What Is Metallic Epoxy Flooring
Metallic epoxy flooring is a multi-layer epoxy resin flooring system designed to create a three-dimensional, marble-like appearance using metallic pigment powders suspended in a clear epoxy layer over a dark base coat. The system is sealed with a protective topcoat selected to preserve gloss, color depth, and long-term wear resistance.
ArmorGarage is a manufacturer of epoxy flooring systems engineered as multi-layer coatings with specific formulations, thicknesses, and performance specifications designed to keep your one-of-a-kind metallic floor finish looking bright and new as long as possible.
The ArmorGarage Metallic Flooring System was developed for applications that want the very highest-end look but still require a high durability factor. It is well-suited for garages, showrooms, convention centers, ballrooms, waiting areas, or any other area that requires that special look.
The ArmorGarage Metallic System begins with a high-performance penetrating epoxy primer in black. This primer is a modified 100% solids epoxy formulated at a reduced viscosity so it can deeply soak into properly prepared concrete, mechanically locking into the slab for long-term adhesion, and provides background highlights. We use Light Gray when the chosen metallic color is lighter.
It's then followed by a clear high-build epoxy designed for the addition of the metallic pigments. This is what makes these floors so special and unique. While applying the metallic epoxy, you can swirl it however you want with your supplied magic squeegee or roller. As an option you can spray denatured alcohol on to the wet epoxy. The metallic pigments will react to the alcohol, causing it to swirl into random patterns.
You can also combine two different pigment colors by mixing two separate batches, pouring them into adjacent beads, and then swirling them together. As a final touch, we have Spray-On Metallic Accents, which let you add accent highlights in small amounts to just the right places. These features are what make each metallic epoxy floor truly one of a kind.
Next, we top it all off with our best-in-class military topcoat for the utmost in protection. This is critical, for once you see the finished product, you will never want anything to happen to it. Our topcoat is tough as nails and will protect the metallic epoxy from abrasion wear, impacts, and spills. It's also the sacrificial lamb, if you should ever be able to wear it down, you can simply roll on another layer of topcoat and your floor comes right back to new!
In summary, the Metallic Epoxy Flooring System is a versatile, high-end epoxy floor you can apply and use in just about any application. Although we wouldn't put it in a factory or industrial setting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Metallic Epoxy Flooring
What makes metallic epoxy flooring different from other epoxy floors?
Answer: As mentioned above, the ArmorGarage metallic epoxy floor system is versatile, it's a 3-layer extra-thick epoxy system that has a very durable finish with a super high-end look that is unique.
Is metallic epoxy flooring suitable for forklifts and heavy equipment?
Answer: Metallic epoxy flooring offers excellent durability for vehicles, equipment, and foot traffic when properly applied. While it is not intended for industrial production floors, it performs exceptionally well in garages, showrooms, dealerships, and high-visibility commercial spaces where appearance and durability are both important.
How long does metallic epoxy flooring last?
Answer: The lifespan of metallic epoxy flooring depends on traffic levels and surface preparation.It can last 10-15 years on average. It's a very robust epoxy system built to last.
Why do epoxy floors fail in commercial environments?
Answer: Most epoxy floor failures in commercial spaces occur because the coating system was not designed for the workload applied to it. Common causes include using residential-grade epoxy in commercial settings, insufficient surface preparation, and selecting topcoats with inadequate abrasion resistance. The ArmorGarage Metallic epoxy system can handle just about any type of residential or commercial floor traffic with ease.
Can metallic epoxy flooring be installed in residential garages?
Answer: Yes. Metallic epoxy flooring is often used in residential garages, even those that function as workshops or house heavy, oversized vehicles and toys.
What surface preparation is required for metallic epoxy flooring?
Answer: Metallic epoxy flooring requires the same properly prepared concrete with clean and open pores as every other epoxy coating does to allow the epoxy primer to penetrate and bond with the concrete to achieve long-term adhesion. This typically involves mechanical grinding or acid etching, along with repairing cracks or surface defects. Proper repair of cracks and divots is critical if you don't want them highlighted by the super-high-gloss finish.
Is metallic epoxy flooring resistant to vehicle fluids and road salt?
Answer: Yes. ArmorGarage Metallic epoxy flooring systems are designed to resist common automotive fluids, oils, cleaners, and many industrial chemicals. Winter road slush and salt can quickly destroy epoxy floor finishes, your metallic epoxy floor will be impervious to it. In fact, you can store road salt on an ArmorGarage metallic floor!
Not Sure Metallic Epoxy Is Right For You?
Visit the ArmorGarage Technical Resource Hub to review epoxy system options, layer structures, and protective topcoat requirements.
If you want a faster recommendation based on use, traffic, and environment, try our Interactive Epoxy Coating Selector.
For personal assistance, call 866-532-3979 or email info@armorgarage.com.
For a broader understanding of epoxy flooring systems, you may also want to review What Is Garage Floor Epoxy and What Is Commercial Epoxy Flooring.