Considerations when coating fresh concrete with resin
Benefits of an epoxy resin floor
Resin floors – particularly epoxy resin floors, have 3 key benefits:
- Protection of the structural aspects of the concrete floor from accelerated wear and tear
- The creation of an attractive appearance for the floor
- An increase in aesthetics and safety, particularly in wet, industrial environments where a non-slip coating is desired and a seamless coating preferred.
Can I coat fresh concrete with epoxy resin?
We often get asked if a resin floor can be immediately coated with epoxy. Our quick response is no; moisture within concrete must be allowed to evaporate for it to harden and achieve its ultimate strength. A resin coating here would prevent the moisture from escaping, which leads us to the second reason: epoxy coatings require a dry surface with a low moisture content before coating.
Recommendations for coating fresh concrete
At a minimum, we would recommend a semi-permeable epoxy coating, although this type lacks the robustness and durability of standard epoxy resin floors. So, in most cases, we would recommend you allow the concrete floor to dehydrate before coating. Failing to do this would see your epoxy resin floor suffering from bubbles, cracks and flaking – all of which are highly unsightly.
How long should I wait before applying an epoxy resin floor coating?
From our experience and according to leading manufacturers, you should wait for a month or more prior to coating. However, this could vary depending on the weather: heat accelerates evaporation, whilst coat restricts it as does dampness and humidity.
When to contact a resin flooring specialist
At Strandek, we offer a range of tests and service to assess the condition of your concrete and its moisture content. If you’d like to find out more, give us a call on 02921 900011 or fill out our online form.
About us
Established in 1976, Strandek are leading installers of resin floors. Our expertise ranges from floor resurfacing to epoxy resin flooring, GRP linings and non-slip coatings – all of which are perfect for flooring applications.