Epoxy resins universal material, which can be used with equal success in industrial and civil construction. Self-leveling floors based on epoxy resin can be found in industrial premises, including those where floor coverings are exposed to severe chemical stress. They are stacked in stores and warehouses. Even in automotive factories, where the traffic load is especially high, epoxy resin is also used for self-leveling floors. You can buy such material for arranging the operated roof.

Almost any surface can serve as a base for epoxy floors: asphalt, cement strainer, tiles, etc. In any case, the material provides a high degree of adhesion to the supporting base.

General information about epoxy floors and their benefits

The main components of self-leveling floors are resin and hardener, in addition, fillers, water, defoamers, thickeners and other components are added to the mixture. There is an epoxy resin for self-leveling floors, transparent and colored, which significantly improves the decorative properties of the coating. Other advantages of epoxy self-leveling floors include:

• No seams. The surface is perfectly flat and smooth, which minimizes the possibility of accumulation of moisture, dirt, bacteria, etc.
• Easy maintenance. It is worth buying a transparent epoxy resin for the floor and you can forget about the painful washing of constantly dirty floors. The coating is dirt-repellent and easy to clean.
• Durability. Resin significantly increases the strength of the floor and prevents it from abrasion, and given that such a coating also has chemical resistance, we can safely speak of a service life of several decades.
• Non-flammability. Epoxy floors are fire resistant and high temperatures... In addition, they successfully withstand repeated spills of hot water.
• Strength. Epoxy floors can be cleaned using harsh chemicals and abrasives. And thanks to special additives, such a coating is able to withstand the effects of oil products, acids and alkalis.

In our company you can buy everything necessary materials in order to fill an epoxy-based self-leveling floor. Epoxy resin for self-leveling floors, the price of which is undoubtedly affordable with us, has a high quality and is confirmed by appropriate certificates. You can make a purchase from any city in Russia online. The company manager will advise you on the choice suitable material and will help to calculate required amount goods for a specific scope of work.

Self-leveling floors are floors in which, when installing screeds, are used special mixtures... With strict adherence to the technology when arranging such coatings, they must level out on their own and the surface will be ideal.

The main components of this type of coating, used mainly for concrete coatings, are epoxy resin and hardener modified with solvents and plasticizers.

Main characteristics

Depending on the purpose, the mixtures may contain various coloring pigments and additives.

Epoxy self-leveling coatings have significant advantages:

• Mechanical strength
• Wear resistance
• Chemical resistance to most substances and UV radiation
• Fire safety.

Such surfaces are seamless, safe, have antistatic properties, are aesthetically pleasing, have a sufficiently long service life, which when proper care can reach 20 years.

Due to these properties, epoxy floors are used in medical institutions- hospitals, laboratories and industrial premises that are exposed to mechanical stress. They are also in cafes, restaurants, offices.

Fill tool

The optimum thickness of the cast epoxy coating is from 2 to 2.5 mm. The main steps in the device bulk coatings are the preparation of the tools and the surface, and then the alternate application of the primer, base and finishing layers.

Tools used in the installation of self-leveling epoxy coatings:

• Sintepon rollers with a pile of 12-14 cm, steel spatulas (no more than 600 mm wide) - for applying primer layers, putty and undercoat
• Scraper - to distribute the entire composition in the face layer
• Aeration needle roller - to remove air and redistribute material over the surface
• Mixer and mixer - for mixing the components
• Paint shoes - for moving on the surface

Special conditions for work

The work is carried out at an air temperature in the range of 5-25 degrees, while the temperature of the material itself should be within 15-20 degrees. The relative humidity of the air (at the time of pouring the surface) and within 24 hours after - 80%, and the humidity of the base is not more than 4%.

The concrete base for high-quality should be at least 200 grade and should not deviate from the horizontal surface by more than 2 mm on a 2-meter section, should not have greasy stains and traces of rust. If these disadvantages available means cannot be eliminated, then it is necessary to perform a new concrete screed over the base.

Main technical characteristics

For epoxy self-leveling coatings, mainly two-component materials are used as a primer, putty and finishing layer, and dry quartz sand is used as a filler and to create an underlayer.

• Self-leveling epoxy floor does not contain organic solvents
• After mixing the components, the solution retains its "working" properties for 40 minutes
• Thanks to epoxy primer - high adhesion to concrete
• Drying - 3 hours, the beginning of active operation - after 3 days

Finish coat on concrete pavements applied by the "pouring" method provides (in comparison with painted epoxy paints and "sprayed" floors) a very even and smooth surface.

In addition to the standard ones, the market offers a fairly large range of epoxy self-leveling coatings that can also be used in residential construction - these are decorative surfaces with chips, various glitters and

The device of most of them is available only to professional professionals. But having basic skills and having studied some of the features, you can quite successfully arrange self-leveling epoxy floors in small areas on your own, so to speak with your own hands.

The cost of epoxy self-leveling floors

Depending on the surface area, concrete grade and layer thickness, the price of a set of materials for an epoxy self-leveling floor on the market ranges from 550 to 1050 rubles. for 1 sq.m.

Moreover, the better the quality concrete preparation(max. - M350) with the optimal layer thickness, the cheaper the cost of the basic set of materials. The decorative and protective properties change insignificantly with the increase in the floor thickness, but the cost increases quite noticeably.

Therefore, if it is nevertheless necessary to increase the thickness of the surface, then you can reduce the cost of work by arranging an underlay of sand or epoxy putty mixed with sand.

• Chips, flocks and sequins increase the cost of 1 sq.m. from 10 to 100 rubles, depending on their number.
• When using wear-resistant and light-resistant polyurethane varnishes for scratch protection and adhesion decorative elements the price of flooring is also increasing. But money is saved during subsequent repairs.

It is also necessary to take into account the cost of tools and auxiliary materials.

The cost of work on the installation of epoxy coatings is approximately 30% of the cost of materials (excluding transport costs and travel expenses), which, with the proper skill and skill, can be saved by arranging epoxy floors with your own hands.

When choosing self-leveling coatings, it would be a mistake to dwell exclusively on foreign brands. Similar products of many domestic manufacturers are not inferior in quality to imported mixtures - at a much lower cost

Thus, with the device, for example, 1000 sq. M. surface of optimal thickness, the price of a turnkey epoxy self-leveling floor will be from 750 to 1400 rubles. for 1 sq.m.

Great importance in the creation of any interior has a floor. Among the mass of varieties of flooring, epoxy self-leveling floors are a popular finishing option today. They stand out noticeably against the background of other analogs, have advantages, although they are not without disadvantages.

Features: pros and cons

Epoxy-based self-leveling floors are a special technology that can be used in any type of room. If earlier mainly industrial facilities were equipped in this way, today the range of application of this cladding has been significantly expanded. Thanks to advanced equipment and the latest techniques production, it was possible to significantly reduce the costs of companies for the production of material with high quality and performance characteristics.

Advantages

Epoxy self-leveling floors have a lot of advantages, they are:

• more often they are distinguished by an impeccable smoothness of the surface, allowing you to place any pieces of furniture on the floor without skewing;
• decorate the floors of any type of premises (suitable for floor decoration living rooms, laboratories, enterprises, garages, production workshops, shopping centers, hospitals, shops, cafes, educational institutions, printing houses, objects Food Industry);
• are carried out according to the developed GOSTs, are recognized as an ecological type of finishing, safe for human health, are a fireproof method of floor cladding;

• have great strength and wear resistance, due to which they are a durable type flooring designed for several decades (up to 40 years);
• able to withstand various temperature fluctuations, withstanding the load in places with high humidity, can be used in completely unheated houses in the cold season;
• easy to clean, due to the seamless application technology, allow any surface cleaning, do not accumulate dirt, wash and wipe well, do not create an environment for the appearance of microorganisms;
• are not limited in design solutions, due to which they can be an independent accent of a particular room, capable of indicating a design idea, or visually increasing the space due to the shade and texture used;

• depending on the design solution floor covering, can be part of the floor composition, being a waterproof material that can zone the space of any room;
• due to the convenience of technology, they allow you to perform a seamless filling of the floor large rooms, being a chemically inert type of floor covering and an excellent dielectric;
• when used in the decoration of an apartment, they can be used in any room, decorating the floor of the living room, nursery, bedroom, kitchen, loggia, balcony, study, home library, corridor or hallway;
• due to the variety of materials presented by trademarks for sale, they allow each buyer to choose the most appropriate option, taking into account taste preferences and available budget.

The material is convenient in that any scratches or chips formed in the process of significant mechanical damage can be easily eliminated by means of epoxy casting and a small brush. Such a floor has a smell that disappears when the composition dries on the floor. For its installation, waterproofing works are not required.

disadvantages

With a lot of advantages, an epoxy self-leveling floor has several disadvantages:

• regardless of the components of the mixture, it needs careful labor-intensive preparation work surface, otherwise the quality, visual and practical characteristics;
• in premium varieties, it is distinguished by the high price of cladding and accompanying installation tools, which in some cases does not coincide with the planned budget;
• it can be difficult to dismantle large problem areas, because choosing a material to match the existing finish is quite problematic;
• demonstrates all the imperfections of the flooring, minor scratches and chips must be repaired immediately after they appear: they are striking;
• extremely difficult to completely remove from the surface at the end of its service life, does not provide for reapplication.

The choice of decorative coating is not always successful. Often, the pattern on the surface is variegated, which requires limiting the amount of furniture in the room. In other cases (option 3D), the pattern creates the effect of disinformation of space, especially if a picture with a cliff or an abyss is chosen as the basis. The print should be selected very thoroughly, without violating the harmony of style.

Characteristic

The epoxy self-leveling floor has a slightly spreading structure, capable of filling in non-critical surface irregularities.

Depending on the specific operating conditions, Epoxy floors can be classified according to the thickness of the cladding to be performed, they are:

• Thin-layer, laid in 1 filler layer, the thickness of which is minimal and does not exceed 1 mm (more often from 0.5 mm), while the practical properties and attractiveness of the appearance of the material leave much to be desired (intended for pouring in apartment rooms with low traffic);
• Classic, made of several layers of filling, each of which is 1 mm, which significantly increases the resistance of the flooring to mechanical damage, abrasion, resistance to abrasive solutions (excellent flooring for an apartment and a country house).

In addition, epoxy self-leveling floors are subdivided into:

• Industrial varieties designed for industrial premises with high traffic and maximum level permissible load mechanical or chemical type, characterized by a variety of colors and textures;
• Quartz-filled fillings, reaching a thickness of up to 6 mm, characterized by the presence of quartz sand in the lower layer, which increases the adhesion of the material to the base, improves the resistance of the fill to accidental mechanical damage, the effects of abrasive and chemical agents and temperature drops;
• Transparent epoxy self-leveling floor, differing in a layer thickness of 2-5 mm, depending on the type of planned surface, distinctive features which is the minimum thickness of an optically transparent hardening film, resistance to light, antistatic (excellent material for decorating the floor with photo printing and 3D drawings).

Tools and materials

To fill with your own hands, you need to take care of the presence of some tools:

• grinder;
• an ordinary vacuum cleaner;
• containers for epoxy floors;
• drills with stirring attachment;
• long-pile roller;
• rakes;
• needle roller;
• gloves;
• paintshoes;
• respirator;
• spatula.

The minimum set of materials is an arsenal, which contains:

• primer deep penetration;
• epoxy floor;
• polyurethane varnish;
• joint sealant (near walls and doorways).

Device and technology

Pouring a self-leveling epoxy floor is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To carry out quality installation you can independently, using the necessary raw materials and tools, which, if necessary, can be replaced with what is at hand.

The process itself, which consists of several stages, is much easier than laying tiles:

• Before the installation procedure, you need to prepare the base: It is important that its humidity does not exceed 4%, and the temperature in the room is from +5 to +25 degrees. In this case, the temperature of the mixture can vary from +15 to +25 degrees. If the floor is damp (you can attach a piece plastic film for a day to detect condensation), installation of an epoxy floor is excluded.

• Initially, the floor is prepared: it is cleaned of debris, dust, oil stains and paint residues. The better to prepare it, the less filling material will be needed. All irregularities, chips, cracks are masked with putty or poured with a rough jellied floor, which will make the base perfectly even.

• After that, the floor is primed for 1-2 layers. If the substrate is smooth, the floor can be rolled again with a primer roller or using a spray gun that reduces the consumption of the solution and makes the application layer uniform. Each new layer of primer is applied only after the previous one has dried.

• The epoxy mass is prepared in parts strictly according to the instructions on the package. After that, it is applied to the floor surface, focusing on the highest point. The maximum permissible inclination of the horizontal plane is 2 mm by 2 sq. m of the working surface. Observing the technology, it is important to apply the material in wide strips, while evenly distributing it over the surface of the prepared floor using squeegees. To get the job done in the corners perfectly, you need to use a spatula.

• Since traces may remain on the surface of a wet floor, it is necessary to use a paint shoe. When the material is completely filled, it is rolled over the entire area with a needle roller, which will eliminate air bubbles. It is important to prevent drafts and sudden temperature changes while the cladding dries.

In addition, it should be borne in mind: the solution begins to harden after 30 minutes, so the work should not be delayed. It is necessary to constantly add portions of material to the surface, leveling the finish to the same level.

• Typically, self-leveling epoxy floors dry within 7 hours. However, in reality, it will take about two days. When the polymerization (drying) is finished, you can pour in the finishing layer of the material. If floor decoration is conceived by design, it is performed at this stage before the finish layer. It may be a small splash of sequins, art floor painting with special acrylic paints according to a pre-conceived sketch, ordinary banner printing with a digital image or a 3D picture.

• After the drawing has been applied and dried, it is poured with a layer of topcoat and allowed to dry. Then it is necessary to treat the floor covering with polyurethane varnish, after which it must be allowed to dry for two days. Once last layer finally hardens, furniture can be brought into the room. Epoxy flooring installation technology is good for concrete flooring and allows pouring natural stone.

Colors

The color solutions of the self-leveling epoxy floor are varied and obey the conceived idea of ​​design, as well as the purpose of a particular room. In offices, production halls, they are monochromatic, sometimes transparent. In areas with low traffic use white, beige, olive, gray, blue, sand and terracotta color... In apartments, the situation is more cheerful: the surface is covered with multi-colored paints based on liquid acrylic for self-leveling floors.

More often these are combinations of shades:

• chocolate and milk;
• black and white;
• gray with cream or white;
• purple, golden yellow and blue;
• turquoise and sand.

Decor

One of original techniques design is the use of stencils for decorating, by means of which a variety of monochromatic and colored patterns are applied to a colored monochromatic facing, imitating carpets, special compositions, zoning space. In addition, the theme of the pattern used to decorate self-leveling epoxy floors depends on the type of room in which the floor is finished.

The most interesting paintings for decorating a space are:

• colors of the depths of the sea with their inhabitants;
• floral stylized ornaments;
• African and other ethnic motives;
• abstract sketches;
• all kinds of curls in combination with large flowers;
• stone and brickwork;
• all kinds of plant compositions, tree branches and leaves.

Composition

The active ingredients of the two-component polymer material are epoxy resin, the necessary hardeners, solvents and plasticizers. In addition, the components of the cladding are additional components to improve the practical and aesthetic characteristics, uniform distribution of the mixture over the top of the subfloor or screed, as well as inorganic coloring agents.

If the components of the epoxy floor are latex, polyurethane and casein, the composition acquires elasticity and becomes more resistant to weight. In addition to the main components that determine the operational properties, decorative inclusions are often added to the mass, among which shiny pearlescent and reflective particles, glitter, flock, diamond or mineral chips and textile fibers (chips) are especially popular.

Adding decor often complicates the sanding process, although it gives the flooring a unique appearance and often changes the texture, which can be:

• glossy;
• moderate glossy;
• semi-matte;
• matte.

How to calculate the quantity?

To find out the consumption of material per 1 m2, it is worth calculating the area of ​​the planned treatment by multiplying the length by the width, and then correlating it with the density of the solution. Approximately 1 liter of filling is enough for 1 sq. m of floor at minimum thickness up to 1 mm. If the density of the material is higher, for example, 1.3 kg / l, 1.3 kg of finished material will be needed to process a meter of floor.

In order to reduce the cost, trade marks may include additions to the material that make the weight of the raw material heavier, which increases the density of the finish to 1.75 kg / l. In this case, the consumption also increases, which will be 1.75 kg per 1 sq. m of floor. To buy the right amount, it is important to be sure to look at the density of the material indicated on the package.

The necessary floor filling is selected in accordance with the purpose of a particular room, while it is undesirable to apply a thick layer to get rid of the floor height differences. Usually, self-leveling mixtures are used for leveling, which allow correcting the level of the height difference up to 8-10 cm.Do not fill the floor with epoxy filling: this will hit your pocket, it can cause poor impact resistance, because the material itself is designed exclusively for thin layers of application.

It is worth considering: a thin-layer self-leveling floor based on epoxy resin is more expensive than classic compositions. Choose a material with an elongation at break of at least 5% (permissible up to 9%) with a compound density of no more than 1.5 kg / l.

A covering for a room full of electrically powered appliances should be antistatic, capable of blocking any static charges if necessary. When choosing a finish for a kitchen or bathroom floor, where moisture will inevitably get to the surface, it is worth making a choice in favor of mixtures with an anti-slip effect.

Quartz-filled varieties are good for hallways. If you want the perfect durable mix, you should look at the epoxy-polyurethane material. Do not experiment with paints; leave water and latex varieties for other surfaces.

The finish layer is responsible for the color of the flooring. Do not fill the floor with more than three or four layers. This is quite enough. If the epoxy floor is the accent area of ​​the floor, it is best to match the finish with the tiles. In other cases, it is allowed to combine material on a plain basis and a companion with a pattern.

Manufacturers and reviews

The epoxy soundproofing self-leveling floor receives a lot of rave reviews left on the Internet. Customers who have installed this material note that this finish looks unusual and modern. Such floors are easy to clean and do not accumulate dirt, removing from the surface quickly enough. It is pleasant to walk on such a floor covering, it is durable and does not break if objects of furniture fall on the surface.

Self-leveling epoxy floors can be found in medical institutions, laboratories, sports complexes, in industrial and warehouse areas, in cafes, restaurants, trading floors and in many other premises. Today, thanks to unique properties of this flooring, consumers are increasingly choosing epoxy floors to decorate their homes and apartments.

Advantages of a self-leveling epoxy floor

1. Lack of joints and seams. Moisture and dirt do not accumulate in the seams and do not penetrate into the coating. The base is not subject to destruction or deformation.
2. Ease of operation. The epoxy floor is easy to clean, not afraid of moisture, aggressive agents household chemicals and abrasive substances.
3. Security. The coating is fireproof and completely non-slip, it is absolutely harmless to health.
4. Resistance to temperature extremes. The epoxy coating can withstand both low and extremely high temperatures with ease.
5. Strength and wear resistance. In bulk epoxy floor mechanical stress is not terrible, it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation.
6. Design options. Thanks to the variety of design options for the decorative layer, the epoxy floor can organically fit into any interior.

Strength and durability are the main advantages of an epoxy floor

Preparatory stage

Before starting work, you need to prepare (purchase or borrow) all the necessary tools:

Epoxy self-leveling floor - coating structure

• rake(this tool is directly applied epoxy on the surface of the base);
• padding polyester rollers(useful for priming the surface before applying the epoxy coating);
• needle aeration roller(used to remove air bubbles from under the base layer);
• spatulas(for applying and leveling the composition in hard-to-reach places);
• low-speed drill with a special paddle attachment(for mixing the components of the self-leveling coating);
• solvent(for the cleaning metal tools before and after work);
• paint shoes(special needle soles, worn over shoes, so as not to damage the surface when working with an aeration roller);
• personal protective equipment(the epoxy must not come into contact with the skin or eyes);
• vacuum cleaner(for cleaning the surface at the initial stage and removing excess quartz sand when applying a primer).

Base requirements

Epoxy flooring can be poured onto almost any substrate, but to achieve the most reliable and quality result the presence of a concrete screed is desirable. If the screed is being made again, you can start pouring the epoxy floor in about a month. During this time, concrete will acquire required characteristics- moisture content not more than 4% and strength not less than M200.

If you have to work with old screed, first of all, you need to remove the old coating, clean the surface from all kinds of dirt, eliminate cracks and other defects. The base is carefully leveled; for this, self-leveling mixtures can be used.

Surface priming

A primer is necessary to increase the adhesion of materials; at this stage, synthetic winterizer rollers are used. 1-2 hours before applying the primer solution, the surface should be cleaned of dust. After the first layer has completely dried, a second layer of primer is applied and the floor is sprinkled with calcined quartz sand. When the second layer hardens, the remaining sand is removed with a vacuum cleaner. The use of sand replaces the sanding process of the surface.

Base layer

We proceed directly to pouring the epoxy floor.

The air temperature in the room should be within + 5-25 degrees, humidity - no more than 80%.

Applying a base coat of an epoxy floor

Decorative layer

Self-leveling epoxy floor can be arranged different ways... The simplest one involves the use of decorative paint particles - flocks (chips - to obtain a matte finish and glitter - for a glossy one). The flocks are spread over the surface of the not yet dried base coat in the desired combination.

Painting the floor with acrylic paints

The dried epoxy coating can be painted. This is a great way to create unique interior... With the help of stencils, almost any drawing is transferred. The latest fashion trend is. The volumetric effect can be achieved from the image using special microlenses by ordering them from an advertising agency or a printing company. Some do, and it is important to follow the technology.

Modern building technologies make it possible to significantly diversify the methods of arranging floors. For this purpose, the most unusual floor materials are used, including self-leveling ones. So, epoxy floor is a unique coating that can be used in residential and industrial premises, in workshops, houses and apartments, in garages and catering establishments.

Types, advantages and disadvantages of epoxy floors

Epoxy resin for pouring, or compound - a liquid polymer containing epoxy groups and capable of hardening under the action of hardeners. Epoxy is used for the manufacture of varnishes and paints, adhesives, and other paints and varnishes... Self-leveling flooring is another possible use for resin. It combines well with various additives, can be painted in many colors, and has crystal transparency. This allows you to create original floor coverings, including in 3D technology. For the construction of floors, fillers must be introduced into the epoxy composition, which impart strength, wear resistance, and antistatic properties.

Production of self-leveling floors in last years seriously developed, so now the companies offer many types of polymer epoxy coatings. They are made for specific operating conditions, which must be taken into account during installation. What kinds of epoxy floors are there? Here are the main ones:

• thin-layer - they form a layer no more than 1 mm thick, have high resistance to chemicals and mechanical stress;
• thick-layer - each layer is no more than 1 mm, but their number is much larger, therefore the final coating is thick;
• quartz - quartz sand is added to the bottom layer of the epoxy-based coating, which increases the strength;
• industrial - such flooded floors can withstand huge loads of any nature.

Epoxy is available in color, transparent or white, glossy or matt, ideally smooth or rough. Some floors serve only the main purpose (providing a solid foundation), others additionally have decorative functions. Most epoxy mixtures are two-component, but there are also one-component compositions.

The advantages of epoxy flooring are undeniable:

• high adhesion to any substrate - concrete, wood or stone;
• excellent waterproofing of the floor surface;
• repelling dust, dirt due to antistatic properties;
• resistance to impact, UV radiation, abrasion, cracking;
• service life - up to 30-40 years;
• the possibility of cleansing chemical means, lack of reaction to the ingress of solvents, technical fluids;
• immunity to temperature extremes, the ability to endure the whole winter in an unheated room;
• environmental friendliness, harmlessness to humans after complete curing;
• absence fire hazard, incombustibility;
• perfect smoothness;
• aesthetic appearance, the ability to apply colors in any color spectrum.

Unlike polyurethane flooring, epoxy has no harsh bad smell during installation. Such coatings create a lot of space for the designer's imagination, almost limitless. But resin-drenched floors also have drawbacks. For the price, they are far from cheap - you will have to buy the actual epoxy resin, a hardener, a number of tools and additional materials.

The complexity of the preparatory and basic work is also much higher than when laying linoleum or laminate. It will not be easy to repair the surface - it is unrealistic to choose the color of the composition. Removing the coating is no less difficult than applying it, and it takes a long time.

The relevance of arranging self-leveling epoxy floors

Depending on the type of room, you should select a self-leveling floor with suitable properties and characteristics. So, in offices, garages and industrial premises, they mount the thickest and most shock-resistant epoxy fillings... Thick-layer compounds are also required where there are significant differences in height, they can be applied to the tile. Thin-layer compositions are used to fill the finishing layer on the floor, and their consumption is minimal.

In the apartment

Often, masters do the pouring of the floors of the house with their own hands. The advantages have already been clarified - these are strength, durability and reliability, as well as easy washing, beauty. But we must immediately take into account some of the disadvantages of self-leveling floors for apartments, residential premises. The potting compound is not too warm and unpleasant to walk on barefoot. If you combine the filling with the installation of a warm floor, this drawback is leveled.

Another disadvantage is that it will be problematic to change a boring drawing. This is especially true for vivid photographs, collages, 3D coatings, glowing in night darkness phosphors. According to reviews, this decor is quickly "boring" for residents. Better to mount unobtrusive drawings, graphic images and other moderately bright options.

When installing an epoxy floor in an apartment, you need to be prepared for high costs. If the floor is curved, with elevation differences and slopes, the epoxy will be consumed in a large volume. It is almost impossible for a beginner to work with epoxy to fill in the compound; he will have to practice on less complex subjects.

In the bathroom

Usually the bathroom is covered ceramic tiles, this solution is traditional. But some people prefer to fill the floor with epoxy, which is extremely waterproof. Cleaning such a floor is a pleasure, because it is slightly dirty and dusty. The absence of seams for the bathroom is another significant plus, since dirt will not clog in them. Even hot water and falling objects will not compromise the aesthetics of the epoxy coating, although it appears fragile in appearance. Since the bathroom is usually small, the cost of renovation will be quite budgetary.

In the garage

Fill the floor garage box epoxy - great idea... The floor covering in the garage is subjected to harsh use every day, it has to withstand the weight of the car, temperature fluctuations, and come into contact with chemistry. That's why " liquid linoleum", As the epoxy floor is also called, must meet high requirements. It is necessary to select special brands of mixtures for pouring - especially durable, smooth to the touch, but not slippery. The service life of the floor is enormous, it is easy to clean and has good adhesion. Epoxy can be poured over concrete floors, and the small footprint allows for self-installation.

In nightclubs and restaurants

In such premises, a large number of people are constantly present, and the coating is exposed to high loads. Food is prepared in the kitchens, here high humidity and frequent temperature changes. In a nightclub, the list of additional requirements includes aesthetics of the premises and original design.

The decorative epoxy self-leveling floor is very popular in organizations of this type. The advantages are easy cleaning and fire-fighting properties of the coating, it does not burn, does not allow the spread of fire. It is especially recommended to grout with epoxy compounds in such technological areas as kitchens, entrances, exits, unloading areas.

At industrial sites

Floors in production halls and other industrial premises are the most subject to wear. The loads on them are very high and constant. These include people walking, equipment vibrations, and high or low temperatures. In some places - high humidity, the effect of chemicals.

Only special industrial epoxy floors are used in industrial facilities. Their technical performance is higher than that of conventional compounds for houses and apartments. Some polymer coatings easily withstand the drop of a load weighing several kilograms from a great height. Typically, these floors last up to 20 years.

Epoxy resin for flooring - manufacturers and consumption

There are a number of products on the market for pouring epoxy floors into different premises... Their prices are not the same, imported mixtures are much more expensive. The range of prices is 230-650 rubles per kilogram. The most famous brands- "Elakor ED", "Betolast" and others.

"Rizopox"

Rizopox 4101 is a self-leveling epoxy floor covering. This two-component material is solvent-free, low-tinted, equipped with a modified amine hardener. The tool allows you to get a floor with a smooth surface, perfectly flat. This epoxy is widely used in industry, agriculture, sports facilities, housing and communal services facilities, parking lots. Epoxy compound is especially popular for filling warehouses and garages.

"Rizopox" can be used on a stone base, poured onto concrete, cement-sand screed. The mass is resistant to damage, scratching, impact. Consumption as an epoxy primer - about 300-400 g / sq. m, to create the front layer of the floor covering - from 400-500 g and above.

"Betolast"

The Betolast water-epoxy self-leveling floor is odorless and includes special components and fillers to give a semi-matte shade. The tool is wear-resistant, weather-resistant, does not react to chemical substances, environmentally friendly, vapor permeable. Epoxy can be applied as a primer, including on fresh and damp concrete, on old concrete base... The compound is suitable for garages and hangars, repair shops, basements, medical and children's institutions, apartments and houses. It is "breathable", does not violate the ecology of the room and environment... When applied to damp concrete, a preliminary priming with Epoxol must be used. When pouring low-grade concrete, first impregnate with "Aquastone" deep penetration soil. Consumption with a layer thickness of 2 mm - up to 1 kg / sq. m.

Epolast

Epolast is an epoxy flooring compound with excellent decorative properties. Two-component product, solvent free. It is suitable for pouring concrete, natural stone, metal and wooden structures... "Epolast" is intended for rooms with high loads, can be exposed to constant moisture, abrasive cleaning. Creates chemically resistant epoxy floors, therefore it is widely used in workshops, garages, parking lots. Consumption - up to 600 g / sq. m.

"Elakor ED"

This color composition is highly durable, can be applied to subfloors and as a topcoat. It has no unpleasant smell and is easy to use. The product is not afraid of UV radiation. With a thickness of 1 mm, the consumption for litter is 300 g / sq. m, for the front cover - up to 1.5 kg.

Tools for the job

Before starting the installation of the floor, it is advisable to watch the video on pouring compounds or read the information in magazines for construction and repair ("Do it yourself" and others). Next, it is important to prepare the following materials and tools:

• padding polyester roller for priming, needle roller - to remove air bubbles;
• a squeegee for applying epoxy, a spatula - for leveling and rubbing in hard-to-reach places;
• paddle drill - will help in mixing resin and hardener;
• paint shoes - you can walk on the floor in them, they will not damage the coating.

Also, for cleaning tools, they purchase a solvent, for personal protection - gloves, a respirator, and glasses. You also need to have a vacuum cleaner in order to remove the remnants of quartz sand in time, if it is used in work.

Filling the floor with your own hands

Floor decoration can be done different ways... The easiest way is to sprinkle special "chips" on the base layer until it hardens completely. Also, after curing, the base is painted with acrylic paints. Exactly hand-painted will become the most original and unusual option for decorating the fill. Another way to give the floor decorative properties is to order a banner, a sticker in a printing house, on which any images are applied. Usually decals are made from vinyl. Modern 3D printing looks especially beautiful.

There are certain requirements that the premises must meet:

• temperature + 5 ... + 25 degrees (the same indicator should be at the base on which the compound will be poured);
• composition temperature + 15 ... + 25 degrees;
• air humidity not more than 80%;
• the moisture content of the base is less than 4% (for the Betolast mixture - up to 12%).

Surface preparation

The most reliable base for epoxy is a concrete floor. But, if necessary, you can pour the mass on other bases, even on tiles. Only with wooden bases can problems arise, because they deform over time.

It is important that the floor covering is dry and even enough. Permissible deviation from the horizontal is no more than 2 mm for every 2 meters. Self-leveling mixtures can cover the floor with serious deviations from this norm. The moisture content of the floor is determined as follows: a 1 * 1 m polyethylene film is glued to the floor with tape, left for 48 hours. If there is no a large number moisture, the floor can be considered dry and ready for pouring. It is better to leave a fresh concrete screed for 4 weeks, during which time its humidity will return to normal.

All dirt, dust, grease, paint must be completely removed from any coating. Cracks should be repaired, as should chips and other defects. You can also reinforce the base with a layer of epoxy paint. It is recommended to stick waterproofing along the walls. The floor is vacuumed 2 hours before the start of work.

Priming and puttying

The primer is kneaded in a separate container. Its components are interconnected, mixed at a speed of 500 rpm, first in the forward direction, then in the opposite direction. The result should be a homogeneous mixture. Then let the primer stand for 3 minutes to release air bubbles. It is necessary to completely work out the soil in 40 minutes, then its properties are lost.

The primer is poured on the floor with a snake, spread with a synthetic winterizer roller. Additional portions of the product are poured onto areas that are highly absorbent. Polymerization lasts a day. Then you can proceed to puttying chips, cracks, all depressions. This is done with special putties mixed with quartz sand (1: 3). After the putty has set, another layer of primer is applied. All subsequent stages begin in a day.

Base layer fill

This layer is intended for the final smoothing of all irregularities, mashing the pores. The layer thickness is about 1.5 mm. They put on paint shoes in advance, walk in them very carefully. The composition is prepared as indicated in the instructions. It is poured on the floor at the rate of 300-400 g / sq. The composition is distributed on the base, and after 20 minutes fine quartz sand is scattered (about 1.5 kg per 1 sq. m).

20 hours after the final polymerization of the mass, remove the remaining sand with a hard plastic brush, apply another layer with approximately the same epoxy consumption. Spread it with a rubber spatula or squeegee. Especially carefully work out the corners, places near the walls. After 15 hours, the decor can be applied.

Filling the finishing layer

The final stage requires special care in the work. Epoxy is prepared in a similar way, it is poured across the floor in wide strips. Consumption - from 1 kg / sq. m. The composition of the squeegees is distributed, and after 15 minutes, they are rolled with a needle roller. Leave the self-leveling floor to solidify within 24 hours, but the loads on it are permissible only after 6 days. After this period, you can apply a layer of epoxy varnish, but this is an optional step.