An epoxy floor can transform any concrete surface so it has more visual appeal and plenty of protection. A resin-based coating epoxy is easy to apply to your home but does require a slight waiting period for it to cure properly. How long does it take for epoxy floors to dry?
Before installing new basement or garage flooring in Toronto, learn all about how experts apply epoxy and the exact cure time it needs. This guide will reveal everything you need to know about this process so there are no surprises.
Benefits of Epoxy Flooring
After the drying process is complete, you can enjoy all the benefits of epoxy paint. This mixture seals your floor so even a sub-standard concrete slab can handle heavy foot traffic. Experts recommend epoxy flooring for high-traffic areas, but many choose to apply a coating in spaces with light foot traffic because it looks much nicer than cold, dull concrete floors.
Homeowners love this coating because it’s low-maintenance and resistant to stains. Commercial property owners also value this type of flooring because it is chemical-resistant and extremely durable. The epoxy cure time is one of the only drawbacks since there is a slight waiting period after installation.
Different Types of Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy mixtures are not all equal. Some are available for driveways and outdoor surfaces with high resistance to moisture and UV rays, while others are better suited for indoor environments and provide a chic, glossy finish. Coatings are available in a wide range of colours and patterns to complement any space.
What To Expect During the Application Process
Installing an epoxy floor is quite simple; it usually takes about a day to lay out the resin mixture. However, the process will face delays if using a brand-new concrete slab since experts will need to test the concrete to make sure it’s suitable for coating.
Getting all moisture out of the surface is an essential part of proper preparation and impacts the overall curing time. Once the surface is ready, experts will clear the space to lay down the mixture.
Your new epoxy floor coating will be ready for use once it finishes curing, which brings us to the question most homeowners have: How long does it take for epoxy floors to dry? The surface will feel dry within 24 hours, but it still needs more time to cure and be ready for foot traffic.
How Long Does Epoxy Need To Cure?
The epoxy-curing process usually takes up to seven days. You may be able to walk on your new floors three days after application, but we recommend allowing for more epoxy curing time to avoid any scuffing or damage.
Try to stay off your floors for a week after application, and avoid placing furniture or chemicals on the curing epoxy. When you are ready to use the space, cover the furniture feet and avoid dragging the furniture across the floor. This protects the floor from any unnecessary damage.
In order to cure completely, epoxy flooring needs to be kept in certain conditions. This includes:
- A warm environment with an ambient temperature
- A fair amount of moisture in the air
- Applying the coating to cooling concrete
We make sure to apply epoxy to floors that can maintain a warm temperature with some humidity. Your floor will look great and cure efficiently when you have patience and maintain these conditions.
How To Speed up the Epoxy Cure Time
If you want to make sure your epoxy cures faster, there are some steps you can take to move the process along. You can use a heat lamp to provide warmth and facilitate the process. This is particularly helpful for naturally cool areas like basements.
Moisture vapour treatment is another option to increase the humidity levels around the floor. These two components are crucial for getting epoxy resin and hardeners to grip your floor and seal it. Rather than wondering, “How long does epoxy need to cure?” you can use heat and humidity to reduce the cure time.
Contact Bull Epoxy Coating To Receive an Epoxy Floor
The team at Bull Epoxy Coating can prepare your garage floor, basement floor, or other concrete surface properly, then apply a special epoxy mixture. Our experts know how to enhance the concrete quality and let the new durable coating fully cure. We can answer all of your questions about the process, including, “How long does it take for epoxy floors to dry?”
Give us a call today at (416) 736-2999 to learn more about applying epoxy flooring and schedule a consultation.
