Epoxy resin for concrete

What is epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is a synthetic chemical material characterized by high strength, resistance to mechanical damage and aesthetic appearance. It consists of two main components: resin and hardener, which, when combined, create a durable, damage-resistant surface.

Why choose epoxy resin for concrete?

Concrete is a popular building material, but its surface may be susceptible to mechanical damage, penetration of liquids or dirt. Epoxy resin offers an ideal solution because:

• Protects concrete against moisture, chemicals and mechanical damage.
• Increases surface durability by creating an abrasion-resistant protective surface.
• It adds aesthetics thanks to the possibility of choosing different colors and finishes. A wide range of decorative solutions allows you to maintain both the raw character of the material and an aesthetic, colorful finish.
• Makes cleaning and maintenance of the surface easier thanks to its smooth surface without joints.

Types of epoxy resins for concrete

Colorless epoxy resin

Transparent epoxy resin allows you to maintain the natural appearance of concrete while protecting it against external factors. It is perfect for home surfaces, such as resin floors in living rooms or stairs. This is also a solution used in the case of decorative floors , when the aim of the project is to embed a specific element or image in the floor. Epoxol® 3D will work great . There are also colorless resins for pouring objects, e.g. in wood, an example of which is Telpox C300 .

Colored epoxy resin

Available in a wide range of colors, it allows you to personalize concrete surfaces. It works well in garages, workshops and production halls, where, in addition to functionality, appearance is important. Our portfolio includes products with a ready-made color range, such as Neopox® Special , and those that are colored for specific design needs, such as Neopox® W Plus , Epoxol® Floor or Neopox® SF Plus .

Epoxy resin with anti-slip additives

The addition of anti-slip substances makes the surface safer. This is an ideal solution for places where exposure to moisture is high, e.g. in bathrooms or kitchens. Anti-slip additives combined with epoxy resin allow for obtaining various anti-slip classes from R9 to even R13.

Industrial epoxy resin

Designed for use in places with high traffic and exposed to intense loads. It is characterized by increased resistance to abrasion and chemicals. Often, this type of resin is applied in thicker layers to create a coating that is resistant to the mentioned loads. Additionally, industrial epoxy resin has exceptional resistance to various types of chemicals such as acids, alkalis, oils and fuels, which allows for long-term, effective protection of the concrete floor.

Advantages of epoxy resin for concrete

• Chemical resistance – creates a coating that perfectly protects against acids, oils and other substances. Thanks to this, it can be successfully used both in garages, where there is a risk of contact with fuels, but also in the industry producing and storing food and various chemical substances.
• Mechanical durability – withstands intense loads and heavy traffic, including cars, trucks and forklifts. Depending on the loads the floor will be subjected to, it is recommended to select an appropriate epoxy system that takes into account the different thickness of the resin.
• Aesthetics – a smooth, shiny surface improves the appearance of any interior. Resin coatings allow for seamless surfaces, which translates not only into a nice appearance, but also easy to keep the floor clean. The only joints that occur in resin floors are expansion joints.
• Moisture resistance - ideal for bathrooms, swimming pools and garages. Due to its structure, epoxy resin is resistant to moisture, so it is perfect as a coating to protect concrete surfaces against it. This allows you to extend the life of concrete from several to even several dozen years.
• Long service life – with proper maintenance, it can last for years. Epoxy resin, like everything else, degrades during use. However, these types of coatings are much more durable than traditional solutions, both for walls and floors. These resins come from industry, where they were subjected to various load tests. However, in order for the floor to fulfill its function as long as possible, it must be properly maintained, which includes regular cleaning and repair of small spots of damage. It is also worth remembering that if the epoxy resin coating comes into contact with chemical substances, it is worth removing them as soon as possible to reduce the so-called chemical stress of the coating and extend its service life.

How to apply epoxy resin to concrete?

Applying epoxy resin to concrete requires several consecutive steps. Here they are:

Surface preparation

1. Cleaning concrete – it is necessary to remove dust, dirt and other unbound, poorly adhering fragments of concrete. If greasy stains occur, it is necessary to degrease the concrete, e.g. using surfactants. Failure to remove grease from the concrete material significantly reduces the adhesion of the epoxy resin.
2. Repairing damage – it is worth filling in any gaps, leveling the surface and repairing the damage. This will not only affect the adhesion and durability of the epoxy resin coating, but will also increase the visual effect of the final resin surface.
3. Grinding – before applying epoxy resins, it is necessary to grind the concrete. The scope of sanding depends on the type of epoxy resin applied. This will be different in the case of thin-coat materials applied with a roller and in the case of self-leveling epoxy resins such as Epoxol® Floor .

Soil application

1. A primer, which is also an epoxy resin, is applied to the prepared surface to create optimal adhesion for further layers of the system. A properly primed substrate with epoxy primer becomes completely shiny. If dull spots appear on the primed surface, another layer may be necessary.
2. The primed surface should be left until the resin has initially hardened, which depends on the prevailing weather conditions. Both temperature and humidity can extend or shorten this time. All information in this regard can be found in the technical data sheets of the products used, and familiarizing yourself with them before starting the application is necessary to properly carry out the entire process.

Applying the resin

1. Once the substrate is properly primed, you can proceed to the application of the resin. To do this, prepare a mixture consisting of an epoxy resin base and a hardener. Mixing proportions can be found in the technical data sheet of each product.
2. Then, the prepared resin mixture is applied depending on the type of epoxy resin: with a roller, brush, spray, squeegee or squeegee . Manufacturers most often provide information on how to apply the resin on their website or in the product's technical data sheet. An example is Neopox® Special , which is a thin-layer epoxy resin applied with a roller, brush or spray. In turn, the high-build Epoxol® Floor epoxy is spread using a serrated squeegee to the desired system thickness.
3. The applied epoxy resin should be allowed to dry. If it is necessary to apply another layer, it must be done within the time specified in the technical data sheet. After the time for repainting has passed, it is necessary to matt the surface by sanding before applying the next layer. The applied resin is then left to fully harden, which in the case of epoxy resins takes about 7 days.

Care and maintenance of epoxy resin surfaces

1. Regular cleaning – it is recommended to use mild detergents and avoid sharp brushes. Removing contaminants in the form of chemicals, but also sand and dust in this way will keep the epoxy coating in good condition much longer.
2. Avoiding mechanical damage - it is recommended not to move heavy objects without protective pads. In apartments, it is recommended to cover furniture with felt pads, for example, to protect the resin floor from scratching. In places exposed to scratches, for example from sand, it is worth considering additionally protecting the floor with a protective varnish. An example is Neodur® Varnish polyurethane varnish .
3. Periodic maintenance – it is worth periodically inspecting surfaces protected with resins. You can also apply an additional, thin layer of material in places with increased use to keep the entire coating in good condition for as long as possible.