Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is floor coating?
2. Wat is het verschil tussen vloercoating en een gietvloer?
3. What is epoxy?
4. Kan een epoxyvloer of PU gietvloer ook worden gecombineerd met vloerverwarming?
5. Hoe onderhoud ik mijn gietvloer?
6. Welke soorten gietvloeren zijn er?
7. Hoe lang gaat een gietvloer mee?
8. Wat zijn de voordelen van een PU gietvloer?
9. Wat is het verschil tussen een epoxy gietvloer en een PU gietvloer?
10. Kan iedereen een gietvloer of een vloercoating zelf aanbrengen?
11. Wat heb ik nodig om een gietvloer of een vloercoating aan te brengen?
12. Wat is het beste seizoen om een gietvloer of coating aan te brengen?
13. Zitten er handleidingen bij de producten?
14. Welke kleuren zijn er mogelijk?
15. What is the shelf life of the 2-components?
16. Can I check if the floor is dry enough before applying coating?
17. When can I walk on the floor coating?
19. How do I mix the 2-component products?
20. Wat is het verschil tussen de primers?
21. Why is the Primer Ultimizer B component so thick?
22. Are transparent coatings also available?
23. How can I resurface my cast floor?
24. Hoe kan ik mijn coating- of epoxyvloer van een nieuwe toplaag voorzien?
25. Can I apply a coating over my (decorative) gravel floor?
26. Can a floor finish also discolor?
27. What should I do to remove an oil spill?
28. Ik heb gaten in mijn vloer. Waarmee kan ik die dichtmaken?
29. How much anti-slip do I need?
30. Hoe krijg ik epoxy van meubels af?
31. What is the difference between the Epoxywinkel.co.uk floor coating and that of the hardware store?
32. Is the product harmful to health during processing?
Is your question not listed? Please contact customer service or watch our instructional videos .
1. What is floor coating?
A floor coating is a rock-solid 2-component paint based on epoxy. It is commonly used in industry, think warehouses, garages and factories. The coating is hard-wearing, resistant to moisture, chemicals, dirt and dust. This keeps your floor beautiful for years and makes cleaning a lot easier. You can also use the coating in your home. With an extra layer of PU Strong topcoat, it has the same appearance as a cast floor. Note: if your substrate has unevenness, you are going to see this reflected in the end result. Don’t have a straight surface, but a tiled or wooden floor? Then it should be properly pre-finished before you apply a floor coating.
2. What is the difference between floor coating and a screed?
Floor coating
Our floor coatings consist of epoxy. This material is hard, rigid and not flexible. It is also hard-wearing, inexpensive and therefore suitable for large areas such as warehouses. The thicker the epoxy or the more layers, the stronger the floor is and the more you can stress it (both mechanically and chemically).
Polyurethane screed
A PU cast floor, unlike a floor coating, is flexible. In addition, it looks more luxurious, runs comfortably and is more expensive. A PU cast floor is therefore more suitable for a room in the house, such as a living room or kitchen. It also accepts its ambient heat and you can combine it (effectively) with underfloor heating. Due to the flexible nature of PU, you cannot load it highly with pallet trucks or forklifts.
3. What is epoxy?
Floor coating consists of epoxy. This is a plastic that changes from a liquid to a solid through a chemical reaction. Epoxy is as much as twice as strong as concrete and therefore very suitable as a substrate.
4. Can an epoxy floor or PU cast floor also be combined with underfloor heating?
Yes! A cast floor is even ideal to combine with underfloor heating. The advantage is that a cast floor takes over the heat very quickly and you always have warm feet! The maximum water temperature is 40 degrees Celsius. During application, the underfloor heating must be switched off until 14 days after application. After that, the floor can be slowly brought to the desired temperature in increments of 5 degrees Celsius.
5. How do I maintain my cast floor?
Because cast flooring is seamless, it is easy to maintain. It is best to clean the floor with a soft broom, vacuum cleaner or a slightly damp cloth.
6. What types of screeds are there?
We have different cast floors in our range. For example, you can choose a PU cast floor, an epoxy cast floor, residential concrete or a trowel floor.
Discover our ready-made floor packages
7. How long does a cast floor last?
A cast floor, provided you maintain it properly, will last about 15 to 20 years.
8. What are the advantages of a PU cast floor?
That a PU cast floor is popular is not without reason. After all, this industrial, stylish floor not only looks beautiful, but also has many practical advantages.
PU screed is durable
Want a floor that will last for years? A PU cast floor is durable and therefore a smart choice. You will enjoy it for a long time!
Hygienic
A PU cast floor does not attract dust or dirt and is completely seamless. Therefore, there are no holes or gaps in which dust can accumulate. This makes the floor very hygienic. Moreover, this cast floor is water repellent and suitable for people with allergies or for families with children.
Easy to clean
Because a PU cast floor repels dust and dirt, it is also easy to clean. Do you want to clean the floor? Then do so with warm water and a mop and do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Did you know that you can even remove red wine or coffee stains from a PU cast floor? Just make sure to clean the floor as soon as possible when you spill.
Comfortable
A PU cast floor looks tough and sleek, but actually has a soft character! For example, this floor is slightly elastic, making it comfortable to walk on. Moreover, the floor takes on ambient heat, so it does not feel cold.
Suitable for underfloor heating
Do you always want warm feet? Then combine a PU cast floor with underfloor heating. Because the floor retains heat, you also save on heating costs.
Soundproof
Because a PU cast floor is slightly elastic, it is also sound-absorbing. So it is good for the acoustics of your home. Especially when you compare it to a wooden floor or a stone floor.
9. What is the difference between an epoxy cast floor and a PU cast floor?
The main difference between epoxy and polyurethane is in the hardness. Epoxy floors are very hard and therefore very suitable for use in industrial areas. For private use, polyurethane cast floors are very suitable, as they are softer than epoxy floors and also elastic. Because of these properties, PU cast floors are more resistant to scratches and provide more walking and living comfort.
10. Can anyone apply a screed or floor coating themselves?
Thanks to our manuals, clear instructional videos and expert advice, anyone – who is a little handy – can apply a cast floor or floor coating themselves. If you already have some experience using a flat trowel or comb, you’ll find it a little easier.
11. What do I need to apply a screed or floor coating?
To make it even easier for you, we have put together ready-made packages. This way, you only need to measure the surface and you can order a package accordingly. In addition, we also have tool kits so that you also have the tools to get started right away. Make sure that you also have the following at home: ✔ A drill with an adjustable speed and a paint mixing rod
✔ 1 roller and 1 brush per layer to be applied
✔ A (broom) handle to attach the roller to
✔ Buckets to process the products from
✔ Masking tape, gloves and suitable clothing
12. What is the best season to apply a screed or coating?
You can apply screed or coating throughout the year, as long as you take into account the temperature of the room and the substrate. The advice is a minimum of 15 degrees and a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. There is therefore no single best season. As long as you maintain the temperature in the room.
At extremely low temperatures, the floor may have a delayed cure and it is even possible that the floor may stop curing. At very high temperatures, we also do not recommend applying the coating. On the contrary, at more than 25 degrees Celsius, the processing time is too fast again.
The humidity should ideally be a maximum of 85 percent. At a higher percentage, it is possible that a chemical reaction occurs, which can cause bubbles to form in the coating.
13. Are manuals included with the products?
There are free downloadable manuals on our site.
14. What colors are possible?
All Sikkens and RAL colors are available. It is possible to order a RAL range from us in advance.
15. What is the shelf life of the 2-components?
You should store the A and B components frost-free, dry and cool. Most 2-component products have a shelf life of about one year. If a package has been opened, a limited shelf life applies. With regard to 1-component polyurethane-based products, they have a shelf life of up to six months in an unopened package.
16. Can I check if the floor is dry enough before applying coating?
You can use a moisture meter. The substrate should have less than 2.5 percent moisture. Another option is to use clear plastic film. Apply this to the darkest area on the floor. The edges should be taped. Is the plastic dry on the underside after 24 hours? Then the work can begin.
17. When can I walk on the floor coating?
The floor is walkable after 18 hours. Note the susceptibility to scratches and damage. The curing time of a 2-component product is 72 hours at a substrate temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. After 72 hours, the floor is also mechanically loadable. Only after 7 days is the floor chemically loadable. Please note that not all chemicals are permitted.
18. What condition must the floor be in before coating?
The floor should be grease-free, dry and clean. If there are loose parts you should remove or repair them.
19. How do I mix the 2-component products?
Use a mixing rod on your drill. After mixing, there should be a homogeneous content. The products should be mixed together for at least 2 minutes.
20. What is the difference between primers?
The Primer Ultimizer is water-based which makes it easier to apply. By the way, we always recommend a primer. This ensures optimal adhesion which makes the floor last longer. Primer X300 is a transparent, 2-component epoxy resin with a wide range of applications. Suitable as a primer under floor coatings, cast floors and on mineral substrates such as concrete, cement or anhydrite.
21. Why is the Primer Ultimizer B component so thick?
After mixing components A and B, you can add up to a maximum of 1:1 water. This makes the product very affordable.
22. Are transparent coatings also available?
We have several transparent systems for sale: 1st system:
- 1st coat Epoxy Floor Coating TR
- 2nd coat of Epoxy Floor Coating TR
- 3rd coat of PU Aqua Topcoat 2K (optional)
2nd system:
- 1st coat of Primer Ultimizer
- 2nd coat of Primer Ultimizer
Getting started with floor coating
23. How can I resurface my cast floor?
First, you need to polish the current floor. Then make sure the floor is well degreased and clean. First apply a coat of Primer Ultimizer, then top the floor off with the PU Strong Topcoat (color).
24. How can I refinish my coating or epoxy floor?
First, you need to polish the current floor. Then make sure the floor is well degreased and clean. First, apply a layer of Primer Ultimizer, then top off the floor with EP Floor Coating HQ.
25. Can I apply a coating over my (decorative) gravel floor?
First, you need to diamond sand the current floor. Then make sure the floor is well degreased and clean. First, apply a layer of Primer Ultimizer, then top off the floor with EP Floor Coating HQ.
26. Can a floor finish also discolor?
Plastic floors based on epoxy and aromatic polyurethane applies that in time there will be slight discoloration. If discoloration is absolutely not desired use a top coating based on aliphatic polyurethane. This top coating has a UV filter against discoloration. An additional advantage is that this top coating makes the synthetic floor even more resistant to scratches.
27. What should I do to remove an oil spill?
Cat litter, or other agents that remove oil stains such as acetone. We recommend sanding (blasting/diamond sanding) the ground very well after this.
28. I have holes in my floor. What can I seal them with?
You can use epoxy mortar for this, such as epoxy repair mortar. We do not recommend cementitious products or smoothing compounds for small repairs. For small cracks, use a putty.
29. How much anti-slip do I need?
You can easily calculate this yourself. The anti-slip should be 3% of the weight of your last layer.
30. How do I get epoxy off furniture?
We recommend acetone and a painting knife. Do this with precaution so you don’t damage the undercoat.
31. What is the difference between epoxy floor coating from Epoxywinkel.co.uk and that from the hardware store?
Construction Market:
- Water borne
- Dun
- 30% from water
- 1/3 of the thickness of the applied layer will be lost over time.
Epoxywinkel.co.uk:
- Solvent-free
- Layer thickness is maintained
- Average longer lifespan
- Used in professional application: workshops, garages, liquid-proof floors, test areas at TNO and in warehouses.
32. Is the product harmful to health during processing?
We recommend safety glasses & gloves. Irritation can occur if it comes in contact with skin. The products offered contain almost only solvent-free agents. These agents are not harmful to your health in normal processing. You do not need to wear a carbon mask when applying them. You do smell a specific odor, but that is due to the addition of adjuvants. When in contact with the eyes or skin, it can become irritating.