All About Self-Levelling Floor Coatings in the U.S.
Self-leveling floor coatings create durable, long-lasting floors for facilities that encounter a lot of foot traffic, potential impacts, drastic temperatures and hazardous chemicals. They are an excellent option for laying new floors with low-maintenance costs, protecting concrete and steel reinforcements, creating level surfaces in areas with high foot traffic, and avoiding scratches, scuffs and stains over time.
However, while self-leveling coatings come with a host of benefits, you must install them properly and use professional equipment if you want to experience durability and longevity. In this article, Portamix explains everything you need to know about floor coatings that are self-leveling, from how they're used to selecting the right mixing station for the job
What are Self-Leveling Floor Coatings?
Self-leveling floor coatings are compounds applied over concrete floors to create a smooth, durable, low-maintenance flooring surface. The four most common types are epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic and acrylic floor coatings. Each type of self-leveling floor coating has unique benefits and applications, but they are all typically used in various commercial and industrial facilities. As the name suggests, self-leveling floor coatings automatically spread over the surface area of a given floor, filling in bumps, cracks and scratches to create a completely smooth finish.
Why Use Self-Leveling Floor Coatings?
Self-leveling floor coatings are advantageous because they help facilities achieve functionality and thoughtful design. Depending on the type of self-leveling floor coating used, you experience benefits like:
- Scratch and impact resistance.
- Chemical and temperature resistance.
- Slip resistance.
- Glossy, smooth look.
- Ease of cleaning and maintenance.
- A variety of color and pattern options.
Applications for Self-Leveling Floor Coatings
Self-leveling floor coatings are used for several commercial, industrial and residential applications. Since most self-leveling floor coatings are stain-resistant, chemical-resistant or impact resistant, you commonly see these floors in:
- Manufacturing facilities and warehouses
- Commercial showrooms
- Commercial garages and auto shops
- Commercial kitchens
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Gymnasiums and recreation centers
How to Apply Self-Leveling Floor Coatings
When applying self-leveling floor coatings, it's important to prepare the area, use professional equipment and work with a contractor you trust. One small mistake could prevent the coating from adhering to the substrate, cause unevenness or result in bumps and air bubbles.
Professional mixing stations, from the Portamix range, can help you avoid those fatal errors. Portamix Hippo Mixers are equipped with a powerful motor to mix your flooring compound more thoroughly and faster than traditional mixing stations. Moreover, Hippo Mixers are portable and feature a closed-loop control handle to help regulate the amount of flooring compound you pour into each area.
After mixing, pouring and leveling your floor coating, you must wait for the compound to cure before you can use the floor. Each self-leveling floor coating has a different cure time, so pay attention to the instructions to ensure a successful project.
Email sales@portamix.com for more information about self-leveling floor coatings or to try a Portamix mixing station for your next flooring project.