Understand the build. Choose the finish.
Types of epoxy floor coatings.
Find the right system.
Compare smooth coatings, flake, quartz, mortar and static-control systems, then review the preparation and layers beneath the finish.
Types of epoxy floor coatings can describe the application method, decorative finish or performance of a floor. These labels can overlap. A static-control system may also have a smooth finish, while a quartz floor may use several compatible resin layers.
Use this guide to compare common floor builds used in garages, commercial interiors and industrial spaces. Then review the slab, traffic, chemicals, moisture and maintenance requirements before selecting the complete system.
Six common epoxy floor system types.
The descriptions below are starting points. The named products, thickness, aggregate, protective finish and application conditions determine the final specification.
Scroll the table horizontally to compare all columns.
| System type | What it describes | Main checks |
|---|---|---|
| Roll-applied epoxy | A coating applied at a specified coverage and thickness, often for a solid-colour interior finish. | Required dry-film build, traffic, substrate condition and the selected protective finish. |
| Self-levelling or self-smoothing epoxy | A flow-applied resin build that produces a smooth, continuous wearing surface. | Preparation, repairs, specified thickness, floor tolerances and texture where wet use is expected. |
| Quartz broadcast epoxy | Mineral aggregate broadcast into a resin layer and sealed as part of the floor build. | Broadcast coverage, aggregate size, texture, cleaning method and compatible seal coats. |
| Flake or chip epoxy | Decorative chips broadcast into a basecoat and protected with a compatible clear finish. | Coverage, colour, exposed layers, topcoat wear and UV properties, and the finished texture. |
| Trowelled epoxy mortar | An aggregate-filled resin mortar for specified repair, resurfacing or demanding wear applications. | Sound support, required thickness, joint movement and sealing. Structural defects need their own assessment. |
| ESD or conductive epoxy | A specialist system designed for defined static-control performance. | Electrical-performance targets, grounding, testing and the facility's footwear and maintenance requirements. |
A slurry describes a resin-and-filler mixture or application build. It may be used within a broadcast system; it is not automatically a quartz finish or a slip-resistant surface.
Flakes, quartz and smooth finishes do not identify the binder chemistry on their own. Similar decorative approaches may be used within epoxy, polyaspartic or other approved resin systems.
Primers support the finished system.
A primer is a supporting layer, rather than a finished floor category. An ordinary epoxy primer and a tested moisture-vapour control product perform different jobs.
Choose moisture control from the slab assessment and the selected products' limits. It must be compatible with the floor above it, applied at the required coverage and used within its stated conditions.
Prepared concrete
Remove unsuitable materials, repair agreed defects and create the required profile. Assess moisture and detail joints and transitions.
Primer or moisture-control layer
Specify the bond and moisture strategy required by the substrate and the compatible coating build.
Body coat, mortar or broadcast build
Provide the specified thickness, aggregate and appearance for the expected use.
Protective finish and cure
Match the finish to wear, chemicals, sunlight, texture and cleaning. Follow the recoat and return-to-service requirements.
Examples of system documentation include Sika Canada's Quartzite floor builds. Always check the current local product and system data for the actual materials proposed.
How to read coating labels.
A single floor can carry several of these descriptions. Ask which characteristic a label refers to when comparing proposals.
Water-based and solids content
Terms such as water-based, solvent-borne and 100% solids describe formulation characteristics. They do not, on their own, establish the installed floor's wear resistance or suitability for the room.
Rolled, self-smoothing or trowelled
These terms help describe how material is applied and built up. Compare the specified thickness, substrate preparation and complete layer sequence.
Flake, quartz or metallic
These describe decorative materials or effects. The binder, coverage, aggregate, topcoat and application method determine the complete finish and how it is maintained.
ESD or chemical resistance
These need defined performance criteria and supporting product or system data. A label alone does not replace specification, correct installation and any required testing.
Choose around the site conditions.
The right specification connects the floor build to how the space works. Use these questions before settling on a finish or comparing installation prices.
- What uses the floor? Describe foot traffic, vehicle and equipment wheels, turning zones, impacts and point loads.
- What will it be exposed to? List chemicals, cleaning products, water, sunlight and temperature changes.
- What is the substrate like? Assess moisture, contamination, old coatings, cracks, joints and surface condition.
- How will it be cleaned? Balance required texture with the cleaning equipment, routine and chemicals.
- When must it reopen? Confirm installation, foot-traffic, equipment-use and chemical-service milestones.
- Are specialist functions required? Identify static control, waterproofing or other requirements before selecting a general-purpose coating.
For static-control principles, Sika explains how ESD flooring works with grounding. Electrical performance needs a project-specific specification and verification.
Epoxy coating type questions.
Will self-levelling epoxy level an uneven concrete floor?
Self-levelling or self-smoothing describes how the material flows within its specified application range. It does not promise that a thin resin layer will correct an uneven slab, create drainage falls or repair structural problems. Assess repairs, tolerances and any levelling work before choosing the finish.
What is the difference between flake and quartz flooring?
Flake systems typically use decorative chips, while quartz systems use mineral aggregate. Both need compatible resin layers and a suitable protective finish. Appearance, texture, coverage, thickness and cleaning requirements depend on the complete build, not just the broadcast material.
Is a moisture-control primer a finished floor?
Generally, it is a supporting layer beneath a compatible flooring system. Select it from the slab moisture assessment and the manufacturer's requirements. A standard primer is not automatically a moisture-vapour barrier, and a vapour-control layer is not a substitute for separately required waterproofing.
Is ordinary epoxy flooring suitable for ESD control?
Do not assume it is. ESD and conductive floors need a defined electrical-performance specification, compatible materials, grounding and testing. Footwear, cleaning and ongoing verification may also form part of the facility's static-control programme.
Are polyaspartic coatings a type of epoxy?
No. They are different resin chemistries. A compatible system may combine an epoxy primer or basecoat with a polyaspartic protective finish. Confirm product compatibility, recoat windows, coverage and cure requirements for all layers.
Does 100% solids automatically mean better performance?
No. Solids content is a formulation characteristic. It does not by itself establish the installed thickness, adhesion, wear resistance, chemical resistance or suitability for the space. Compare product and system data, required preparation, coverage and application conditions.
Explore systems, service and care.
Review installation information for your project or continue with related flooring guides.
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