October 22nd, 2008
Tags: Epoxy Restoration,
Garage Floors,
Polyaspartic Floors
This project by Joe Sheehan shows the potential for
restoring epoxy floors with “Pure Bred” polyaspartics for commercial and residential floors nationwide.
In this situation a home owner had their concrete garage floor resurfaced by a local contractor with an epoxy system, gray color with a light decorative chip application. The contractor applied a non slip additive into the epoxy. No fault to the contractor but the non slip additive dislodged from the epoxy due to wear. Non slip additives in epoxy dislodge and break off. That is simply the Inherent nature of epoxies.
Problems
#1 - The home owner walked on the floor while wet, the floor was like ice and down they went.
#2 - If you notice in the photo below there are scratches in the epoxy plus the fact that it is dirty. If you look under a hand held microscope you would see that the scratches are frayed. You can see a similar result on plastics to get the idea. The frayed scratches contain dirt which does not come out with cleaning. This 
prevents light reflection. Light stops dead in its tracks as soon as it hits the dirt. Now the epoxy looks drab, stains and dirt show.
#3 - Epoxies yellow over time when exposed to even partial sunlight. They develop an amber tone, obscore the color, decorative chips or quartz. Cosmetically, epoxies look great when new but begin to lose their luster quickly. Restoring epoxy floors with new epoxy will not fix the problem. Look at the picture below - sloppy job at edge and note the yellowing epoxy.
Solution - Joe Sheehan was brought in to provide a solution after original contractor just scratched his head in wonder. He didn’t have a solution, Joe did!
Restoring Epoxy Floors with Pure Bred Polyaspartics
#1 Joe Sheehan knew that by sanding down the epoxy using a planetary grinder with 40-80 grit pads would remove the scratches and prep the floor. This is part of the “Prep Perfect System” Joe developed.
The photo below shows sanding out the sloppy yellowed edges.
#2 Joe uses an OSHA approved vac recovery system to ensure a dust free environment during the sanding process. The effectiveness of the durst recovery system enables a project to be completed in a commercial space without disrupting business. Sanding and cleaning the floor of dust is quick. A 10,000 sf space can be complete in two days. One day for prep, one day for resurfacing.
#3 Now the Polyaspartic can be applied in two coats. The unique “wetting” properties of polyaspartics will not show any micro scratches from the sanding. You can see the picture below shows the floor looking brand new.
This is a very unique feature of polyaspartics and theonly product capable of restoring epoxy floors. The final result is 3 x the strength of an epoxy top coat. Polyaspartics can scratch as can any flooring. However whenPolyaspartics scratch, the scratch
willnotfray.This means the floor can be cleaned to look like new.Dirt will come out of the scratches.
It is important to note that Joe mixed the non slip component into the polyaspartic. The non slip is encapsulated and will not dislodge like epoxies. In fact in a high traffic area where polyaspartics wear, the non slip will slowly wear as well but not completely. Years later a polyaspartic floor can be quickly and inexpensive resurfaced with new coats.
The system discussed here is for a single colored or light chip system. Restoring epoxy floors with a full chip or quartz is achievable but with a different sanding system. This will be discussed in another update.
This system resolves the problem of worn epoxy floors everywhere. Have questions Joe Sheehan can be reached at 651-748-5999 or www.gfonecoatings.com.
To learn more about becoming a One Day Floors factory trained and certified installer please call 866 906 2006.
