Tips For Working With Epoxy Like A Professional (2021)

When it comes to understanding the intricacies of epoxy installation, getting tips and tricks from professionals is the best way to fully understand. Even though epoxy is simple to apply, it is always important to get the best tricks to make your installations better than ever.

Use The Proper Tools

Regardless if you are a seasoned veteran or a budding professional, it is important to make sure you have the proper tools to make your epoxy application as smooth and stress free as possible.

Firstly, if you are working in a large area with major square footage, it is important to have an electric drill and paddle large enough to get a thorough mix of the product.

If you are applying epoxy on a floor, purchase a pair of spiked shoes to ensure that you can walk on the surface during application without damaging the finished results. A rubber squeegee is also a useful tool when applying solid color and metallic epoxy floors.

Overall, having the proper tooling will allow you to have the most seamless installation process possible. Without these tools, you will have to cut corners and do things the improper way just to make it work. Having the right tools is a small additional investment needed to ensure the longevity of your surfaces.

Using The Right Measurements

The one thing professionals do right every time that makes their epoxy application perfect is a proper mixing process. Every epoxy system has specific mixing requirements and measurements and so it’s important to pay close attention to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Additionally, when measuring your epoxy, it is best to go by weight and not gallons. For example, if you measure out 2 pounds of epoxy resin, you would measure out 1 pound of hardener. This is easier than 2 gallons of epoxy and 1 gallon of hardener. Although, be sure to pay attention to manufacturers specifications because some epoxy is mixed 2:1 and some is mixed 3:1. It is important not to mix incorrectly because the surface will not cure properly without a proper mix ratio.

Using the Right Mixing Techniques

The last tip for working with epoxy like a true professional is using proper mixing techniques. This is one of the most crucial steps in the epoxy application process because it dictates the longevity and survivability of your surface.

Firstly, it is important to not mix the epoxy too quickly. If it is mixed too quickly, you will introduce air bubbles into the mixture which will have to be removed. It is much more difficult to remove air bubbles after the surface has been applied than to ensure they don’t get in there in the beginning.

The best practice is to use a paint stick to fold over the epoxy, similar to how you would mix cake batter. For larger projects, using an electric drill is okay, as long as the speed is slow and smooth.

Additionally, similar to how each epoxy manufacturer has specific mixing ratios, each manufacturer has specific times that the epoxy needs to be mixed. Some are 3 minutes and some are more or less. It is important to pay close attention to the details that come from the manufacturer as it will have lasting effects on the surface.

Conclusion

There you have it! The foolproof tips to working with epoxy like a professional. Everything that is good comes with time, but we hope that these tips will help you create your perfect surface. If you have any additional questions or concerns about techniques or processes, call one of our epoxy specialists at (954)-799-6359.