Epoxy floor coatings and epoxy resin art are both stunning forms of art that can transform your home in different ways. As you may imagine, floor coatings are functional first, pretty second, while resin art is art – its very function is to be interesting to look at. Given that both the floor coatings and the art involve epoxy, you may be curious to learn more about where they align and where their differences split them apart.
Here, we’ve done a little deep dive into the realm of epoxy so that you can learn more about how it works for your trusty floor coatings and how it creates such beautiful works of art. Ready to learn more about this increasingly popular material? Let’s jump into it!
About Epoxy
Both epoxy floor coatings and epoxy resin art need epoxy to get the final product. Both of them use epoxies in 2 components: the liquid resin and then the hardener. When mixed together, you get a very hard, durable surface. People love epoxy for floor coatings because of said durability and beautiful finish, and people love it for art for the same reasons.
What Do You Need For Epoxy Floor Coatings?
Now, if you want floor coatings done right and the best result possible, you’ll want to hire a professional to do them for you. You can DIY these, though, just be prepared for an extensive project.
In order to do a floor coating, you will need:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Good ventilation.
- Cleaning supplies to clean the floor beforehand.
- Etching products. Professionals use diamond grinders to prep floors for floor coatings, but you can also acid etch them.
- The epoxy coating.
If you are DIYing your floor coating, you will need to ensure that you follow the instructions very carefully. Professionals undergo thorough training to ensure that they provide you with a top quality product in a timely manner while staying safe.
What Do You Need For Epoxy Resin Art?
What are you planning on making art on? The options are seemingly endless, ranging from tables to seashells to cutting boards and more.
Generally, though, to do epoxy art, you will need:
- The epoxy.
- Personal protective equipment.
- A well-ventilated space.
- A surface to do your art on.
- A cover for your art space, such as a disposable plastic tablecloth.
- A level.
- Mixing cups.
Of course, this can vary depending on your project. What does not vary is the fact that you need epoxy, safety equipment, a safe space to work, and things to do your art on and with.
Is The Process Different For Using Epoxy With Floor Coatings Versus Art?
In some ways, absolutely. In others, they’re quite similar!
In Regards To Epoxy Floor Coatings
We’ve actually discussed the process of applying floor coating quite extensively here, but we’ll touch on it again for your convenience. Generally speaking, the floor must be cleaned of any dirt, grime, grease, and the like. Then, it must be ground or etched so that the coating can properly adhere to it.
Once this is done, you apply the first coat, wait for it to cure, then apply the second coat. Epoxy coatings are notorious for taking a long time to cure, so you may find yourself waiting full days before you can apply the second coat and then wait some more before you can use your floors again.
Given that your floors get used extensively and are exposed to many different elements, this type of floor coating will need to be redone every few years. Professional coatings typically last longer than the DIY versions.
In Regards To Epoxy Resin Art
This depends on what you’re making! Working with a canvas would be quite different that making jewelry. The types of epoxy resin art are so many and varied, we can’t possibly address the processes of each one here.
However, you do need to mix your epoxies together. You do need your safety equipment and your ventilation to protect yourself from the fumes. You do need to give it ample time to harden. In these ways, it’s quite similar to working with floor coatings.
How you use epoxy for your art can vary quite a bit, both in regards to the type of art you do on a certain material and in regards to your personal artistic process. You certainly have a lot more freedom when doing art than you do with the more regimented floor coatings, but they are both of them beautiful, and both of them can provide you with lovely end products.
Solid Custom Floor Coatings provides professional floor coating services. Our specialty is polyaspartic floor coatings, as they are stronger and last far longer than epoxy coatings. To learn more about the types of coatings we provide or for any questions about our process, please do not hesitate to contact us today!
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