Epoxy resin for the terrace

What is epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is a synthetic material created by reacting epoxies with hardeners. Once cured, it creates an extremely durable and abrasion-resistant coating. However, its inherent drawback is its lack of UV resistance, which limits its use in open spaces such as terraces.

Main features and properties of epoxy resin 

• Great adhesion – bonds perfectly to concrete and other mineral substrates. 
• Chemical resistance – does not react with many chemical substances. 
• High mechanical resistance – characterized by hardness and abrasion resistance. 
• UV sensitivity – without proper protection it may change color and lose its properties when exposed to the sun.

Why is epoxy resin suitable for a terrace?

Despite its sensitivity to UV radiation, epoxy resin is an excellent choice as a primer for more durable coatings, such as polyurethane . Specialized products such as Neopox® Primer WS and Neopox® Primer AY improve adhesion and strengthen the deck surface.

Types of epoxy resins for the terrace

Neopox® Primer WS

• Used as an epoxy primer for damp substrates.
• Provides excellent adhesion to concrete.
• Compatible with epoxy, polyurethane and polyurea coatings.

Neopox® Primer AY

• Two-component epoxy primer with high durability.
• Protects the surface against capillary moisture.
• It provides a solid base for UV-resistant coatings.

Advantages of using epoxy resin on a terrace

Weather Resistance:

Properly selected epoxy primers, such as Neopox® Primer WS and Neopox® Primer AY, effectively protect the terrace from moisture and precipitation. However, to achieve full UV resistance, a finishing layer is necessary. These can be polyurethane or polyurea resins , which are available in many colors.

Aesthetics and ease of cleaning:

Epoxy primers prepare the substrate for the application of decorative coatings, improving adhesion and extending the durability of the final finish, such as systems based on products such as Neodur® FT Elastic , Neoproof® Polyurea R , or Neodur® Special . Their flexibility allows for outdoor application, as they are easily subject to various types of contraction and work with the building.

Durability and Abrasion Resistance:

A well-selected epoxy resin primer strengthens the entire structure and prevents premature terrace wear, protecting the surface from mechanical damage.

How to prepare a terrace for epoxy resin application?

Thorough cleaning of the surface

Before application, remove all dirt, grease, and dust. For stubborn stains, use degreasers or mechanical cleaning methods. For very greasy surfaces, it may be necessary to use special degreasers such as Sulfanol A or Emulsol .

Repairing cracks and unevenness

Damage to the concrete substrate should be filled with a suitable repair material, such as Epoxol® Putty , Epoxol® Liquid , or Neodur® FT Putty Epoxol® Primer SF-P or Neopox® Primer WS , can also be used to repair patio floors

Application of epoxy primer

Neopox® Primer WS or Neopox® Primer AY is applied to the prepared terrace , which strengthens the adhesion of subsequent layers and protects the surface against moisture.

How to Apply Epoxy Resin to a Deck? Step by Step

Preparation of necessary materials

For the application you will need:

• Neopox® Primer WS or Neopox® Primer AY ,
• paint rollers and brushes,
• mechanical stirrer,
• paint tray.

Correct application of primer

Epoxy primer should be thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed over the terrace surface. It is important to adhere to the mixing ratio and application time. 

Hardening – initial drying of the soil

After applying a layer of epoxy primer to a terrace, it's important to allow it to initially cure before accepting the next layer of resin system . A properly primed surface is fully glossy, meaning it's shiny, not sticky, but slightly tacky. Typically, the surface will appear this way approximately 24 hours after application, but this depends entirely on the product and weather conditions. Lower temperatures and high humidity extend this process, while higher temperatures and lower humidity can shorten it.

Applying the finishing layer 

After the primer has completely dried, a UV-resistant layer is applied, e.g. Neodur® Special or systems based on Neodur® FT Elastic or Neoproof® Polyurea R.