Everything you need to know about finding a Floor Coating Expert

Floor coatings are a great way to ensure that your timber or concrete floor looks its very best.  Floor coatings will give your floor a tough, good looking finish that will last for many years.  Read on to learn more.

Timber Floor Coatings

Timber floor coatings include:

·        Solvent-borne polyurethane – has excellent wear and scratch-resistant properties.  However, it can look very plastic, and they tend to yellow with age.

·        Oil-modified urethane – this includes tung oils and it is a mineral-based product that looks great.  These products do not wear as well as other products and thus require more regular maintenance.  Recoating may be required as often as every 3 to 5 years.

·        Water-borne polyurethane – is currently the most popular and most used floor coating as it does not yellow, is non-toxic, is very hard-wearing, and cures faster than other types of coatings.

Epoxy Floor Coatings

Epoxy floor coatings contain chemical compounds that, when mixed together, cause a chemical reaction that makes the mix set to a hard, plastic-like finish.  It is suitable for all types of floors and can be bonded direct to the substrate.  Some substrates include most floor and wall surfaces, benchtops, timber, asbestos, gypsums.  Epoxy coatings are available in a range of colours and you have complete control over the colour and style that you choose for your floor.  The new epoxy coatings are durable, low maintenance and environmentally friendly.

Some epoxy coating systems use a base coat, multicoloured chips, and a top coat.  These work together to form a permanently bonded and flexible coating.  Epoxy floor coatings can be cleaned repeatedly without the finish becoming damaged, and because the epoxy will not yellow, it will look great for many years.

Floor Coatings – The Most Hygienic Finish!

Both timber and epoxy floor coatings are extremely hygienic.  This is because there are no seams, cracks, or crevices in the coating, making it impossible for dirt, bacteria, or fungus to linger in them.  This makes them ideal for people that suffer from allergies.

Precautions to Make Your Floor Coating Look Its Best

Before the floor coating process can begin, all carpentry, electrical, plastering, plumbing, and glazing work should be completed.  All painting except for the skirting boards should also be completed.  Be aware that any silicone or silicone-based product that comes into the contact with the floor after it has been sanded but before the coating takes place will cause the coating to reject.  Lay any carpets after the floor has been coated.

Ensure that fireplaces or other areas where dust could enter the room (such as vents or windows) are sealed up using masking tape and paper.  Cover light fittings.  Any furniture that cannot be moved needs to be covered.

The floor coating will dry within 24 hours but it may take 10 to 14 days for it to fully harden.  For this reason, it is recommended that you do not wear shoes for the first 7 days at least.  The furniture can be replaced within the 14 days but use protective felt pads and avoid dragging it over the floor.  Be extra careful with heavy furniture.  Rugs should not be laid for at least 14 days.

Hiring a Floor Coating Professional

When you get coatings for your floor, ensure that you ask the professional about the work that will be carried out.  They should provide you with a clear explanation.  As well, a detailed quote should be given.  Always get more than one quote and remember that the cheapest is not necessarily the best option.  Ensure that your professional can complete the job to your specifications and within your budget and time limitations.  It is also a good idea to ask for references, or ask to see samples of their previous work.