Epoxy is a polymer material produced by cross-linking epoxy resin and hardener (curing agent). Chemically, it is produced by the combination of organic components containing epoxide groups. This thermosetting product has high durability and adhesion strength. It is widely used in many areas due to its properties.
What is Epoxy?
Epoxy is a polymer consisting of two components, an adhesive and a coating material. The first of these components is the epoxy resin (or paint), while the other is the hardening agents used as curing agents. When the two components are combined in the specified proportions, they are cross-linked, resulting in a thermosetting polymer.
Thermosetting is the main characteristic of epoxy. This concept is used for plastics that harden and retain their final form when heated. A similar process occurs when epoxy resin and hardener are combined. The material that freezes in the application area maintains its final form and gives both decorative appearance and functionality to the relevant area.
This material, which gives bright and vivid images to the areas where it is applied, has many features. Its prominent features can be listed as follows:
- It has high adhesion strength. The simultaneous presence of polar hydroxyl and epoxy groups ensures successful adhesion to many materials. It adheres successfully to different surfaces such as plastic, wood, metal and concrete. Thanks to this feature, it can be used both as an adhesive and as a coating material.
- Its mechanical strength is extremely high. It does not change its shape even under high pressure. These properties also make it resistant to abrasion.
- High resistance to many chemical substances. It shows high resistance to acids, solvents and alkalis. This makes it the ideal protective material for use in harsh environmental conditions.
- It is resistant to water and moisture. It is suitable for use under water and in humid environments.
- The shrinkage rate during the polymerization process is extremely low. It has a dimensionally stable structure during and after curing.
- This material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and is resistant to high temperatures. Temperature resistance varies depending on the resin and hardener used.
- It is an excellent insulation material. It can be used in areas with high voltage.
These are the prominent epoxy properties and these properties may vary depending on the type of product and curing agent used.
What Does Epoxy Do?
Epoxy has different uses thanks to its functional properties and advantages. The most important of these is its use as an adhesive. It adheres strongly to different materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, concrete, marble and plastic and provides an extremely strong connection. Their strong adhesive effect allows them to be used as durable and safe adhesives in different areas.
Another common use of epoxy in recent years is coating. Epoxy floor coating is preferred for different purposes, especially for protecting surfaces and creating decorative looks. This material, which covers the deformations on the surfaces, also protects the application areas against scratches, chemicals, impacts and heat. It provides a smooth, shiny and decorative appearance. It completely changes the atmosphere of the areas where it is applied.
This material is also used for molding and casting purposes due to its liquid application, rapid hardening, no loss of size and stable structure. It is one of the preferred materials for removing the forms and shapes of objects. It enables the rapid removal of molds of jewelry, art products and similar objects. It also gives these molds different looks with its colorable structure.
Epoxy is a water-resistant material and repels water. For this reason, it is widely preferred for covering areas where there is a risk of water leakage. Pools stand out as another important area of use.
Epoxy resin, a strong insulator, is used for this purpose in the electrical sector. It is extremely successful in providing insulation and insulation. Sometimes it creates insulating floors for workers and sometimes it creates isolated areas for different tools.
What is Epoxy Floor Coating?
Epoxy floor coating; It is an aesthetic, durable and long-lasting coating type made by using epoxy resin. The fact that it remains its appearance and quality for a long time allows epoxy flooring to be applied at different points from industrial and commercial areas to residences.
The applied floor covering completely covers cracks and deformations in the floor. Extends the life of the structure and eliminates the risk of liquid leakage. It gives a smooth, shiny and aesthetic appearance. However, the right resin and curing agent must be preferred to achieve the desired result.
Material selection is made by taking into account many parameters such as whether the application will be indoors or outdoors and the possibility of water contact. When the right material and quality workmanship are combined, the following advantages emerge:
- It provides both chemical and physical durability to the application point. It does not lose its properties against high pressure impact and heat.
- It completely changes the atmosphere of the environments where it is applied due to its glossy and smooth surface. It adds aesthetic air and elegance to the environment.
- Provides full protection against water. Perfect for environments where water is used and humidity is present.
- Extremely easy to clean. Its smooth surface prevents dirt and dust from adhering. This makes it easy to clean and always hygienic.
How is Epoxy Floor Coating Applied?
Epoxy floor coating is made by following successive stages in itself. The first step of this process is floor cleaning. The floor must be cleaned in detail. Thus, the primer to be applied adheres to the floor without any problems. This ensures that the application is successful.
Epoxy primer is applied after thoroughly cleaning the floor. The special primer of the product is applied to the entire surface in one coat. The primer ensures that the epoxy adheres to the floor smoothly and effectively. Immediately after the primer, the epoxy obtained by mixing the two components in appropriate amounts is applied. Two coats are generally preferred for this application. The durability and permanence of the coating is higher in this way.
It is extremely important that this whole process is done by professionals. Because small mistakes or simple details to be omitted will prevent the desired result from emerging.
Where is Epoxy Used?
Epoxy floor coverings have a wide range of uses. Some of the areas where it is used due to its different features such as its durability, smooth and aesthetic surfaces, waterproof structure and insulating properties are as follows:
- Industrial Areas: It is used on the floors of areas such as factories, warehouses and production facilities. Some of the reasons why it is used in such areas are that it is resistant to abrasion and chemicals and allows forklifts and similar vehicles to move easily.
- Commercial Areas: It is preferred in stores, restaurants and similar businesses due to its aesthetic appearance. In addition, being easy to clean also provides important advantages for such places.
- Health Institutions: Being hygienic, antibacterial and resistant to chemicals provides advantages in hospitals and clinics. It also adds aesthetic appearance to the patient reception points of health institutions.
- Automotive Sector: It is one of the substances used in coating, bonding and repair processes. It is preferred for improving the appearance and function of vehicle parts.
- Art: It is a material that hardens quickly and can take shape. It can also be combined with different applications. All this makes it widely used in artistic activities. It is used for different purposes, from making designed jewelry to designing the exterior surfaces of household items from scratch.
- Furniture It is used for coating the outer or upper surfaces of furniture. The fact that it can be colored allows decorative effects to be obtained.
- Construction Industry: Used for waterproofing floors, sealing cracks, creating durable and smooth aesthetic surfaces.
Epoxy Prices
Epoxy prices vary according to the quantity and type of the product. For example; DryFix PRO EFFECT epoxy coating 2.5 kg of the product is 2,950 TL, while 0.50 kg is 790 TL. The consumption of this product, which is sold as A and B components, varies between 0.6 kg and 1 kg per 1 m². The price of solvent-free primer is 890 TL for 1 kg and 2,410 TL for 4.5 kg.
The figures here are current prices and may vary over time according to inflation and other factors. Depending on the application area, the appropriate ones can be used.
For example, for floor coating, DryFix DFC 100 (Multi-Purpose Primer) is applied first. The floor is cleaned before applying the primer. Mix the specified amounts of A and B components and apply when the floor temperature is 25 °C. Depending on the porous structure of the floor, 0.15-0.35 kg primer is applied per m².
After the primer application, DryFix PRO EFFECT (liquid marble epoxy coating) is applied. This product has different color options and makes the applied surface look like a marble.
For more detailed information about the features and prices of epoxy floor coating products, you can review the products on our website and contact us.
