Fill the floor with resin. Epoxy resin for pouring the floor: advantages and stages of work. Sequence of operations performed

Epoxy self-leveling flooring is a strong single structure, absolutely harmless to health and easy to maintain. Yes, that's exactly it beautiful coating, which can increasingly be found in restaurants, airports and luxury apartments. In addition, due to its environmental friendliness, this coating is quite popular in children's institutions and hospitals. Total advantages! Do you dream of pouring such a floor in own apartment? Now we will tell you how to do this.

Self-leveling epoxy floors are rightfully considered one of the most resistant to moisture and aggressive chemicals: acids, alkalis and solvents. These floors can be washed hot water and almost any detergent, which is why they are preferred to be installed in various laboratories, rooms with high humidity and in residential buildings.

Epoxy self-leveling floors are also valuable for their unique repairability: in case deep scratch or a crack, just one stroke of a brush is enough, whereas with polyurethane ones you will have to tinker.

Let's celebrate no less important advantages epoxy self-leveling floors:

Easy to use. An epoxy floor is a perfectly flat base that is no more difficult to maintain than varnished parquet.
Resistant to temperature changes. You can make such a floor in a bathhouse with peace of mind: neither heat, nor steam, nor unheated winter months will harm such a coating.
No joints. The dirt won't get anywhere else.
Wear resistance. The durability of this coating will surprise you.
Variety of colors and exclusive design options.

And the biggest advantage of an epoxy self-leveling floor is that there is no need to additionally waterproof it - it is already a kind of waterproofing!

But keep in mind that dismantling such a floor is practically impossible - it is much easier to apply another layer directly on top of it.

Myths and truths about the environmental friendliness of epoxy floors

It turns out that there really is such a fear among ordinary people, which is why many refuse to install such a beautiful floor covering in their home. But in fact, among all the thermoset resins that we breathe every day (you just need to leave the house), epoxy resins are the most harmless. In the solid state, they are absolutely environmentally friendly. Of course, heating is just as undesirable for them as for ordinary natural wood, which releases resins under such conditions.

Well, let's list which possible evaporations scare some people today and give rise to many myths:

Epichlorohydrin. Irritates the skin and mucous membranes, causes bronchitis, and has a bad effect on the vascular system.
Anhydrides. May cause severe suffocation.
Toluene. If you breathe it for a long time, the process of hematopoiesis will be disrupted.
Hexamethyldiamine. If it gets into the eyes, it will lead to necrosis.
Polyethylpolyamine. If it gets on the skin, it will cause very unpleasant sensations.

But all these volatile substances are in the amount of 3-5% stand out only when applying layers of flooring! During polymerization, they come out completely, and after exactly a week there is no longer a trace of them in the room. This is when an epoxy floor is considered 100% environmentally friendly and safe even for children. Until then, you must protect your eyes, lungs and skin.

Yes, polymer floors do not consist of natural materials, but in terms of their sanitary and hygienic characteristics they are very close to them. You can always find out about this from quality certificates. Although it is worth noting that among epoxy floors there are also brands that can completely guarantee safety even during the work itself.

How to fill such a floor yourself? The essence of the process is extremely simple: first, a base is prepared, which must be firmly attached to the base layer, and epoxy resin is poured onto it. And it dries out quite quickly. And it doesn't smell anymore.

Chips, flocks and sparkles: how to create a masterpiece?

If your interior design, although beautiful, does not fit into the idea of a monochromatic floor, then you can easily make it decorative at the pouring stage. So, the easiest way is to use various mixtures: flocks, glitters and acrylic “chips”. With their help, you can give the self-leveling floor any texture, even marble.

Flocks for this floor can be monochrome or two-color, in the form of straws or scales, or even as sparkles. Most often, epoxy floors for residential premises are poured with flock “mixes” of pastel colors.

The glitters used today are holographic, aluminum, polyester and iris. The most beautiful of them are polyester: gold, silver, blue, red and green shiny particles of a special hexagonal shape. But iris glitters are iridescent iridescent particles of the most different colors. Moreover, such glitters can be in the form of hearts, stars and crescents. Everything is to your taste!

Please note that there is also a difference in that the chips are always scattered onto the main polymer layer, and glitters can also be applied to the finishing varnish.

Let's take a closer look at the technology for constructing such a floor:

Step 1. Prepare the base. A smooth concrete floor, additionally processed with a grinding or shot blasting machine, is most suitable.
Step 2. Now we apply a highly penetrating primer, which should improve the adhesion of the floor to the base.
Step 3. Next, pour the pre-prepared mixture of epoxy resins and quartz sand onto the floor.
Step 4. Lay out the filler or also the image, if the design suggests so.
Step 5. Fill with transparent epoxy varnish.

Example of work on video slideshow:

You will be surprised to learn that a transparent epoxy floor costs several times less than a white one. By the way, among those who have already given free rein to their imagination with a transparent colorless epoxy floor, most positive feedback about the Durafill brand. Under this layer of epoxy paint you can put not only photographs or shells, but also silver or bronze powder - it’s not a problem to get it now.

But you cannot paint with oil paints under such a layer - the epoxy will not stick later. Therefore, for those who like to be creative, it is better to simply take a few different colors of self-leveling floor and make a neat pattern. But you can paint epoxy coatings with acrylic paints: to do this, use stencils and fashionable vinyl stickers.

All this filling plays a huge role in the design of floors: firstly, with the help of such “chips” you can easily highlight a certain area of the interior, stylize drawings or patterns and significantly reduce the reflective ability of self-leveling floors, which not everyone likes. Secondly, “chips” give self-leveling floors additional anti-slip effect. The polymer coating really doesn’t look so smooth with them anymore - all because of the protruding, uneven edges of the filler. Plus, this way it is convenient to visually hide the unevenness of the floor.

Golden 3D floor made of coins - looks gorgeous!

If you decide to make small items such as coins, shells and glass the main element of your decor, then be sure to make a sketch in advance of what you want to get in the end. It would be better to fill the objects themselves on the same photographic print: for example, shells - as if at the bottom of a river, coins - on golden sands. It is also very beautiful when old wristwatches or family photographs are “rolled up”.

Moreover, nowadays you can’t even buy a box of matches at a kiosk for just change. And many ordinary people have already saved up enough for one three-liter jar of this “wealth.” Look at these photos, maybe you've been waiting for just such a moment?

If the room already has a self-leveling floor and you want to redo it completely or partially, then you may be interested in our material:.

And such a 3D composition looks simply amazing, especially if the coins are cleaned in advance. And if they are not only domestic, but also from all possible countries. So here's what to do:

Step 1. Clean the surface and measure the area of the future coating. Lay out a space of 10x10 cm with coins, count how many of them went into it and you will know how many you will need for the whole room. The formula is simple: number of coins x 100 x quantity square meters rooms.
Step 2. Make the floor perfectly smooth: sand and rub all the unevenness, and fill the cracks with cement.
Step 3. Using detergent degrease and wash the floor well. Dry.
Step 4. Cut the self-adhesive fiberglass into individual squares of the same size - as many as will be needed for the room.
Step 5. Place the coins on the cut out squares - this is quite easy and quick.
Step 6: Start laying out the fiberglass with coins, starting at the back of the room and gradually moving towards the door. Press the tiles firmly to the floor.
Step 7. Prepare an adhesive solution in water and pour it over the floor with coins - this will help fill all the cracks between them. Let this floor sit for at least 72 hours.
Step 8. Mix epoxy adhesive sealant with a UV blocker and fill the entire coating. That's all!

Without a shadow of a doubt, the coin floor can be called a real 3D in the full sense of the word - after all, here the decor is truly presented in a three-dimensional version. Photos of a coin floor are always not very impressive, but in reality, walking on such a surface is a pleasure. Why not Uncle Scrooge's pool?

Private construction often includes the manufacture of flooring. There is a wide variety of flooring types. The most common materials that are widely used for making floors are the following: laminate, linoleum, parquet, concrete and others. A special place is occupied by the so-called liquid polymer materials. Nowadays they are used more and more often. Among polymeric materials, it is necessary to highlight epoxy ones, which are also found during application. finishing coating for the floor.

The optimal density of the self-leveling floor layer for an apartment is 1.5 mm.

Unlike usual building materials, epoxy self-leveling floors have excellent performance characteristics. This floor has no seams or joints. When applying such a layer, the surface is absolutely smooth and sealed, which makes it very easy construction works. Epoxy self-leveling floors are successfully used for office and medical premises, restaurants and industrial facilities. Such materials began to be used in apartments relatively recently. Let's take a closer look at the features of epoxy self-leveling floors and the technology of pouring the material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Self-leveling epoxy floors have a number of positive characteristics. Epoxy polymer is a two-component material that contains epoxy resin and a hardener. This coating is uniform, since the process of filling the floor is carried out in one go. The result is a surface without seams. Such self-leveling floors protect the underlying layers from the penetration of moisture, microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi), as well as from corrosion. Self-leveling floors are a hygienically clean material that is safe for humans and animals. They do not emit harmful chemical substances from its surface.

Epoxy floors can be washed due to their smooth surface. The positive aspects of such a coating include chemical resistance. Epoxy floors can withstand exposure to any chemical agents, including alkalis and acids. For safety reasons, you can choose a certain type of coating, which ensures the fire safety of the floor. It is important that epoxy floors are not slippery at all, and the risk of injury is minimal.

Thus, the epoxy coating is durable and resistant, including to mechanical stress. It withstands ultraviolet irradiation and high temperatures. The disadvantages include the fact that when dismantling the floor, such a coating is quite difficult to remove. In addition, if used irrationally, the surface of such a floor can become fragile and subject to destruction. It is also possible for plasticizers to escape from the thickness of the material, which will lead to a violation of the integrity of the coating.

Preparatory work

Rules for preparing the base for self-leveling floor installation.

Floor filling technology includes preparatory stage work. It consists of leveling the base and dismantling the old coating. Depending on the type of old floor, the procedure for preparing the base will be different. If there is an old coating, it must be removed. After this, the surface is leveled. You will also need to clean it of dust, dirt and debris. If the base of the floor is made of concrete, then it is necessary to give it an even outline. For this they use grinding machine or a grinder with a diamond attachment. Sanding is needed to eliminate cracks and pores, which can ultimately lead to the destruction of the floor.

The thickness of the layer that is removed is on average 1 mm. The next stage is cleaning the floor and applying disinfectants. Next, the primer is applied. The primer adds roughness to the surface and improves adhesion. polymer material. In some cases, it is necessary to resort to leveling the floor by pouring cement or concrete screed. Alternative option– use of coating materials (mastic). As for preparing a wooden base, this is not the best option for making liquid floors. The thing is that wood is capable of absorbing moisture, which will affect the quality of the coating.

Preparation of a wooden base includes removing a layer of paint, sanding the surface using sandpaper and applying deformation tape. The tape is glued around the perimeter of the room in places where the liquid floor comes into contact with the walls. Great importance has also the fact that immediately before pouring the solution, a reinforcing mesh is laid on the base of the floor. If the base of the floor is made of ceramic tiles, then the destroyed slabs are removed and laid in their place. cement mortar. After this, the surface is cleaned and degreased. Next, a layer of primer is applied.

Surface priming

The technology of self-leveling floors includes such a stage as priming.

The primer is applied only to a dry surface. It is important that after cleaning the surface from dust, you must wait 2 hours. The primer is sold in semi-liquid form, but it must be diluted in water according to the attached instructions. It is better to apply the primer to the entire floor surface at once. This is done using a roller or other device. The type of primer is selected depending on the type of coating. It is recommended to use a primer with antiseptic properties. The number of layers is from 1 to 3.

If shiny spots soon appear, you need to determine the presence or absence of contaminants on them. They will need to be removed and a coat of primer applied again. After the first layer has dried, you can apply the second. The floor plane must be ideal. Small slopes are possible (no more than 2 mm per 2 sq.m. area). It is also of great importance that the building must be waterproofed against the ingress of groundwater. This is especially important for rooms located close to the ground.

Requirements for the premises

Epoxy floors cannot always be poured. There are certain restrictions. In order for epoxy floors to be installed without difficulty, the room must maintain a certain temperature and humidity regime. The temperature of the base of the floor and the air should be in the range from +5 to +25 degrees. The polymer-based material itself should have a temperature of 15-25 degrees. Relative humidity during repairs should not exceed 80%. Great importance is attached to the moisture content of the base. Its maximum value is 4 mass fractions of a percent. As for the conditions of transportation, there are also some nuances here. The storage temperature of epoxy polymer is from -30 to +30 degrees.

To check the moisture content of the base, it is advisable to use available means, for example, polyethylene. It is attached tightly to the base of the floor and left in this position for a day. After this, the film is removed. If on inside drops of water have appeared, and the surface has slightly changed color, then such a floor is unsuitable for pouring a polymer mixture.

Applying the base layer

The flooring technology involves applying the very first, base layer. It uses epoxy primer. It is very easy to prepare. To do this, you need to mix both components present in the package and let them sit for 3 minutes. After this, you can apply the mixture to the subfloor. The finished epoxy primer is poured onto the floor in a snake or strips. After this, it is distributed over the surface using flat metal spatulas or rollers. It must be remembered that the layer dries on average in 18-24 hours. Epoxy primer is applied in a layer of 1.5 mm. It is necessary to eliminate small defects and close pores. The mixture consumption is approximately 400 g per 1 sq.m. When distributing the solution, the formation of thick areas and puddles is not allowed.

After about 20 minutes, sand is poured onto the surface of the epoxy primer at a rate of 1.5 kg/m. The pouring process is carried out in special flatbeds. After applying the base layer, you should not walk on it for 12-24 hours. After the layer has hardened, you will need to remove excess sand. To do this, you need to have a brush on hand. After all this, the surface is cleaned of dust and sealed. To do this, the pre-prepared self-leveling floor is applied to the base floor using spatulas using a stripping method. After the base layer, you can apply a decorative layer, but this is not necessary. You can use films with decorative patterns or other materials.

Applying the finishing coat

Self-leveling floor device with 3D effect.

Self-leveling floors require the application of a top layer. The mixture is prepared in the same way as when using epoxy primer, only it includes preliminary mixing of the first component of the mixture. You will need a mixer or mixer. The mixer must have a power of at least 1.5 kW. Do not use needle mixers. It is recommended to immerse the mixer completely in the container so that the components mix better. It is important that the epoxy mortar is poured in such a way that each subsequent batch should be poured no later than 40 minutes from the start of the previous one. This affects the quality of the connection.

It is recommended to do before pouring the main layer expansion joints. A squeegee is used to adjust the layer thickness. The procedure for removing air from the material is of particular importance. A needle roller is best suited for this purpose. It shouldn't be dirty. The front layer is poured in the same way as the base layer. Its thickness is 1-2 mm. You need to make sure that the solution does not get on the walls when pouring, otherwise it will be very difficult to remove. The hardening time depends on its temperature. On average it is 12-24 hours. The floor is left open; it is not recommended to spill liquids on it. At the end of the work, remove the insulating tape. Possible gaps are filled with sealant. Self-leveling floors are ready. It is recommended to walk on the floor only after three days.

List of tools and materials

In order to make self-leveling floors, you must have a whole list of tools and materials available. It includes:

Special shoes for aeration work.

brush;
hammer;
nail puller;
spatulas;
raclette;
needle roller;
building or water level;
roulette;
mixer;
containers for solution;
sandpaper.

In addition, you will need:

polyethylene film;
sealant;
insulating tape;
primer, plaster;
cement mortar;
water, gloves;
special shoes for workers;
mask or respirator.

Thus, if you follow all the technology of pouring and preparing the surface, self-leveling floors will turn out smooth, beautiful and will last long years to his owner.

Modern construction technologies allow you to significantly diversify the methods of arranging floors. For this purpose, the most unusual flooring materials, including liquid ones. Thus, epoxy flooring is a unique coating that can be used in residential and industrial premises, workshops, houses and apartments, garages and catering establishments.

Types, advantages and disadvantages of epoxy floors

Epoxy resin for pouring, or compound, is a liquid polymer containing epoxy groups and capable of hardening under the influence of hardeners. Epoxy is used to make varnishes and paints, adhesives, and other paint and varnish materials. Self-leveling flooring is another possible area of application for resin. It combines well with various additives, can be painted in many colors, and has crystal transparency. This allows you to create original floor coverings, including in 3D technology. To install floors, fillers must be added to the epoxy composition to impart strength, wear resistance, and antistatic properties.

Production of self-leveling floors in last years has developed seriously, so now companies offer many types of polymer epoxy coatings. They are made for specific operating conditions, which must be taken into account during installation. What types of epoxy resin floors are there? Here are the main ones:

thin-layer – form a layer no more than 1 mm thick, have high resistance to chemicals and mechanical stress;
thick-layer - each layer is no more than 1 mm, but their number is much larger, so the final coating is thick;
quartz - quartz sand is added to the bottom layer of the epoxy resin coating, which increases strength;
industrial - such poured floors can withstand enormous loads of any nature.

Epoxy coating can be colored, transparent or white, glossy or matte, perfectly smooth or rough. Some floors serve only the main purpose (providing a solid foundation), others additionally have decorative functions. Most epoxy mixtures are two-component, but there are also one-component compositions.

The advantages of epoxy flooring are undeniable:

high adhesion to any substrate - concrete, wood or stone;
excellent waterproofing of the floor surface;
repels dust and dirt due to antistatic properties;
resistance to impact, UV radiation, abrasion, cracking;
service life - up to 30-40 years;
possibility of cleaning with chemical means, no reaction to the ingress of solvents and technical liquids;
immunity to temperature changes, the ability to endure a whole winter in an unheated room;
environmentally friendly, harmless to humans after complete curing;
no fire hazard, non-flammable;
perfect smoothness;
aesthetic appearance, the ability to use colors in any color spectrum.

Unlike polyurethane flooring, epoxy has no harsh unpleasant odor during installation. Such coatings create a lot of scope for the designer’s imagination, almost limitless. But resin-filled floors also have disadvantages. In terms of price, they are far from cheap - you will have to buy the epoxy resin itself, a hardener, a number of tools and additional materials.

The complexity of the preparatory and main work is also much higher than when laying linoleum or laminate. Repairing the surface will not be easy - choosing the color of the composition is unrealistic. Removing the coating is no less difficult a process than applying it; it takes a lot of time.

The relevance of installing self-leveling epoxy floors

Depending on the type of room, you should select a self-leveling floor with suitable properties and characteristics. So, in offices, garages and industrial premises install the thickest and most impact-resistant epoxy fillers. Thick-layer compounds will also be required where there are significant differences in height; they can be applied to the tiles. Thin-layer compounds are used to pour the finishing layer on the floor, and their consumption is minimal.

In the apartment

Craftsmen often fill the floors of their homes with their own hands. The advantages have already been clarified - strength, durability and reliability, as well as easy washing and beauty. But we must immediately take into account some of the disadvantages of self-leveling floors for apartments and residential premises. The potting compound is not very warm and it is unpleasant to walk on barefoot. If you combine the pouring with the installation of a heated floor, this drawback is leveled out.

Another disadvantage is that changing a boring pattern will be problematic. This especially applies to bright photographs, collages, 3D coatings, and phosphors glowing in the dark at night. According to reviews, residents quickly become bored with this decor. It is better to mount unobtrusive drawings, graphic images and other moderately bright options.

When installing an epoxy floor in an apartment, you need to be prepared for high expenses. If the floor is curved, with differences in heights and slopes, epoxy resin will be consumed in large quantities. For a beginner in working with epoxy, pouring the compound is almost impossible; you will have to practice on less complex objects.

In the bathroom

Usually the bathroom is covered with ceramic tiles; this solution is traditional. But some people prefer to fill the floor with epoxy resin, which is exceptionally waterproof. Washing such a floor is a pleasure, because it is slightly dirty and dusty. The absence of seams for the bathroom is another significant plus, since dirt will not get stuck in them. Even hot water and falling objects will not disturb the aesthetics of the epoxy coating, although it appears fragile. Since the bathroom usually has a small area, the cost of renovation will be quite affordable.

In the garage

Fill the floor garage box Epoxy is a great idea. The flooring in the garage is subjected to harsh use every day; it has to withstand the weight of the car, temperature fluctuations, and contact with chemicals. That's why " liquid linoleum", as an epoxy floor is also called, must meet high requirements. It is necessary to select special brands of mixtures for pouring - especially durable, smooth to the touch, but not slippery. The service life of the floor is enormous, it is easy to clean and has good adhesion. Epoxy coating can be poured over a concrete floor and small area allows you to do the installation yourself.

In nightclubs and restaurants

In such premises there are always a large number of people present, and the coating is subject to high loads. Food is prepared in catering kitchens, where there is high humidity and frequent temperature changes. In a nightclub, the list of additional requirements includes the aesthetics of the premises and original design.

Decorative self-leveling flooring made of epoxy resin is very popular in organizations of this type. The advantages are easy cleaning and fire-fighting properties of the coating; it does not burn and does not allow fire to spread. It is especially recommended to fill with epoxy compounds in technological areas such as kitchens, entrances, exits, and unloading areas.

At industrial facilities

Floors in production workshops and other industrial premises are the most worn part. The loads on them are very high and constant. These include people walking, equipment vibration, low or high temperatures. In some places - high humidity, influence of chemicals.

At industrial facilities, only special industrial epoxy floors are used. Their technical indicators are higher than those of conventional compounds for houses and apartments. Some polymer coatings can easily withstand dropping a load weighing several kilograms from a great height. Typically, such floors last up to 20 years.

Epoxy resin for flooring - manufacturers and consumption

There are a number of products available for grouting epoxy floors. various rooms. Prices for them are not the same, imported mixtures are much more expensive. The price range is 230-650 rubles per kilogram. The most famous brands– “Elakor ED”, “Betolast” and others.

"Rizopox"

"Rizopox 4101" is a self-leveling epoxy floor covering. This two-component, solvent-free, low-color material features a modified amine hardener. The product allows you to get a floor with smooth surface, perfectly smooth. This epoxy is widely used in industry, agriculture, sports institutions, housing and communal services facilities, parking lots. The epoxy compound is especially popular for filling warehouses and garages.

"Rizopox" can be used on a stone base, poured onto concrete, cement-sand screed. The mass is resistant to damage, scratching, and impact. Consumption as an epoxy primer is about 300-400 g/sq.m. m, to create the front layer of the floor covering - from 400-500 g and above.

"Betolast"

The Betolast water-epoxy self-leveling floor is odorless and includes special components and fillers to give a semi-matte finish. The product is wear-resistant, weather-resistant, does not react to chemicals, environmentally friendly, vapor permeable. Can be applied epoxy material as a primer, including on fresh and wet concrete, on old concrete base. The compound is suitable for garages and hangars, repair shops, basements, medical and child care facilities, apartments and houses. It is “breathable” and does not disturb the ecology of the room and the environment. When applying to wet concrete, preliminary priming with Epoxol must be used. When pouring low-quality concrete, first impregnate with soil deep penetration"Aquastone". Consumption with a layer thickness of 2 mm – up to 1 kg/sq.m. m.

"Epolast"

"Epolast" is an epoxy flooring compound with excellent decorative properties. The product is two-component and does not contain solvents. It is suitable for pouring concrete, natural stone, metal and wooden structures. "Epolast" is intended for rooms with high loads, can be subject to constant exposure to moisture and abrasive cleaning. It creates chemical-resistant epoxy floors, which is why it is widely used in workshops, garages, and parking lots. Consumption – up to 600 g/sq.m. m.

"Elakor ED"

This color composition is highly durable and can be applied to subfloors and as a topcoat. It has no unpleasant odor and is easy to use. The product is not afraid of UV radiation. With a thickness of 1 mm, the consumption for litter is 300 g/sq.m. m, for front covering – up to 1.5 kg.

Tools for work

Before installing the floor, it is advisable to watch a video on pouring compounds or read information in magazines for construction and repair (“Do it yourself” and others). Next, it is important to prepare the following materials and tools:

padding polyester roller for priming, needle roller for removing air bubbles;
a squeegee for applying epoxy, a spatula for leveling and rubbing in hard-to-reach places;
a drill with a paddle attachment - will help in mixing the resin and hardener;
paint shoes - you can walk on the floor in them, they will not damage the coating.

Also, for cleaning instruments, a solvent is purchased, for personal protection - gloves, a respirator, and goggles. You also need to have a vacuum cleaner in order to promptly remove the remaining quartz sand if it is used at work.

Filling the floor with your own hands

Floor decoration can be done different ways. The easiest way is to pour special “chips” onto the base layer before it completely hardens. Also, after curing, the base is painted with acrylic paints. Hand painting will be the most original and unusual option for decorating the fill. Another way to give the floor decorative properties is to order a banner or sticker from a printing house, onto which any images can be applied. Typically stickers are made from vinyl. Modern 3D printing looks especially beautiful.

There are certain requirements that the premises must meet:

temperature +5...+25 degrees (the same indicator should be at the base on which the compound will be poured);
composition temperature +15…+25 degrees;
air humidity no more than 80%;
base moisture is less than 4% (for the Betolast mixture - up to 12%).

Surface preparation

The most reliable base for epoxy is a concrete floor. But, if necessary, you can pour the mixture onto other substrates, even onto tiles. Problems can arise only with wooden bases, because over time they become deformed.

It is important that the floor covering is dry and fairly level. The permissible deviation from the horizontal is no more than 2 mm for every 2 meters. Self-leveling mixtures can cover the floor with serious deviations from this norm. The humidity of the floor is determined as follows: a polyethylene film measuring 1*1 m is glued to the floor with tape and left for 48 hours. If there is not a large amount of moisture under the film, the floor can be considered dry and ready for pouring. Fresh concrete screed It is better to leave it for 4 weeks, during which time its humidity will return to normal.

All dirt, dust, grease, and paint must be completely removed from any coating. Cracks should be repaired, as should chips and other defects. You can also strengthen the base with a layer of epoxy paint. It is recommended to stick waterproofing along the walls. The floor is vacuumed 2 hours before work begins.

Priming and puttying

The primer is mixed in a separate container. Its components are connected to each other and mixed at a speed of 500 rpm, first in the forward direction, then in the reverse direction. The result should be a homogeneous mixture. Next, let the primer sit for 3 minutes to release air bubbles. The soil must be completely worked out within 40 minutes, after which its properties are lost.

The primer is poured onto the floor like a snake and spread with a synthetic padding roller. Additional portions of the product are poured onto areas that strongly absorb liquid. Polymerization lasts a day. Then you can start puttingtying chips, cracks, and all recesses. This is done with special putties mixed with quartz sand (1:3). After the putty has hardened, another layer of primer is applied. All subsequent stages begin within a day.

Filling the Base Layer

This layer is intended to completely smooth out all irregularities and rub out pores. Layer thickness is about 1.5 mm. Paint shoes are put on your feet in advance and you walk in them very carefully. The composition is prepared as indicated in the instructions. It is poured onto the floor at the rate of 300-400 g/sq.m. m. Distribute the composition on the base, and after 20 minutes, scatter fine quartz sand (about 1.5 kg per 1 sq. m).

20 hours after the final polymerization of the mass, remove the remaining sand with a hard plastic brush, and apply another layer with approximately the same amount of epoxy. distribute it rubber spatula or a squeegee. Particular attention is paid to corners and areas near walls. After 15 hours you can apply decor.

Filling the finishing layer

The final stage requires special care in the work. Epoxy is prepared in a similar way; it is poured onto the floor in wide strips. Consumption – from 1 kg/sq. m. Distribute the composition with a squeegee, and after 15 minutes roll it with a needle roller. The self-leveling floor is left to harden for 24 hours, but loads on it are allowed only after 6 days. After this period, you can apply a layer of epoxy varnish, but this is an optional step.

Epoxy floors have gained great popularity due to their durability, attractive appearance and practicality. The technology for installing such a floor requires certain skills and knowledge, but many people manage to make self-leveling epoxy floors with their own hands. Everyone can choose their own flooring option, which will suit its cost and properties and perform certain tasks.

What are the benefits of epoxy floors?

Epoxy floors have a smooth and glossy surface due to the complete absence of seams. The degree of specular gloss can be influenced using additives. The seamless surface prevents the penetration and accumulation of moisture, dirt and bacteria, and therefore this flooring is often used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
They have dirt-repellent properties. The coating is easy to maintain.
Able to not react to chemical compounds.
Epoxy resin is non-flammable and can be used to achieve a non-slip surface during the pouring process by adjusting the degree of roughness.
The material is durable, reliable, almost indestructible and does not deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Epoxy self-leveling flooring can last more than 30 years.
Almost odorless. You can feel it only when kneading. To get rid of it completely, two airings are enough.
The optimal combination of price and quality.
Easy to pour with your own hands.

The coating also has disadvantages, including:

Epoxy floor coating is quite brittle due to its hardness. If a heavy object falls on the floor, cracks and chips may appear;
Over time, scratches appear that spoil the appearance of the floor. Unfortunately, it cannot be sanded like, for example, and therefore many people prefer a matte surface to a glossy one;
Complex dismantling technology.

Installation

Preparing the base

It is important to remember that installing an epoxy self-leveling floor with your own hands is only possible on a clean, prepared base. The surface is thoroughly cleaned of dust, debris and other contaminants. If the surface is uneven, you won’t be able to do it with just a vacuum cleaner and an anti-stain solution; you’ll have to putty it. provides for the point that the smoother the surface, the less. If the cracks are large, it is better to level the floor with a rough fill. At this stage, you need to think everything through carefully, taking into account the nuances of the process technology and the features of the room. The quality and durability of the coating will depend on the preparation of the surface.

Also, a mandatory requirement for the floor is horizontality. If there is a small difference, you can fill the finished floor, it will correct the situation, but there will be an increased consumption of material. If the difference exceeds the norm, then it is better to first make a concrete screed and wait for it to dry completely.

The humidity of the finished dried screed should not exceed 4%. Only a flat and clean surface can be primed.

Before you start installing the floor yourself, you need to choose required material and calculate its quantity, select the appropriate tools. You will definitely need primer, purified quartz sand, a self-leveling two-component floor (for example, Epolast) for the base and main layers, polyurethane transparent varnish, and epoxy putty. Epolast can be laid on concrete, metal or wooden structures. If an epoxy floor is poured indoors under high loads or high humidity, then Epolast will be indispensable.

Also needed for filling:

Construction mixer,
Vacuum cleaner,
Various spatulas,
Needle roller,
Synthetic rollers,
Raklya,
Plastic and metal containers,
Individual protection means.

A primer is needed for better adhesion of the base to the epoxy resin and uniform absorption. The amount of primer will depend on the porosity of the surface. If the substrate is very porous, a thin layer of primer will not be enough.

Impregnation should be thorough and thorough, and it is better to do several layers.

After applying the first layer, at least a day should pass. At the same time, excess liquid should not be allowed, avoiding the formation of puddles. For this, there are special sprayers that allow you to distribute primers evenly over the entire surface and reduce its consumption.

Pouring technology

Mandatory compliance following conditions for pouring epoxy floors:

Indoor humidity no more than 80%;
The temperature of all materials involved in mixing must be at least 15°C;
The room temperature level is from 5°C to 25°C. It is recommended to avoid sudden changes in air temperature and surface temperature;
It is better to carry out priming work immediately after cleaning the surface from dust. If more than 2 hours have passed, it is better to clean the surface again;
The primer must be absolutely homogeneous. After stirring, four minutes should pass. The prepared mixture must be used within 30-40 minutes.

Poor mixing of the mixture components can result in coating defects

To completely close all the pores and make the coating more even, apply a base (underlying) layer, the thickness of which is about 1.5 mm. Mixing the base composition of the epoxy floor occurs at the stage of sealing the pores. The components are thoroughly mixed, then the container with the composition should stand for about three minutes for the air to escape, and immediately after that you can form the floor, evenly pouring the composition using a rubber spatula.

The composition should not be in the container for more than 10 minutes.

The consumption of the main composition is usually 400 ml per m2. Special attention It is worth paying attention to places where the composition comes into contact with other coatings, in corners and near columns.

The stage of pouring the final layer of epoxy flooring is very important and requires care. The thickness of the coating may vary, but not very thin. The composition is distributed using a squeegee. In order not to disrupt the technology, after 15 minutes, but no later than half an hour, the entire surface is pierced with the needles of a special roller to get rid of air bubbles that can spoil the uniformity of the floor. For this procedure you will need paint shoes; without them it is difficult to imagine moving through the liquid composition.

After a day, the finishing coating will dry, but only after a week will the epoxy self-leveling floors be ready for use. All this time, the surface must be open, moisture, dirt and dust must be avoided.

To further protect the epoxy floor finish, you can apply a clear polyurethane varnish using a roller or brush in one or more coats. The varnish dries completely within a day, but the floor can be used after four days.

The technology for pouring an epoxy floor with your own hands is quite complex, and the whole process is very labor-intensive. It takes a lot of time for each layer to dry, to comply with all stages of the technology. You need to constantly ensure that dust does not get in, so it is better not to open the windows until the very end. You need to be attentive to all details, especially at the final pouring stage. Even on the floor small room It will take 10-12 days.

All this effort is worth it in order to end up with a very impressive floor that will bring joy and comfort to any home. Dear reader, leave your opinion about the article in the comments or share your experience in using this coating.

The floor is of great importance in creating any interior. Among the many varieties of floor coverings, epoxy self-leveling floors are a popular finishing option today. They stand out noticeably against the background of other analogues and have advantages, although they are not without disadvantages.

Features: pros and cons

Epoxy-based self-leveling floors are a special technology used in any type of premises. If previously industrial facilities were mainly equipped in this way, today the range of applications for this cladding has been significantly expanded. Thanks to improved equipment and the latest methods production, it was possible to significantly reduce the costs of companies for the production of material with high quality and performance characteristics.

Advantages

Epoxy self-leveling floors have many advantages, they are:

More often they are distinguished by an impeccable smoothness of the surface, allowing you to place any pieces of furniture on the floor without distortion;
decorate the floors of any type of room (suitable for floor decoration living rooms, laboratories, enterprises, garages, production workshops, shopping centers, hospitals, shops, cafes, educational institutions, printing houses, facilities Food Industry);
are carried out in accordance with developed GOST standards, are recognized as an environmentally friendly type of finishing, safe for human health, and are a fire-resistant method of floor covering;

have great strength and resistance to wear, due to which they are a durable type of flooring, designed to last for several decades (up to 40 years);
able to withstand various temperature fluctuations, withstanding the load in places with high humidity, can be used in completely unheated houses during the cold season;
easy to clean, due to seamless application technology, they allow any surface cleaning, do not accumulate dirt, are easy to wash and wipe, and do not create an environment for the appearance of microorganisms;
are not limited in design solutions, due to which they can be an independent accent of a particular room, capable of indicating the design idea, or visually increasing the space due to the shade and texture used;

depending on the design solution of the floor covering, they can be part of the floor composition, being a waterproof material that can zone the space of any room;
due to the convenience of the technology, they make it possible to seamlessly fill the floor of large rooms, being a chemically inert type of floor covering and an excellent dielectric;
when used in apartment decoration, they can be used in any room, decorating the floor of a living room, nursery, bedroom, kitchen, loggia, balcony, study, home library, corridor or hallway;
Due to the variety of materials presented by brands for sale, they allow each buyer to choose the most appropriate option, taking into account taste preferences and the available budget.

The material is convenient in that any scratches or chips formed as a result of significant mechanical damage can be easily eliminated using epoxy fill and a small brush. This type of floor has an odor that disappears as the composition dries on the floor. No waterproofing work is required for its installation.

Flaws

With a lot of advantages, epoxy self-leveling floors have several disadvantages:

regardless of the components of the mixture, it requires careful labor-intensive preparation of the working surface, otherwise the quality, visual and practical characteristics;
in premium varieties it is characterized by the high price of cladding and associated installation tools, which in some cases does not coincide with the planned budget;
it can be difficult to dismantle large problem areas, because choosing a material to match the existing finish is quite problematic;
demonstrates all the imperfections of the floor covering, small scratches and chips need to be repaired immediately after they appear: they are striking;
extremely difficult to completely remove from the surface at the end of its service life, does not require re-application.

The choice of decorative coating is not always successful. Often the pattern on the surface is variegated, which requires limiting the amount of furniture in the room. In other cases (3D version), the pattern creates the effect of misinformation in space, especially if a picture with a cliff or abyss is chosen as the basis. The print should be selected very carefully, without disturbing the harmony of the style.

Characteristic

Epoxy self-leveling flooring has a slightly spreading structure that can fill non-critical surface irregularities.

Depending on the specific operating conditions, Epoxy floors can be classified according to the thickness of the lining, they are:

Thin-layer, laid in 1 pouring layer, the thickness of which is minimal and does not exceed 1 mm (usually from 0.5 mm), while the practical properties and attractive appearance of the material leave much to be desired (intended for pouring in apartment rooms with low traffic);
Classic, made of several layers of fill, each of which is 1 mm, which significantly increases the resistance of the floor covering to mechanical damage, abrasion, and resistance to abrasive solutions (an excellent floor covering for an apartment and a country house).

In addition, epoxy self-leveling floors are divided into:

Industrial varieties designed for industrial premises with high traffic and maximum level permissible load mechanical or chemical type, characterized by a variety of colors and textures;
Quartz-filled fillings reaching a thickness of up to 6 mm, characterized by the presence of quartz sand in the bottom layer, which increases the adhesion of the material to the base, improves the resistance of the filling to accidental mechanical damage, exposure to abrasive and chemicals and temperature changes;
Transparent epoxy self-leveling floor, characterized by a layer thickness of 2-5 mm, depending on the type of planned surface, distinctive features which is the minimum thickness of the optically transparent hardening film, light resistance, antistatic (an excellent material for decorating the floor with photo printing and 3D drawings).

Tools and materials

To do the filling yourself, you need to make sure you have some tools:

grinding machine;
a regular vacuum cleaner;
containers for epoxy flooring;
drills with a stirring attachment;
long-haired roller;
squeegee;
needle roller;
gloves;
paint shoes;
respirator;
spatula.

The minimum set of materials is an arsenal that includes:

deep penetration primer;
epoxy floor;
polyurethane varnish;
sealant for seams (at walls and doorways).

Device and technology

Pouring a self-leveling epoxy floor is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. You can carry out high-quality installation yourself, using the necessary raw materials and tools, which, if necessary, can be replaced with what is at hand.

The process itself, consisting of several stages, is much easier than laying tiles:

Before the installation procedure, you need to prepare the base: It is important that its humidity does not exceed 4%, and the temperature in the room is from +5 to +25 degrees. In this case, the temperature of the mixture can vary from +15 to +25 degrees. If the floor is wet (you can apply a piece polyethylene film for a day to detect condensation), installation of an epoxy floor is excluded.

Initially, the floor is prepared: it is cleaned of debris, dust, oil stains and paint residues. The better you prepare it, the less filler material will be needed. All irregularities, chips, and cracks are masked with putty or filled with a rough filler floor, which will make the base perfectly level.

After this, the floor is primed with 1-2 layers. If the base is smooth, you can roll the floor again with a roller with a primer or use a sprayer, which reduces the consumption of the solution and makes the application layer uniform. Each new layer of primer is applied only after the previous one has dried.

The epoxy mass is prepared in parts strictly according to the instructions indicated on the package. After this, it is applied to the floor surface, focusing on the highest point. The maximum permissible inclination of the horizontal plane is 2 mm per 2 square meters. m of working surface. Following the technology, it is important to apply the material in wide stripes, while evenly distributing it over the surface of the prepared floor using a squeegee. To do the job perfectly in the corners, you need to use a spatula.

Since marks may remain on the surface of a non-dried floor, it is necessary to use paint shoes. When the material is completely filled, it is rolled over the entire area with a needle roller, which will eliminate air bubbles. It is important to prevent drafts and sudden temperature changes while the cladding is drying.

In addition, it is worth keeping in mind: the solution begins to harden after 30 minutes, so the work should not be delayed. It is necessary to constantly add portions of material to the surface, leveling the finish to the same level.

Typically, self-leveling epoxy floors dry within 7 hours. However, in reality this will take about two days. When polymerization (drying) is completed, you can pour finishing layer material. If the design is intended to decorate the floor, it is performed at this stage before the finishing layer. It may be a small splash of glitter, art painting floors using special acrylic paints according to a pre-conceived sketch, regular banner printing with a digital image or 3D painting.

After the design has been applied and dried, it is covered with a layer of finishing coat and allowed to dry. Then you need to treat the floor covering polyurethane varnish, after which you need to allow it to dry for two days. As soon as last layer Once it has completely hardened, you can move furniture into the room. Epoxy resin flooring technology is good for concrete floors and allows for pouring natural stone.

Colors

The color solutions for self-leveling epoxy floors are varied and depend on the intended design idea, as well as the purpose of a particular room. In offices and production workshops they are plain, sometimes transparent. In areas with low traffic, use white, beige, olive, gray, blue, sand and terracotta color. In apartments the situation is more cheerful: the surface is covered with multi-colored paints based on liquid acrylic for self-leveling floors.

Most often these are combinations of shades:

chocolate and milk;
black and white;
gray with cream or white;
purple, golden yellow and blue;
turquoise and sand.

Decor

One of the original design techniques is the use of stencils for decoration, through which a variety of plain and colored patterns are applied to a colored monochromatic lining, imitating carpeting, special compositions, and zoning the space. In addition, the theme of the pattern used to decorate self-leveling epoxy floors depends on the type of room in which the floor is being finished.

The most interesting paintings of space decoration are:

colors of the deep sea with their inhabitants;
floral stylized ornaments;
African and other ethnic motifs;
abstract sketches;
all kinds of curls in combination with large flowers;
stone and brickwork;
all kinds of plant compositions, tree branches and leaves.

Compound

The active ingredients of the polymer material, called two-component, are epoxy resin, the necessary hardeners, solvents and plasticizers. In addition, the components of the cladding include additional components to improve practical and aesthetic characteristics, uniform distribution of the mixture over the top of the subfloor or screed, as well as inorganic dyes.

If the components of an epoxy floor are latex, polyurethane and casein, the composition becomes elastic and becomes more resistant to weight. In addition to the main components that determine the performance properties, decorative inclusions are often added to the mass, among which shiny pearlescent and reflective particles, glitter, flock, diamond or mineral chips and textile fibers (chips) are especially popular.

Adding decor often complicates the polishing process, although it gives floor covering unique appearance and often changes texture, which can be:

glossy;
moderate glossy;
semi-matte;
matte.

How to calculate the quantity?

To find out the material consumption per 1 m2, it is worth calculating the area of the planned treatment, multiplying the length by the width, and then correlate it with the density of the solution. Approximately 1 liter of filling is enough for 1 square. m of floor with a minimum thickness of up to 1 mm. If the density of the material is greater, for example, 1.3 kg/l, to process a meter of floor you will need 1.3 kg of finished material.

In order to reduce costs, brands can include additions to the material that increase the weight of the raw material, which increases the finishing density to 1.75 kg/l. In this case, the consumption also increases, which will be 1.75 kg per 1 sq. m of floor. To buy required quantity, it is important to look at the density of the material indicated on the packaging.

The required floor filling is selected in accordance with the purpose of a particular room, while it is undesirable to apply a thick layer to rid the floor of differences in height. Typically, self-leveling mixtures are used for leveling, which allow correction of height differences of up to 8-10 cm. Do not fill epoxy filling crooked floor: this will hurt your pocket and may cause poor impact resistance, because the material itself is designed exclusively for thin layers of application.

It is worth considering: a thin-layer self-leveling floor based on epoxy resin is more expensive than classic compositions. Choose a material whose elongation at break is at least 5% (up to 9% is acceptable) with a compound density of no more than 1.5 kg/l.

The covering for a room replete with equipment powered by electricity must be antistatic, and, if necessary, capable of blocking any static charges. When choosing a finish for a kitchen or bathroom floor, where moisture will inevitably reach the surface, you should opt for mixtures with an anti-slip effect.

Quartz-filled varieties are good for hallways. If you need the perfect, durable mixture, you should take a closer look at the epoxy-polyurethane material. You should not experiment with paints: leave water-based and latex varieties for other surfaces.

The finish layer is responsible for the color of the floor covering. You should not fill the flooring with more than three or four layers. This is quite enough. If the epoxy resin floor is the accent area of the floor, it is best to match the trim with the tile. In other cases, it is allowed to combine a material on a plain basis and a companion with a pattern.

Manufacturers and reviews

Epoxy soundproofing self-leveling flooring receives many rave reviews left on the Internet. Buyers who have installed this material note that this finish looks unusual and modern. Such floors are easy to maintain and do not accumulate dirt, being removed from the surface quickly enough. It is pleasant to walk on such a floor covering; it is durable and does not break if furnishings fall onto the surface.