An epoxy base coat floor resin is a foundational layer in an epoxy flooring system, typically applied directly to a prepared concrete substrate. It's designed to enhance adhesion, seal the surface, and provide a solid base for additional coats (e.g., color coats, topcoats, or decorative flakes). Here's a detailed breakdown:
🔹 What Is Epoxy Base Coat?
An epoxy base coat is a two-component resin system (resin + hardener) that chemically reacts to form a rigid plastic material. It bonds strongly to concrete and creates a smooth, durable surface for subsequent coatings.
🔹 Key Properties
Property Description
Composition Typically 100% solids or solvent-based epoxy resin and a curing agent
Viscosity Medium to low viscosity for good substrate penetration
Pot Life 20–45 minutes depending on temperature and formulation
Cure Time Initial set: 6–8 hrs, Full cure: 24–72 hrs
Bond Strength Very high adhesion to concrete (~>300 psi pull-off strength)
Chemical Resistance Resistant to oils, fuels, acids, and alkalis after curing
Moisture Tolerance Some versions are moisture-tolerant (important for damp concrete)
Coverage Rate ~160–250 sq ft/gallon depending on substrate texture and porosity
🔹 Applications
Warehouses and factories
Garages and showrooms
Commercial kitchens and food processing areas
Hospitals and labs
Decorative floors (with flakes or quartz broadcast into base coat)
🔹 Steps for Application
Surface Preparation: Concrete must be clean, dry, and properly profiled (via shot blasting or diamond grinding).
Mixing: Combine Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) as per manufacturer ratio.
Application: Use a roller or squeegee to apply evenly. Back-roll to level the coat.
Optional Broadcast: While wet, decorative flakes or sand can be broadcast.
Curing: Allow to cure before applying further coats (e.g., topcoat or clear sealer).
🔹 Advantages
Excellent adhesion to concrete
Seals porous concrete
Increases longevity of flooring system
Customizable (can accept pigments, flakes, anti-slip additives)
Enhances resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and moisture
🔹 Popular Brands & Products
Sika® Sikafloor® Base
Rust-Oleum® EpoxyShield® Base Coat
Sherwin-Williams ArmorSeal®
Flowcrete Flowcoat® Base
Resdev Pumashield Base