What’s the number one space in our home that is constantly in use most but tends to be the last on our list for upgrades? The entryway. The entryway is a high-traffic area with piles of shoes constantly thrown around, weather tracked in, and even muddy pawprints traipsing across your floor. It’s time to give the dreaded entryway the makeover it deserves. Make cleaning easy with a little elbow grease and one DIY weekend.
The Quick Guide to Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy is one of the most versatile DIY products, but attention to detail in any epoxy project is crucial. There are three main components to this project:
1. Preparation
Preparation is key to the success of any epoxy project. There are hundreds of different types of epoxies, all with different guidelines and purposes. It’s also important to read the different labels. You’ll want to make sure you’re working with a product that’s made in the U.S.A., as well as a product that is non-yellowing and self-leveling. Selecting the right epoxy for your project will ensure that your new flooring lasts for years and looks great.
When coating a floor, you’ll get the best results with an epoxy designed for the task. Go for a “countertop” or “table top” resin rather than the deep pour varieties that are best suited for thicker projects.
In addition to selecting the proper epoxy, you will need to prep your space. For your epoxy to adhere to the floor properly, you’ll need to not only make sure the surface is completely cleaned, but you’ll also want to make sure you sand it down. There’s a balance to this step as the substance requires some roughness for a good grip. But, remember to clean up any leftover debris from the sanding unless you want it in your final pour like confetti!
2. Mixing and Pouring
Any epoxy product will come in two separate containers. To transform the liquid into a durable solid, you’ll mix these substances. This project requires careful measuring or the epoxy may end up eternally squishy.
Depending on the epoxy that you chose, the mixing requirements vary. For example, if you’re using a table top resin, it may have a 2:1 ratio to keep the mixing simple. Check the packaging for the product’s requirements.
In addition to the proper mixing ratios, you’ll also need to have the measurements of your space in order to figure out how much epoxy to mix. Utilize an epoxy coverage calculator to make sure you have enough epoxy to cover your entire entryway floor.
When you’re confident you have the proper ratio and volume of epoxy prepped, it’s time to start mixing. This is also the stage that you can add in a color if you choose. We recommend leveraging a mica powder to give your glossy new floor a color that matches your space.
But wait–before you add the coloring into your final mixture, take a sample of your mixed epoxy and add in a sample of your color. This will allow you to test the ratios and make sure that you like the color you selected.
Now that you’ve got your mixture and optionally added a colorful tint, it’s time to pour. Make sure that you’ve sealed off the edges of your flooring to ensure that there is no run-off. Most epoxies out there are self-leveling, so once you pour, the last thing you have to do is let it sit and cure.
3. Sealing
Since your entryway is such a high-traffic area, you’ll want to make sure that your new coating lasts for years to come. Before you seal your project, you will want to make sure that it is properly cured. That means that your base layer needs to be completely hardened before you add more epoxy. Give the floor as much time as the packaging states and keep an eye on the suggested temperature as well. Too much heat or cold air could cause a less sturdy result.
And there you are, enjoy your transformed entryway!
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