Specialized Surface Renewal
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Epoxy flooring questions, answered

Plain answers to what people ask about epoxy and concrete floors. Still have a question? Call (828) 434-3707.

Epoxy basics and products

What is epoxy flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a tough, seamless coating that bonds to a prepared floor. A resin and a hardener cure into a hard, easy-to-clean surface. It is commonly used on garage floors, basements, kitchens, shops and trailers.

How long does an epoxy floor last?

A properly prepared and installed epoxy floor can last many years. How long depends mostly on floor prep, the products used and how hard the floor is used. Our warranties run up to 5 years and cover product failure and workmanship.

Why does epoxy peel?

Peeling almost always comes down to prep. If the floor was not ground, cleaned and repaired before coating, or if moisture is coming up through the concrete, the coating cannot grip. That is why we grind and repair a floor before we coat it.

Is epoxy flooring slippery?

Smooth, glossy epoxy can be slick when wet. Decorative flake or a non-slip additive gives the surface texture and grip.

What is the difference between flake epoxy and metallic epoxy?

Flake epoxy has colored flakes broadcast into the coating, which adds color and texture and helps hide imperfections in the slab. Metallic epoxy uses pigments that swirl through the resin for a marbled, one-of-a-kind look.

What brand of epoxy do you use?

We use a variety of brands, depending on what your project requires and your budget.

Will an epoxy floor turn yellow?

The products we use are UV stable, unless a product is otherwise described for a specific application.

Can epoxy handle hot tires, road salt, oil and chemicals?

Yes. Once properly cured, the products we use hold up to hot tires, salt, oils and chemicals.

Can you do custom flake blends or add a logo?

Yes. Custom flake and logos are work we enjoy, but they add time and cost to the project.

Can you repair cracks and damaged concrete before coating?

Yes. Imperfections such as cracks and damaged concrete are repaired before we coat.

Can you epoxy a floor with a drain, or a sloped floor?

We do not epoxy over drains unless they are not in use and have been properly filled. We have solutions for sloped surfaces.

Wood, trailers and other surfaces

Can epoxy be put on wood?

Yes. Epoxy can be applied to wood floors when the wood is sound, clean and properly prepared. We coat wood floors in homes and inside enclosed trailers. We check the floor first, because the wood needs to be solid and dry before it is coated.

Can you put epoxy on the floor of an enclosed trailer?

Yes. A coated trailer floor is easier to sweep and wipe clean and holds up to foot traffic and equipment. We do this work inside enclosed trailers.

What kind of wood floors can you coat in a trailer or home?

Most plywood and particle board surfaces in enclosed trailers or homes.

What condition does a wood floor need to be in?

The floor needs to be in good condition, dry and properly installed. We do not install subflooring.

Can epoxy go over existing concrete?

Yes, and concrete is the most common surface we coat. Cracks and chips are repaired and the surface is ground first so the epoxy bonds.

Can you epoxy a kitchen floor?

Yes. Epoxy makes a seamless, easy-to-wipe kitchen floor. Polished concrete is another option, and we can help you choose.

Can you epoxy a basement floor?

Yes, but basements need a moisture check first. Moisture coming up through the slab is one of the main reasons coatings fail, so we look at that before recommending a system.

Can you epoxy over old paint or an old coating?

Sometimes. Old coatings usually have to be ground off or tested for adhesion first. We assess each floor before we quote.

Maintenance and care

What is the easiest floor to maintain?

It depends on what you want and what the situation calls for. Several options are easier to maintain than epoxy. We offer epoxy, concrete polishing, staining and sealing, and we work with you to choose the one that fits your space, how it is used and your budget.

Is epoxy or polished concrete easier to maintain?

Both are fairly low maintenance, and the better fit depends on how the space is used and the look you want. Each option has pros and cons, and we will walk you through them. See concrete polishing and epoxy flooring.

Is epoxy better than garage floor tile?

Epoxy is one continuous surface, so there are no seams for water or dirt to get under. Tiles can go down quickly but have joints that collect grime and can shift over time.

How do you clean an epoxy floor?

A soft broom or dust mop and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner with water are usually enough. Avoid harsh abrasive pads.

Can I put furniture or a toolbox back on the floor right away?

It is best to wait until the floor is fully cured before putting furniture or heavy toolboxes back on it, typically 48 hours.

What if my epoxy floor gets worn or damaged later?

When a floor is worn or needs major repair, in most cases it requires a complete replacement.

Process and timing

How is a floor prepared for epoxy?

We grind the surface, repair cracks and chips, and clean away dust and residue so the coating can bond. Prep is the most important step, and it is where we put our time.

Is grinding better than acid etching?

Grinding generally gives a more reliable bond than acid etching, because it opens the surface evenly and removes old coatings and contaminants.

How long until I can walk or drive on it?

Times vary by product, but as a general rule, light foot traffic is fine after about 24 hours and vehicles can drive on it after 48 hours or more. We will give you the exact times for your floor when we schedule your job.

Do I need to move everything out first?

The space needs to be cleared so we can reach the whole floor. We will explain what to move when we schedule your job.

How long does a typical garage take?

A typical 2-car garage takes 3 to 5 days from start until you can drive on it.

Do you need power or water at the site?

Power and water are not needed, but they are a plus.

Is there odor or dust during installation?

There is minor odor and dust during installation. We use filtration systems and fans to help reduce them.

Can you install epoxy in cold weather?

Yes, as long as the project can be kept warm, either with your home's heat or with heaters and encapsulation.

Quotes, warranty and where we work

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes. Our estimates are no charge. Call (828) 434-3707 or use the contact form and we will set up a time to look at your floor.

Is there a minimum job size?

No. There is no minimum project size, so a single garage bay or a small room is fine. Call (828) 434-3707 or use the contact form to get started.

Do you offer financing? What payment methods do you take?

Financing options are available. We accept cash, check or card.

What deposit do you require?

We take a 50% deposit at contract signing. The remaining balance is due once you can drive onto the floor.

How far out are you booking?

We typically book 1 to 2 weeks out.

How much does epoxy flooring cost?

Price depends on the size of the floor, its condition, the amount of repair and prep needed, and the system you choose. We would rather quote the real job than guess, so we look at your floor first.

How do I get a quote?

Call (828) 434-3707 or use the contact form and tell us what surface you have and where it is. You can add photos so we can give a better quote.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes. Our warranties run up to 5 years and cover product failure and workmanship.

What does the warranty not cover?

The warranty does not cover neglect, such as improper cleaning chemicals or fallen sharp or heavy objects, or acts of God such as floods or fire.

Who is Specialized Surface Renewal?

We are a locally owned, woman and veteran owned company with over 20 years of experience. Our approach is Renewal, NOT Replacement: restoring the surfaces you already have instead of tearing them out.

Do you do residential and commercial projects?

Yes. We install both residential and commercial projects.

Should I choose epoxy, polished concrete, staining or sealing?

We also offer concrete polishing, staining and sealing. Each has its pros and cons, and we work with you so you can easily decide which option is best for your needs. See concrete polishing and concrete sealing.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties in Northwest North Carolina. See our service areas.

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