When most people associate epoxy floors, they typically think of plain gray slabs. However, for those who visit stores selling epoxy coatings, they probably do not realize the extent of the color variations available for concrete epoxy floors. With the right color and style selection, a garage can look like a Ferrari showroom or a living room! In the developing communities around Friendswood, TX, more and more homeowners and business owners are realizing the possibilities of aesthetic options available through epoxy coating options. Let us now discuss how to select the right colors/styles, and where to use them!
Color Families & Style Options
From epoxy coatings readily available in downtown Friendswood to wholesale suppliers across Greater Houston, concrete epoxy coatings can be generally understood as existing in 3 major “families” of concrete epoxy coatings, each with their own aesthetic and benefits, they include:
- Solid colors (pigmented epoxy):
These are single-color, matte finishes (like grays, whites, beiges, blacks). They are clean, modest, and give a professional look. As there are no uniform color variance, they work well when a smooth, subtle look is desired.
- Metallic / mica / shimmering styles:
By incorporating metallic pigment, or mica powders, the epoxy surface can have a “liquid marble” appearance, i.e., swirls, depth, or shimmer. These styles can be eye-catching and give a designer look.
- Flake / chip blend systems:
These systems incorporate enhanced design layering, where colored vinyl flake, or chips are incorporated by being broadcast into the base epoxy coat, and then finished by a clear coat to seal the system. The resulting design typically gives a custom & individual appearance, that incorporates mosaic textures, multi-colored design, and can help mask flaws, & irregular surfaces.
- Custom blends / artistic designs:
You can also layer techniques interchangeably. For example, layering metallics with veining, logos, transitions between designs, or your brand colors, etc. Many epoxy systems will provide you with the option of hundreds of colors, or customizing mixtures, to create a unique floor.
Considerations Before Selecting your Color
Regardless of color and style, considerations of things to be aware of and considerations we are aware of:
- Condition of Substrate & Imperfections
If there are cracking, stains, or a texture not to your liking with the concrete below, you may prefer to apply a multi tone or flake system that may conceal these imperfections better than a nice solid color.
- Lighting & Size of Room
You may find that darker or bolder colors in a darker or smaller room will feel tighter. Lighter tones will help to open the space of smaller or darker rooms, making it feel more visually spacious.
- Care & Maintenance
Lighter colors and gloss will show dust and dirt an easy-to-see amount more than darker colors, and dark glossy metallics will show blemishes and scratches in your flooring. However, flake or texture patterns will probably hide floor appearance wear and tear better than you would check with a flat color.
- Slip Resistance & Safety
High-gloss epoxy (alone) is very slippery; however, if you mix epoxy with quartz or aggregates, you will have texture in the surface that you walk on. The extra texture provides safer and non-slip walking surfaces in any work or wet environment.
- UV Exposure & Color Stability
Any flooring system that is exposed to sunlight or UV areas should use pigments and clear coats that have modulation options that resist colors fading or yellowing as they get older.
- Branding / Customization
If your business wants to showcase your logo, branding color, or feature a band color, epoxy systems can often adhere inlays without challenges, logos or custom flooring patterns
You Can Rely On Us
At Elite Coatings, we are eager to assist you in choosing epoxy colors and styles that will enhance your space—a showroom near Friendswood, garage, or commercial floor. If you would like to see our full range of flooring solutions or see finish samples in person, contact us today. We would like the opportunity to help you realize your vision and introduce you to our product samples.
