Epoxy screed

Epoxy screed is one of the most modern solutions in floor finishing. It is characterized by extraordinary durability, aesthetics and functionality, which makes it suitable for use in both industrial and residential spaces. Below you will learn what exactly an epoxy screed is, what advantages it has, where it can be used and how to properly perform and care for it.

What is epoxy screed?

Epoxy screed is a type of coating made of epoxy resin, which, when applied to the floor, creates a uniform, seamless surface. This material is known for its high resistance to mechanical and chemical damage, temperature and moisture.

What are the properties of epoxy screed?

• Wear Resistance : Epoxy screed is exceptionally resistant to abrasion and impact, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Chemical resistance : Epoxy coating is resistant to many chemicals, including acids and oils.
• Waterproof : The material does not absorb water, making it suitable for rooms exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens or cold rooms.
• Aesthetics : Smooth and uniform surface allows for personalization in terms of color and finish (matt, semi-matt, gloss). Some products for epoxy screeds, such as Epoxol® Floor, not only create a mirror effect, but can also be colored according to the RAL palette.

Where can epoxy screed be used?

Epoxy screeds are used in many places, such as:

• Industrial spaces : Excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion and mechanical stress are just some of the many advantages of epoxy screeds. Thanks to this, they are often used in industry, including production halls, warehouses and workshops.
• Public spaces : This is an excellent choice for hospitals, schools and offices. Epoxol® Floor and Neopox® SF Plus are ideal .
• Houses and apartments : Resistance to chemicals and moisture translates into the possibility of using epoxy screeds also in houses, in rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms or garages,
• Sports facilities : The possibility of creating an anti-slip coating on the epoxy screed enables the successful application of the resin, among others. in gyms, swimming pools and fitness rooms.

Types of epoxy screeds

Thin-layer screeds

Perfect for places with moderate traffic. They are less thick and easy to apply. The thickness of thin-layer screeds ranges from 0.5 to 1 mm. They are created using specially selected epoxy resins that do not contain organic solvents, such as Epoxol® Floor or Neopox® SF Plus .

Thick-layer screeds

Used in places where high resistance to mechanical and chemical loads is required. As in the case of thin-layer screeds, they are created using epoxy resins with low VOC emissions. The thickness of thick-layer screeds ranges from 1 to even several mm in one layer. Epoxol® Floor mixed with quartz sand and stretched with a squeegee to a given thickness, as well as Troken Floor Flex Special or Troken Floor Fast Special, will work great here

Anti-slip spouts

Thanks to special additives, they ensure safety in places prone to slipping. They are made by applying a thin layer of surface resin using a roller with an anti-slip additive , or by covering a wet epoxy screed with quartz sand . The screed is then vacuumed to remove unbound sand and closed with a thin layer of resin from above.

Decorative screeds

Available in various colors and finishes, they allow you to create visually attractive surfaces. Using this type of products, the so-called mirror effect or marble effect. A product that both gives a mirror effect and allows experienced people to create visual effects, such as imitation marble, is Epoxol® Floor . Additionally, transparent epoxy resins such as Epoxol® 3D make it possible to pour paintings on floors, which is also a trend in many Polish homes.

Advantages of epoxy screeds

• Durability : High resistance to mechanical and chemical damage.
• Hygiene : Seamless surface easy to keep clean. All you need is a gentle detergent, warm water and a mop with soft bristles.
• Aesthetics : Customizable colors and effects.
• Moisture resistance : Perfect for wet rooms.
• Versatility : Use in various types of buildings and rooms.

How to prepare the substrate for epoxy screed?

Step 1: Clean the surface

It is necessary to remove dust, dirt and any poorly bonded floor fragments. If epoxy resin is poured on tiles, it is necessary to degrease them. Please remember that any poorly bonded substrate fragments and fat significantly reduce the adhesion of the epoxy resin.

Step 2: Leveling the ground

It is necessary to fill in any gaps and defects before applying the epoxy screed. In the case of large unevenness, this may translate not only into weaker grip, but also into the final visual effect. Ready-made epoxy putties will work well to fill gaps, e.g. Epoxol® Liquid or Epoxol® Putty , as well as Neodur® FT Putty . Appropriate repair masses can also be obtained by mixing fine quartz sand 0.1-0.3 mm with Epoxol® Primer SF-P or N eopox® Primer WS .

Step 3: Priming and applying scratch coat

Before pouring the epoxy screed, it is necessary to properly prime the substrate to increase the adhesion of the resin. A properly primed substrate is fully glossy. Any dull spots indicate increased local absorbency of the substrate and it is necessary to apply an additional portion of primer. Before applying the epoxy screed, a leveling layer is often applied, the so-called scratch coat, which is intended to even out remaining unevenness even after filling. Additionally, this layer further increases the adhesion of the epoxy screed and improves the final effect in terms of the aesthetics of the floor. The intended material for this application is Troken Floor EPS .

How to properly apply an epoxy screed?

• Material preparation : Mix the resin base with the hardener in the appropriate proportions specified by the manufacturer. Then everything is mixed until a uniform mixture is obtained for a specified time to evenly distribute the hardener inside the base.
• Application : The prepared mixture is poured on the floor and spread using a squeegee or squeegee.
• Smoothing : The material must be spread evenly and then, for materials that are not self-venting, a spiked roller must be used. This roller not only removes air bubbles formed during the application stage, but also evenly distributes the resin.
• Curing : Leave the spread and vented screed to harden. Full hardening usually takes 7 days, although in some cases it happens earlier.

Maintenance and care of epoxy screeds

In order for the epoxy screed to serve for many years, it is worth following several rules:

• Clean the surface regularly using mild detergents and warm water.
• Avoid using abrasive products.
• Apply additional protective layers if necessary.

All information regarding the maintenance of epoxy screeds is always included in the technical data sheets of specific products.