When a home improvement project is in the planning stages and you are trying to navigate through industry terms, it can be intimidating and confusing. At the same time, it’s important for you as a homeowner to know what is going on and what the company you are working with has to offer.
At Zenith Painting and Coatings, we are committed to customer service and we will be there to walk you through our floor coating process, step by step. If you are thinking about calling to schedule a consultation for a flooring project, we have compiled a list of standard industry terms to know beforehand, so you can be in the loop and know exactly what is going on!
Flooring Terminology
Bond – The action of concrete adhering to the surface below it.
Coating System – A System of various epoxy layers to seal and protect flooring, to ensure longevity of the product and aesthetic shine.
Epoxy – It is a class of resin derived by polymerization from epoxides. The product consists of one part epoxy resin and one part polyamine hardener. Epoxies are used mainly in adhesives and coatings.
Prime Coat of Epoxy – The first layer that is applied which is designed to deeply penetrate into the pores of concrete thus creating maximum adhesion.
Base Coat of Epoxy – A thicker layer of epoxy to create a base for the chip broadcast to adhere to. It also provides impact resistant components to the coating system.
Epoxy Finishes – Epoxy is a versatile coating that can be used on walls and floors! When used on your floor it will add shine, protection, and make your floors super durable.
Epoxy Topcoat – The final topcoats are polyhybrid clear coats which are non-porous and chemical resistant, so they won’t stain or discolor.
Floor Paint – Consisting of latex acrylic, you can paint concrete floors to add dimension and depth to the space. These products are often known as 1-part epoxy paint which offers better protection than standard acrylic paints, but it is certainly not an epoxy product.
Elastomeric Filler – They offer considerable protection against the elements and are frequently used as waterproofing underlayment under epoxy or other flooring systems.
Cure – The chemical reaction of the epoxy components drying.
Grit Level – Grit levels are used for polishing concrete floors that range from a basic polish of 400 grit (similar to a Home Depot floor) and goes all the way up to 3,000 grit, where your floor will look similar to reflecting glass.
Grout – Concrete is known to expand and contract due to temperature changes. For this reason, there are oftentimes space left in between cement blocks to allow movement. Grout is a soft mineral filling used in those spaces.
At Zenith Painting and Coatings, you will be included throughout the floor coating process and we will make sure you are able to make informed decisions about your home improvement project. Call us today at 800-381-4601 to schedule a consultation and we can start working on this exciting new step together!
