MAKE YOUR OWN EPOXY FLOORS
Are you looking to transform your old concrete or wood floors? Stonecoat's Epoxy Resin Flooring is the ultimate solution for beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance floors! These epoxy floor systems are perfect for garages, basements, bathrooms, shops, and even large commercial spaces. Simply decide which style you want (flake or metallic), and get started.
BENEFITS OF EPOXY FLOORING
Get the look of fractured granite, sliced jade, Carrara marble, white quartz, and more. Flooring epoxy is easy to work with and you can create any look you can imagine. If you want a flake floor, solid colors, a metallic epoxy floor, or something with a bit of sparkle, epoxy can get you there.
Second, epoxy is tough! It's scratch resistant, UV resistant, heat resistant and impact resistant. These features are a must for the wear and tear of household living (and car parking for the garage!), all while maintaining its incredible look.
Finally, epoxy floors are cost effective. Natural stone (like marble, granite, and quartz) are very expensive and hard to install. Flooring epoxy is affordable, and any DIYer can tackle an epoxy project over the course of a weekend.
STEP BY STEP
how to apply epoxy floor coating
Epoxy Flooring Supplies:
- FLAKE FLOORING SUPPLIES
- METALLIC FLOOR SUPPLIES
- OTHER TOOLS & MATERIALS
EPOXY FLAKE FLOORING KIT
FLOOR PATCH KIT
NON-SKID FLOOR ADDITIVE
MOISTURE SEAL EPOXY PRIMER
POLYASPARTIC TOP COAT
METALLIC EPOXY FLOOR KIT
FLOOR PATCH KIT
NON-SKID FLOOR ADDITIVE
EPOXY FLOOR UNDERCOAT
FLOORING ULTIMATE TOPCOAT
Cleaning agent
7" angle grinder
7" dust shroud
7" diamond cup wheel
Grinder with 4" diamond cutting blade (for cleaning cracks)
Graduated mixing buckets and mixing sticks
Sanding backer w/ 220
Roll of paper towels
Epoxy glide roller
91% isopropyl alcohol
3-mil plastic sheeting (for moisture test)
Shop vac
Propane torch
STEP 1
PREPARE FLOOR
Whether you decide on flake or metallic floors, preparation is key for any flooring project, whether you're applying onto concrete or wood.
Step-by-step Epoxy Floor Preparation Guide
How to Prepare Concrete for Flooring Epoxy
Use a razor blade to cut paint back from baseboards (if applicable). You may lightly score the top of the baseboards to avoid tearing the paint. If you need to, you can use a hammer and crowbar.
Use a 7" angle grinder with a 7" dust shroud and a 7" diamond cup wheel to grind floors for concrete epoxy flooring projects. Use a 4" diamond cutting blade to clean out cracks and control joints. Apply even pressure when grinding the floor. Fill seams and/or cracks with Floor Patch Epoxy Gel or Floor Patch Pro. Overfill seams and cracks so you can smooth to a level surface. Sand.
Don't take any shortcuts here! Make sure your floor is clean, dust-free, and cracks filled before mixing your epoxy.
Pro tip: Tape your shop vac hose to your grinder before cleaning cracks - it will help you suck out all the dust!
How to Prepare Wood for Flooring Epoxy
Use a razor blade to cut paint back from baseboards (if applicable). You may lightly score the top of the baseboards to avoid tearing the paint. If you need to, you can use a hammer and crowbar.
Fill seams and/or cracks with Floor Patch Epoxy Gel or Floor Patch Pro. Overfill seams and cracks so you can smooth to a level surface. Sand surface. Use a shop vac to remove sanding dust and debris.
Once floor is clean and dry (see moisture test instructions in step 2), apply Epoxy Undercoat. Wait at least 4 hours before applying your chosen flooring finish onto the wood floors.
STEP 2
TEST FLOOR FOR MOISTURE
Wait a day to pour your concrete floor epoxy. Tape down a 3-mil plastic sheet square over a section of concrete (on all sides) and leave overnight. In the morning, you can see if there's excess moisture underneath the plastic sheet. If there is, you will need to put down a moisture barrier, like our Epoxy Undercoat.
Once your moisture levels are acceptable, you have the green light!
STEP 3
MIX CONCRETE FLOOR EPOXY AND PRIME
Start with a prime coat of epoxy and metallics. The first step in this process is mixing your concrete floor epoxies with metallics. Pour in your metallics first (or pigments, glitter, or paint), then pour your epoxy on top. This reduces the chance of making a mess while mixing at higher speeds.
Mix enough epoxy to apply a thin prime coat to the whole project area. This will ensure a strong chemical bond.
We use a chop brush to apply a coat near the perimeter of the floor. Then, we use an epoxy glide roller to spread epoxy over the rest of the floor.
Let this coat dry for 18–24 hours.
Meanwhile, let your flooring epoxy (Part A) sit overnight to incorporate metallics.
STEP 3
MIX CONCRETE FLOOR EPOXY AND PRIME
Start with a prime coat of epoxy and metallics. The first step in this process is mixing your concrete floor epoxies with metallics. Pour in your metallics first (or pigments, glitter, or paint), then pour your epoxy on top. This reduces the chance of making a mess while mixing at higher speeds.
Mix enough epoxy to apply a thin prime coat to the whole project area. This will ensure a strong chemical bond.
We use a chop brush to apply a coat near the perimeter of the floor. Then, we use an epoxy glide roller to spread epoxy over the rest of the floor.
Let this coat dry for 18–24 hours.
Meanwhile, let your flooring epoxy (Part A) sit overnight to incorporate metallics.
STEP 4
APPLY SECOND COAT
But if you wait more than 24 hours, you’ll need to ensure a mechanical bond between the layers of epoxy. Sand it lightly with 220 grit sandpaper. Then, wipe the dust with acetone or denatured alcohol.
Apply your hardener (Part B) to the epoxy you let sit. Mix it with a yardstick for 10 minutes, making sure to scrap the sides and bottom. Then, use a magic trowel and roller to apply your epoxy to the floor.
This step is also where you will add accent colors and meld them with the base floor color.
STEP 5
CURE THE EPOXY FLOOR
Before letting the epoxy floor cure, heat it with a propane torch. This will ensure an even surface free of bubbles.
Then, let the floor cure for 72 hours at 70 degrees or anything close to room temp. Don’t use it heavily or drive on it (for garage floors) until it’s had a chance to fully settle!
FLOORING EPOXY FAQs
We get a lot of questions about our concrete floor epoxy. Here are a few of the most common questions and concerns that we hear:
Can you apply Stone Coat flooring epoxy on concrete and wood plywood subfloors?
Stone Coat Flooring Epoxy Midcoat is a versatile and durable solution offering exceptional adhesion to various surfaces, enabling the creation of seamless and long-lasting finishes on both concrete and wood plywood subfloors. Revamp your garage or add a unique touch to your wooden studio with our high-quality flooring epoxy.
For concrete surfaces: we highly recommend applying a base layer of our revolutionary Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer, which acts as a moisture barrier for long-term durability, prior to pouring our Epoxy Midcoat. And, for a flawless, seamless floor, fill cracks and expansion joints with our Floor Patch Epoxy Gel. This high-performance gel boasts superior elongation and compression properties, ensuring it flexes with the natural movements of your floor while maintaining a strong bond, preventing future cracking.
For plywood subflooring: simply fill seams with our Floor Patch Epoxy Gel, sand it smoothly, and apply our Epoxy Undercoat. After a short 4-hour wait, you'll be ready to create an eye-catching look with captivating colors and effects using our Epoxy Midcoat.
How much flooring epoxy do I need?
Start your flooring project off right by using our Project Builder
Calculating the amount of flooring epoxy you need is a simple process. Start by measuring the length and width of your floor area in feet, and then multiply these numbers to determine the square footage.
Length (in feet) × Width (in feet) = Square Footage of Floor
Metallic Marble Epoxy Floor: For a classic metallic marble effect, use 2-3 colors of Metallic Mica Pigment Powder. For a bolder look, mix Alumilite Liquid Epoxy Dye with Metallic Mica Pigment, requiring 4-5 ounces of epoxy midcoat per square foot for optimal coverage. To learn more, check out our step-by-step Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring tutorial instructions.
Epoxy Flake Floor: For full flake coverage, use 1 ounce of Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer and 1 ounce of Polyaspartic Top Coat per square foot of floor, with a 55-pound box of Decorative Floor Flake typically covering 300-350 square feet. To learn more, check out our step-by-step Epoxy Flake Flooring tutorial instructions.
Why is it important to use Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer on concrete surfaces?
Whether you are creating a Metallic Marble Epoxy Floor or Epoxy Flake Floor finish over concrete, Stone Coat Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer establishes a deep bonded foundation that acts as a barrier, protecting the following epoxy layer from moisture and delamination, ensuring a durable flawless finish.
Our Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer is ideal for various settings, playing a vital role in sealing concrete, preventing off-gassing bubbles, securing colored flakes and laying the groundwork for breathtaking metallic marble epoxy floors.
With its easy mixing and application, this 2:1 formula provides an ample working time of 50 minutes. It's also low-odor with low-VOCs, available in three striking colors (black, tan and gray), and cures in just 8-16 hours. One of the key benefits of our primer is its ability to create a vapor barrier, effectively preventing moisture damage and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
What steps should I take to prepare my plywood subfloor for Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring and Epoxy Flake Flooring?
Metallic Marble Epoxy Floor:
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Start by thoroughly cleaning the plywood subfloor to remove dirt and other contaminants.
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Repair any cracks, damage, or knots using our Floor Patch Epoxy Gel.
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Once the repairs are done, sand the area until it's flat and dust-free.
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Mix and pour 2 thin coats of our Epoxy Undercoat.
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After waiting for 3-4 hours, you can proceed with mixing and pouring Epoxy Midcoat.
PRO TIP: If your plywood subflooring is bowed or flexes, address this by applying a layer of acrylic bonding primer and accompanying self-leveling cement product. Alternatively, you can fill low areas with 1-2 ounces of Epoxy Midcoat. To learn more, check out our step-by-step Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring tutorial instructions.
Epoxy Flake Floor:
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Start by thoroughly cleaning the plywood subfloor to remove dirt and other contaminants.
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Repair any cracks, damage, or knots using our Floor Patch Epoxy Gel.
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Once the repairs are done, sand the area until it's flat and dust-free.
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Mix and pour 2 thin coats of our Epoxy Undercoat.
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After the Epoxy Undercoat cures for 3-4 hours, mix and apply Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer, then evenly distribute Decorative Floor Flake. After 15-24 hours of cure time, scrape excess flakes and apply Polyaspartic Top Coat as a durable finish.
PRO TIP: If your plywood subflooring is bowed or flexes, address this by applying a layer of acrylic bonding primer and accompanying self-leveling cement product. Alternatively, you can fill low areas with 1-2 ounces of Epoxy Midcoat. To learn more, check out our step-by-step Epoxy Flake Flooring tutorial instructions.
What colors can I make my Metallic Marble Epoxy Floors?
Stone Coat Flooring Epoxy Midcoat is designed to work seamlessly with Metallic Mica Pigment Powder and Alumilite Liquid Epoxy Dye, giving you the freedom to create your dream floor. With the ability to incorporate a spectrum of solids, metallics, glitters, and rich epoxy pastes–the possibilities are endless! We encourage you to unleash your creativity and explore different combinations of our colorants to achieve one-of-a-kind patterns and designs.
Is Stone Coat flooring epoxy durable and scratch resistant?
Our flooring epoxy is designed to resist scratches, stains, and wear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. With proper maintenance, Stone Coat epoxy floors can retain their glossy appearance for years.
Protect and enhance the durability of your Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring and Epoxy Flake Flooring while also elevating visual appeal with one of our top coat products:
Stone Coat Flooring Ultimate Top Coat: Available in matte or glossy urethane (metallic marble only)
Stone Coat Flooring Polyaspartic Top Coat: Available in UV resistant high-gloss (metallic marble and flake)
Is creating a Stone Coat epoxy floor expensive?
Stone Coat Flooring offers an affordable solution compared to other flooring options. The cost ultimately depends on the size of your project and the specific products you choose. However, considering its durability and the value it adds to your space, it's an investment that pays off in the long run.
When compared to the cost of professional installation, it’s a clear choice–especially with the addition of FREE full-length step-by-step tutorials available on our Stone Coat Countertops YouTube channel.
Professional Epoxy Flake Flooring = $5-7 a square foot
vs.
DIY Stone Coat Epoxy Flake Flooring = $1.99-2.50 a square foot
Professional Epoxy Marble Flooring = $15-19 a square foot
vs.
DIY Stone Coat Epoxy Marble Flooring = $3-5 a square foot
When installing epoxy flooring outdoors, can exposure to sunlight and temperature extremes affect the outcome?
When it comes to outdoor installation of Stone Coat epoxy flooring, climate considerations play a crucial role. Extremely cold temperatures can impact the curing process and final finish. For the best outcome, we recommend installing epoxy Epoxy Flake Flooring in dry weather conditions and moderate temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. To combat the effects of direct sunlight, our specially designed Stone Coat Polyaspartic Top Coat provides excellent UV resistance.
Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring should not be installed outdoors in direct sunlight. If you do opt to install in a covered area with no sun exposure, we recommend only using earth tones or dark colors to mitigate early ambering and degradation.
Is Stone Coat flooring epoxy truly chemical and stain resistant?
Our top-of-the-line epoxy is specifically designed to handle spills from oils, chemicals, and other substances with ease. Perfect for garages, workshops, and commercial spaces, it's a durable and reliable choice. With regular cleaning, you can effortlessly maintain its impeccable appearance.
How long do I have to work with flooring epoxy?
Metallic Marble Epoxy Flooring: Stone Coat Flooring Epoxy Midcoat offers an exceptional working time, ranging from 85 to 120 minutes. This duration may vary based on the temperature and humidity of your workspace. With the longest working time available in the epoxy flooring industry, you'll have ample opportunity to mix, pour, and spread the epoxy before it begins to set.
Epoxy Flake Flooring: You'll have a comfortable 70 minutes (approximate) to apply Stone Coat Flooring Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer and spread your selected Decorative Floor Flake. Keep in mind, working time can vary with temperature and humidity. For larger flooring projects, consider applying the Moisture Seal Epoxy Primer and Decorative Floor Flake in sections or batches, creating seamless transitions in between.
Check out our extensive videos for more steps, and follow the step-by-step instructions. We always recommend doing your research on your DIY project and if you can, do a small test project so you know you'll love the look. We are so grateful for all the fans and people helping to make this era the Epoxy Revolution.