing colours.
Feel free to experiment with the design to suit your style and space. If you want a professional epoxy flooring installer to install epox flooring for your home, dont hesitate to contact us or drop us an email.
