Vancouver Epoxy Floor Installation Guide: Step‑by‑Step
Whether you’re renovating a garage, outfitting a showroom, or reinforcing a warehouse floor, this guide walks you through each stage of professional epoxy floor installation in Vancouver, BC. Learn best practices, avoid common pitfalls, and see how Priority One Flooring ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish.
1. Surface Preparation: The Foundation of Success
The most critical part of epoxy flooring is proper surface prep—this determines adhesion, durability, and overall appearance. We begin by:
- Removing grease, oil, and contaminants using industrial degreasers and mechanical scrubbing.
- Repairing cracks, spalls, and honeycombing with epoxy patching compounds or leveling mortars.
- Grinding or shot-blasting to create a concrete surface profile that enhances epoxy bonding—you need anchor points for optimum adhesion.
- Ensuring the slab is completely dry; moisture above acceptable levels can cause adhesion failures.
These steps align with surface prep standards recommended by epoxy flooring experts and suppliers.
2. Primer and Moisture Barrier Application
A primer serves dual purposes: sealing the slab and locking down dust, while specialized moisture barrier primers mitigate vapor emission that can cause bubbling or delamination. These barriers comply with industry standards for epoxy moisture control.
3. Base Coat/Build Layer: Choosing Your System
Depending on your space’s traffic and usage, the base layer may vary:
- Self‑Leveling Epoxy Coatings: Good for smooth, high-gloss surfaces in garages or showrooms.
- Slurry or Quartz Systems: Ideal for slip-resistance and decorative finishes in kitchens or retail.
- Epoxy Mortar Systems: Aggregate-filled and engineered for heavy-duty environments like warehouses or service bays.
These systems mirror industry standards for build coat thickness and function.
4. Decorative Broadcast (Optional Enhancements)
If aesthetics and slip-resistance matter, we broadcast vinyl chips, metallic flakes, or colored quartz into the wet base coat. The floor is then back-rolled to embed the media fully, creating a hardened, beautiful finish.
5. Finish Topcoat: Protection & Visual Enhancement
A durable clear or pigmented topcoat seals the system. We can customize this with UV-resistant finishes, anti-slip additives, or matte/gloss textures depending on each project’s needs.
6. Curing Conditions & Inspection
Curing conditions are carefully controlled—optimally between 15 °C – 25 °C with humidity under 60%. A typical system cures within 24 to 72 hours, and we perform final quality checks to ensure uniform texture, color consistency, and adhesion.
7. Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Maintain your epoxy floor with:
- Regular sweeping or dry dust mopping to remove debris.
- Mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner to prevent residue buildup.
- Periodic inspections and reapplication of a finish coat every 5‑10 years if needed.
FAQ: Epoxy Installation in Vancouver
Can epoxy coatings be applied over cracked concrete?
Yes. We repair cracks and surface flaws during preparation using industry-grade epoxy fillers and mortars before applying any coating.
How thick should the epoxy system be?
Typical coating systems range from 4–30 mils, slurry builds 30–125 mils, and mortar systems exceed 125 mils depending on required durability.
What if the slab emits moisture?
Our moisture barrier primers meet industry standards and can be applied over concrete with high vapor emission rates—even over damp or new slabs.
How long before the floor can be used?
Light foot traffic is usually allowed after 24 hours, with vehicle or heavy-duty use permitted after 48–72 hours, depending on temperature and humidity.
