Epoxy flakes are among the hottest trends for residential garage floors, showrooms and basement floors alike. They look vibrant and they are durable, making them an amazing upgrade. But here’s the question most people ask when considering this product before investing: “Am I able to install the epoxy flakes myself?” This may sound like a fun weekend project, so let’s take a deeper look.
What the DIY Dream Looks Like
On the surface, installing epoxy flakes seems simple. You picture rolling on a coat of epoxy, tossing some flakes, and sealing it up. Easy, right? That image often convinces homeowners to buy a kit and give it a try. After all, it looks similar to painting a wall or staining a deck. The glossy, finished result shown on the box makes it look almost effortless.
The Reality Behind the Work
Now it’s time for a reality check! First of all, surface preparation is everything. Concrete has to be properly cleaned, fully etched, and expertly repaired to make an epoxy bond properly. You can’t even have a tiny bit of dust or moisture – it will cause peeling every time. Then, you have mixing epoxy and, let’s be honest, you’ve got to get that ratio right or you’re in trouble. Either the epoxy is going to cure too fast or not cure at all, either way…Trouble! The same goes for distributing the flakes, (It’s all a toss-up!). If you put too much in one area and not enough in another, it can throw off the total finish. For your topcoat, you’ll also want to be careful to put it down correctly, and that’s got to be done pretty quickly, or you will end up with bubbles, streaking, or worse, floors that failed just months after install.
All of a sudden, that “easy” DIY project you’ve been thinking is just a simple epoxy is sounding a lot like juggling a chemistry lab, artist, and the construction world! And finally, surely you can install epoxy flakes yourself, there is just no way to get that nice, seamless, commercial look and durability without calling a professional.
Skip the Stress, Get Professional Results
At Elite Coatings, our team has the tools, training, and experience to get it right the first time. Don’t gamble with a project that could cost more to fix than to do correctly from the start. Let us transform your floor with flawless epoxy flakes, contact our experts today and see how effortless professional installation can be.
