What Is The Epoxy Coating For Basement?

If you think your basement flooring has seen better days, then epoxy paint can change everything. The good thing about this project is that it’s relatively cheap. This is especially true as you don’t need to hire a contractor. It’s a project that can be done in a single weekend.

Furthermore, you don’t need specialised equipment. Perhaps the only advanced tool you may need is a paintbrush and roller. This article will learn about epoxy paint for the basement floor, a step-by-step guide on how to do the project, the recommended kits, and more.

Epoxy is a seamless, tough, and beautiful way to upgrade your client’s basement floors and is a great upgrade from standard floor paints (which tend to chip and peel over time). This easy-to-use mix-and-apply option is a durable, non-flammable surface that easily adheres to concrete. 

The surface can easily withstand heavy dropped objects (perfect for basement home gyms), can tolerate the weight of a vehicle, and stands up to spills, making this a kid and husband-friendly option for families.

As a commercial flooring contractor, epoxy floors are a great option for customers looking for a low-maintenance option that will last a lifetime-enhanced concrete floors are an attractive option.

Types Of Epoxy For Basement Floors

Epoxy floor paints are purchased as two separate parts that are mixed and then applied to a well-cleaned and prepped concrete floor.

Solid Epoxy

This is the purest form of epoxy that does not contain solvents.

Unfortunately, this type of epoxy is expensive, difficult to find, and hardens very quickly, and therefore it’s recommended that this epoxy be applied only by a commercial flooring contractor.

Water-Based Epoxy

This epoxy also contains 40-60% solids, with the benefit of no hazardous solvent fumes. It’s sold at most home and hardware stores and is a popular alternative to solvent-based epoxies.

There is also a large range of style options for pre-tinted and metallic epoxy floor coatings, including coloured flakes that create a speckled pattern on the surface.

You can easily create a customised look for coating basement floors that match your client’s aesthetic and style, and there are many beautiful examples of epoxy floors done right.

Solvent-Based Epoxy

This epoxy contains 40-60% solids, adheres to concrete well, and is available in a wide range of colours. However, the solvents are potentially hazardous.

Therefore, you must wear a respirator when applying and make sure to ventilate the area as much as possible while keeping kids and pets away.

Best Epoxy Paint For Basement Floor

Rustoleum Epoxy Shield Basement Floor Kit

The thing that is remarkable about this kit is the value it offers. For one, it’s the most affordable option on this list. And yet, it doesn’t mean that it is a lackluster product. It’s far from it.

The kit provides you with enough product to cover about 250 square feet. You don’t need a lot as a single coat is enough. That also means that it’s not time-consuming to apply compared to other products that require multiple coats.

As a bonus, you don’t need to spend money buying a primer because it doesn’t need one.

The formula also cures into a hard and durable surface. As a result, it can resist abrasions, stains, and wear. The final result also produces a beautiful satin finish.

Another thing that’s worth mentioning is that the formula is water-based. Hence, it’s a low odour. You’d want this because enclosed spaces (e.g., basement) can amplify the harsh and chemical smells of non-water-based formulas.

Finally, the coating is also low maintenance. There’s no need to follow strict guidelines to clean it so that you won’t damage it.

Instead, you can clean it with soap and water. When it comes to downsides, there are only a few. The most glaring issue is that the formula is recommended for indoor use only. The colour is also clear, which can be too dull for some users.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Water-based formula – it’s safer and low-odour
• Satin finish – beautiful and classy
• 250 square feet coverage – there’s enough product to cover a typical basement

Cons

• Dries pretty fast

Supercoat Stone Epoxy Floor Coating

This kit produces not only a breathable coating but also an aesthetically pleasing result.

The first thing to know about this kit is that the coating is breathable. This means that it allows vapours and moisture to pass through. As a result, it significantly decreases the occurrence of unsightly peelings and blistering.

On top of that, it creates an anti-slip aggregate that makes it safer for everybody. The coat itself is very durable. It’s resistant to hot tire lifts and automotive fluids. It also adheres pretty well to wood and concrete.

Speaking of adhesion, there’s no need for mechanical preparation or acid etching to apply the product. In most cases, you only need a degreaser, which is already included in the kit. Then, mix and apply the product.

After that, you scatter the flakes and wait for them to cure. The flakes give it a unique and lovely look. It goes especially well with modern and minimalistic themes.

While its unique look is excellent, it’s also a downside. It means that you need to take more steps to complete the project. Also, the distribution of the flakes to make it look good requires a bit of art.

Pros

• Breathable – you can expect a very minimal occurrence of peeling and blistering
• Decorative flakes – beautiful and modern-looking
• Anti-slip aggregate – contributes to a safer environment

Cons

• Needs more steps to complete

Coloured Epoxies Epoxy Resin Coating

If you want a coating that is slightly coloured with plenty of colour options, then this one is an excellent option. The formula cures into a 100% solid surface that’s mostly clear but with a hint of colour tone.

The coat is also flexible, so it moves with the slight shifts of the flooring. It’s odourless, and that means it has no chemical smell even after it’s newly applied and cured.

It’s sold by gallon, and it can coat around 125 to 175 square feet on a single can. As a bonus, the coating is waterproof. Hence, it can protect the flooring below from moisture damage. For the same reason, it’s mildew and mould resistant.

The coating is flexible, so you are not limited to concrete applications. You can use it on plywood and bar tops as well. The final result is aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also durable. The product cures into a super high gloss layer, which gives off a high-class look. Despite being beautiful, it’s hardy as it’s abrasion-resistant and impact resistant.

If there’s a downside to this kit, it has to be that it’s not water-based. However, it’s still odourless and free from volatile organic compounds. Hence, it does not come with the usual strong chemical smells of non-water-based products. It’s also good to know that it’s free from volatile organic compounds that are known to cause serious health issues if one is subjected to prolonged exposure.

Pros

• Colored – the slight colouration may be attractive for some people who consider clear colour as too dull
• Odourless – doesn’t come with a strong chemical smell
• No volatile organic compounds – minimises health issues

Cons

• Non-water based

How To Apply Epoxy To Basement Floors

To get started, here are some things to consider when beginning an epoxy project:

Time Is Of The Essence

When working with epoxy, time is the most critical factor because it quickly begins to harden once mixed and is only workable for about 2 hours.

However, the application is essentially as easy as rolling paint onto a wall-although you also have to consider how you’ll paint the surface of the basement so you can paint yourself out of the room.

Plan For Enough Epoxy

You’ll need to apply at least two layers of epoxy to the surface, most epoxy kits supply one coat of coverage, but this is dependent on the size of the project area.

Prep The Concrete

The concrete should be even, smooth, and very clean. To prep the surface, you may have to use a concrete grinder. Once you’ve made the concrete surface smooth and even, you’ll need to clean the surface of the concrete and remove any dust or debris.

Before getting started, know that the curing time for epoxy floors takes about 12 hours, and for optimal curing, the concrete should be completely dry and at least 55 degrees, with ambient air temperatures around 60-90 degrees. 

Benefits Of Basement Floor Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy Floor Paint Coatings come in a wide range of beautiful colours and finishes, providing the perfect finishing touch to any flooring project.

So don’t just transform your basement with your sense of style, but spread that style into every other living space where you’d like a protective moisture barrier flooring that is also durable, non-porous, anti-microbial, stain-proof, easy to clean, and maintenance-free!

Protection from Moisture

Epoxy is waterproof. This means it has the ability to protect the flooring beneath it from water and moisture. Waterproofing is essential if your basement floor is always damp because mould and mildew will begin thriving in it.

Epoxy paint is a great option for protection against leaks and spills. It can help in preventing massive amounts of water and moisture from seeping through your home’s concrete foundations, keeping potential damage at a minimum.

Unlike wood, basement floor epoxy does NOT warp even in a damp environment. Therefore, you have nothing to worry about with poor ventilation that may cause basement flooring to buckle.

Regardless of whether the condition or environment is wet or dry, you’ll be able to enjoy your basement as an epoxy floor can cope with a broad range of levels of humidity.

Strength And Durability

Distinctly valued for its durability and strength, an epoxy basement floor has a longer lifespan compared to almost all other types of basement flooring. Concrete is perhaps the only flooring material that can beat epoxy; however, it must be sealed and maintained properly.

Take note: epoxy floor coating needs concrete underneath it. An epoxy coat renders concrete floors exceptionally durable.

Decorative

Epoxy basement flooring is very practical; however, that doesn’t mean it lacks aesthetic quality. On the contrary, most homeowners choose epoxy basement flooring from its attractive appearance.

An epoxy floor comes in several different styles and colours, which means you can match the shade and pattern of your floor to your basement’s overall design.

Easy To Clean And Maintain

Epoxy floors are easy to clean and maintain as they’re highly resistant to almost everything from gasoline, bleach, and oil to cleansers and transmission fluid.

Their resistance is one of the many reasons they’re so frequently found in basements and garages. Besides withstanding cleaners or chemical spills, epoxy floors’ smooth, even surfaces make them easy to sweep. Not much sticks with this kind of flooring, so cleaning messes is easy.

Basement Epoxy Floor Paint Costs And Pricing

One complete kit will cover up to 500 square feet (with a smooth, non-porous concrete substrate).

Included In Each 100% Solids Epoxy Kit:

• 3-Gallon; 2-Gallons Part A & 1-Gallon Part B
• 5-Gallon Mix Bucket
• Notched Squeegee
• Mix Wand
• Easy-to-follow instructions

What You’ll Need For Prepping Concrete

Before you start, here are some items you need:

• Scraper
• Vacuum
• Garden hose 
• Power scrubber with a brush attachment
• Stiff bristle brush
• Squeegee
• Plastic watering can
• 32% muriatic acid
• Gloves
• Vapour respirator

All projects will be different, and depending on the state of the concrete floor prior to painting, you might not need all the supplies on the list. Read through the steps before purchasing.

Prepping For Coating

Remove any previous flooring, like vinyl, carpet, tile, and more, in order to expose the concrete to which the epoxy will be painted. Clean the concrete surface using a scraper or shovel to remove debris or carpet glue.

Vacuum the floor.

Wet the entire basement surface using a hose, and working in small sections, use the power scrubber to clean the surface of the floor. Use a stiff bristle brush for edges and corners that the machine can’t reach.

Once the floor is clean, squeegee the water into a central location and vacuum it up with a wet/dry shop vacuum.

Using a vapour respirator, mix muriatic acid in the plastic watering can, mix with a paint stirrer, and sprinkle over the floor. Next, etch the concrete using a long-handled acid brush, and then rinse the floor at least three times to remove the acid. Let the floor dry overnight.

What You’ll Need For Applying Epoxy

To get started on painting the epoxy, get these items:

• Paintbrushes
• 9-inch roller and pole
• Duct tape
• Plastic bag

The rollers and poles are the most important part of applying the epoxy, and it’s recommended to purchase some extra rollers, as the epoxy will harden and potentially ruin the rollers.

How To Apply a Basement Epoxy Floor Paint

Step 1: Prepare And Clean The Surface

The first step is to clean the surface thoroughly. Next, you have to wash the floor with soap and water. Then, you’d want to use a scraper to scrape off fine materials that may have stuck on the floor.

Let the floor dry and do a lot of vacuuming after that. Finally, do a tape test to know if you’re ready to move on to the next step.

To do a tape test, place a strip of tape on the floor. As you rip off the tape, you’d want good resistance. This means that the tape is sticking to the floor very well.

However, if you can rip it off easily, there are plenty of fine dust, dirt, and other materials sticking to the tape. This is why the tape won’t have a lot of resistance when you take it off. If this step seems to take time, don’t worry about it.

This is the most time-consuming part of the project. In most cases, you will spend at least three times cleaning compared to applying the coat.

Step 2: Masking Edges

You have to apply tape to make sure that the coat doesn’t go to places that you don’t want.

It’s highly recommended that you use painter’s tape. This is because it is easy to take out, and it doesn’t leave a residue, unlike masking tape. Also, a painter’s tape is easily recognisable as it’s usually coloured blue.

When applying the tape, you have two options. First, you can tape alongside the bottom-most part of the wall. If you do this, only the floor will be coated. Or, you can do the other popular option.

You can do a floor trim if you think it could increase the aesthetics.

However, if you do this option, the floor and trim should be the same colour. Hence, you’d want to start taping a couple of inches above the floor.

For example, you’d want a 10-inch trim. The best way to do it is to go to one corner of the wall, measure 10 inches from the floor, and then place a mark. Next, go to the opposite corner of the same wall, and also measure 10 inches from the floor and mark it.

Finally, take a piece of string and connect the two marks. The string will guide your masking to ensure that your trim will be as straight as possible.

Step 3: Mix Epoxy Coating

This step is probably the easiest and fastest. All you need to do is mix the formulas. In most cases, you need to mix two products. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s user guide to ensure that you are incorporating the right products in the right amounts.

Once you have combined the needed products, make sure that you mix them very well. You can use an applicator stick as a stirrer, but only if you are mixing relatively small amounts.

Generally, you’d want to stir the formulas together for three minutes non-stop. However, you still want to check the user’s manual for the recommended mixing time to ensure you get the best results.

Step 4: Paint the Epoxy

The next step is to apply the epoxy. For this step, you should have both a paintbrush and roller.

The most important thing to keep in mind in this step is to plan your pathing. If you don’t plan your pathing, you might end up in one corner and surrounded by a newly painted epoxy surface. At this point, you’re stuck.

In order for you to get out, you’ll have to risk damaging the epoxy coating. Hence, plan to avoid this easy-to-make mistake. You’d want to use both a paintbrush and roller, as mentioned above.

For painting edges, you’d want accuracy, and a roller is not the best tool for that. Thus, you use a paintbrush. Also, it’s best that you work on the edges first and then move on to coating the middle parts.

For the middle parts, you shouldn’t be so concerned about accuracy. Hence, the best tool is the roller. With it, you can cover more space in less time. It’s all about being efficient.

Step 5: Adding Texture Flakes

This step is not necessary for all kits. If your chosen kit doesn’t have flakes, then you can skip this part. However, this is the best time to sprinkle it around for kits that have flakes.

When spreading the flakes, one crucial thing that you need to be aware of is the size of the area and your access to some parts. Also, keep in mind that there’s a limit to the distance you can throw or sprinkle the flakes.

It is not a big deal if the area is small, and you can comfortably sprinkle from one end, and it will reach the other end. Your problems start if you can’t do this. Just imagine a square room with only one entrance. Now you have coated the floor up to the exit.

You grab the flakes, and you can’t sprinkle and reach the other side of the room. Do you see the problem here?

If the room is large and you have limited access, you will have to alternate between painting the epoxy and sprinkling the flakes. Your goal is to evenly sprinkle the flakes in all areas of the surface you want to coat. Once you are done sprinkling, you can move to the next step.

Step 6: Finish

After sprinkling, let the epoxy cure fully. After that, you are mostly done. While most epoxy coatings don’t need a finish, you still have the option if you want one. If you decide to use a finish, then this is the time you want to apply it. After the finish is also cured, then you are done. Then, all you need to do is clean up.

Things To Keep In Mind

If you mix a product that totals more than a gallon, you should use an electric mixer to combine the parts thoroughly. Do not mix parts that a different company makes.

The formula is different, and it may not work.

Also, be mindful of the expiration date. Don’t assume that it’s not food, and the expiration date doesn’t matter. It does.

Summary

Unfinished basement floors can become vast living spaces for entertaining family and friends when you breathe new life into them by sealing your basement concrete floor with an Epoxy Basement Epoxy Floor Paint Kit.

Epox Pro is a non-porous seamless epoxy floor coating system that eliminates concrete floor dust from attaching to your basement floor (as it does to an unfinished concrete floor), making cleaning easier and faster, and is just another good step in the right direction for protective, preventive floor maintenance and concrete restoration.

We have a wide array of beautiful epoxy colours with unique decorative coating systems, from your unfinished basement floor space to your ultimate finished basement floor space.

FAQs The Epoxy Coating For Basement

How Long Does The Epoxy Basement Floor Last?

For example, a professionally installed epoxy flooring system can last up to 30 years in a residential and light traffic area. Still, the flooring system may only last up to 15-20 years when placed in heavy-duty commercial and industrial facilities due to heavy traffic simply wearing the floor down rapidly. Epoxy flooring offers a long-term option for basements as it can last two decades.

Are Epoxy Basement Floors Cold?

In cold temperatures, concrete slabs are almost always colder compared to air in the surroundings, and epoxy can take on a slab’s temperature as it’s applied. Basements with epoxy coatings will be cold during winter. Epoxy floors become slick when they are wet. You will need to walk cautiously around spills or after you clean the surface.

Does The Basement Epoxy Coating Have A Strong Odour?

Epoxy flooring normally has a strong odour from traditional solvent-based coatings.

In some cases, these fumes and odours may not be acceptable. No matter how your sense of smell is, the offensive odours from a quality epoxy product make your garage, hanger, or warehouse smell for the first few days to over a week.

The standard epoxy flooring emits an odour, ranging from odourless and mild to strong.

The smell will depend on the coat that is used. The smell that’s emitted from epoxy disappears over time. Often as soon as the flooring has cured fully.

How Long Does The Epoxy Basement Floor Take To Dry?

Epoxy floors take around 72 hours to dry – around two to three days. Just keep in mind that the drying period will vary depending on the type of epoxy coating applied, weather conditions, and where the installation was done (outdoor or indoor).

Regardless of these factors, your epoxy floors should be left to dry completely before subjecting them to traffic.

When left to dry properly, epoxy coatings firmly adhere to concrete, creating a durable, stronger, and attractive surface. However, if you expose epoxy flooring to any kind of traffic before it’s fully dry, its surface is likely to get contaminated. This may cause uneven surfaces, fish-eyes, and floor smudging.

Can You Apply Epoxy Over A Painted Basement Floor?

Epoxy can be applied on a painted basement flooring, but you need to remove anything that’s loose so the surface underneath the epoxy is solid. If needed, patch any holes or cracks.

So, the short answer is, yes, you can put epoxy flooring over paint. Furthermore, you can epoxy over painted wood as well. Water-based paint is best for this as they are fast-drying, so you can put the epoxy over the paint after about 24 hours of drying time for the paint.

Are epoxy floors a good idea?

Extremely safe – Epoxy is a very safe coating for your hard floors. It’s slip resistant, shock resistant, and less abrasive than concrete and other types of industrial flooring. It’s also water resistant, and will protect your floor from any spills, including harsh chemicals that would harm other types of floor.

What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?

Cons of Epoxy Flooring

• Strong Application Fumes. During the epoxy application process, wet epoxy gives off an unpleasant smell. …
• Long Curing Time. …
• Slippery When Wet. …
• Economical Flooring Choice. …
• Resistant to Damage. …
• Weather-withstanding. …
• Aesthetically Pleasing. …
• Protects and Decreases Wear & Tear.

How long do epoxy floors last?

10 to 20 years   Long-Lasting, Environmentally-Friendly Floors Epoxy floors typically last 10 to 20 years and can last even longer with the proper maintenance and touch-ups. When it finally comes time to replace your floor, there will be no need for removal, and no need to throw away your old flooring.