What is Self Leveling Epoxy?

If you’re thinking of renovating or upgrading your home, you have likely come across the term “self leveling epoxy.” But what exactly is self leveling epoxy? In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of this innovative flooring solution and tell you why it’s quickly becoming a top choice for residential and commercial spaces. With its impressive durability, wide color range, and non-toxic features, self leveling epoxy offers plenty of benefits to any space that makes it worth considering. Read on to find out more about this exciting flooring material!

What is self leveling epoxy and how does it work

Self leveling epoxy is a type of flooring material that offers an ideal balance between durability and aesthetics. With the added bonus of being low maintenance, it is popular for both commercial and residential purposes.

Made from mixing two compounds that harden when mixed together, this type of epoxy creates a seamless finish to a surface. It’s also specially designed to naturally self level upon application, resulting in a perfectly flat surface with no ridges. This makes it possible to achieve professional quality finishes without needing complicated installation processes, such as grinding or polishing.

All these advantages have made self-leveling epoxy an increasingly attractive choice for many homeowners and businesses alike.

Benefits of using self leveling epoxy

Self leveling epoxy is one of the best materials for any type of floor, from residential to commercial. Whether you need a durable, waterproof surface, or something with a decorative element, this product offers many advantages.

It can provide a near-seamless finish that is resistant to dirt and other elements, as well as being easy to clean and maintain. It also has anti-skid properties for added safety in wet areas and can even be stained or dyed to match your own unique style.

For those who are looking for an affordable and durable solution, self-leveling epoxy is the ideal product.

Different types of self leveling epoxies available

Self-leveling epoxies provide a level, impact-resistant surface with many practical applications. These versatile products are offered in different viscosities, such as pourable, spreadable, and injectable formulas.

The pourable grade is designed to level out at an approximate 1/24 inch thickness without slump or slump resistance basis.

For thicker applications up to several inches, the spreadable formula can be used and allowed to gel after flowing into place.

Lastly, for large areas requiring injection capability, the injectable grade works great, filling voids down to tiny cracks and crevices through one convenient application process. Self-leveling epoxies come in handy for bonding most surfaces including concrete and formica countertops.

The best self leveling epoxies on the market

There are a few self leveling epoxies out there that we think stand a cut above the rest.

Promise Epoxy: “Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin That Self Levels”

Promise Epoxy’s premium crystal clear epoxy is the perfect solution for a range of projects from table tops and bars to encapsulations, artwork, and more. Their custom-formulated epoxy boasts minimal bubbles and helps eradicate fish eyes, craters, and various other blemishes.

Plus, as they proudly manufacture in the USA, their epoxy has a low odor and can be mixed easily with a 1:1 ratio. Not only is it safe once fully cured but also offers you a high gloss finish that remains UV resistant. It’s no surprise why this easy-to-use epoxy is becoming the go-to choice for creating amazing results at home.

LET’S RESIN: “Clear Table Top Epoxy Resin Kit That Self Levels”

LET’S Resin’s self leveling resin is an amazingly versatile and user-friendly product, perfect for coating metal, concrete or wooden materials. It has a high viscosity to ensure it stays still on the surface with no running over the edge, resulting in a thick and glossy finish.

You’ll get 30oz of both resin and hardener, as well as a scraper, sponges, measuring cups, wood stickers, and even a pair of gloves – everything you need for small to medium DIY jobs!

Furthermore, their resin kit is bubble free and ultra-clear making it perfect for use with mica powder, alcohol ink, and other pigments for creating unique projects. And with a shelf life of 1 year, this clear resin kit offers long-term value for money.

Steps for applying self leveling epoxy

Applying self leveling epoxy can be a straightforward and efficient process.

The first step is to prepare the surface, e.g., grinding or sanding to ensure it is clean and uniform before any application of epoxy can take place.

Once the surface has been prepped, you have the freedom to either apply the epoxy directly or mix a color pigment to give your project unique personality. If you are opting for color, it’s important to add pigment carefully, utilizing metering pumps for an accurate measurement.

Then you can mix per manufacturer instructions and start spreading out the product using a notched trowel or similar tool – creating an even film that should dry within several hours.

Finish up by scraping off excess material while still wet, adding extra coats if needed, and polishing before final curing. With care and accuracy, applying self leveling epoxy can be made easy and gratifying.

Tips and tricks for working with self leveling epoxy

Working with self-leveling epoxy can seem like a daunting task, but the truth is that it’s fairly easy once you understand the basics. It’s important to remember that different epoxies have different working times and cure times, so be sure to read and understand the instructions for the specific type of product you are using.

Make sure your surface preparation and mixing instructions are followed correctly as inaccurate measurements will interfere with appropriate curing. Start sparingly with small amounts, gradually building up each layer until the desired thickness is obtained. Be aware of any gas pockets or bubbles which could appear during application, as this could lead to problems with adhesion or drying at a later stage.

Lastly, ensure that the surface dries completely before attempting to level or polish it for a smooth finish.

Common mistakes to avoid when using self leveling epoxy

When it comes to using self leveling epoxy, it’s important to know the key mistakes to avoid.

Applying too much weight or pressure while the floor is curing can cause cracking and bubbling. Additionally, before beginning a project, you should always check the temperature of the space to ensure that it falls within the recommended range indicated by the manufacturer.

Furthermore, you should make sure the area is properly prepped beforehand with any loose dirt removed; this will ensure that your floor has a level and even surface when it cures.

And last but not least, when mixing your self-leveling epoxy, make sure that you adhere to both quantity and time ratios outlined by the product in order to keep your results looking professional.

Following these tips will help make sure that your self-leveling epoxy project turns out just as you had envisioned!

FAQs About Using and Installing Self-Leveling Epoxies

Can you put epoxy over self leveling concrete?

Yes, you can put epoxy over self leveling concrete as long as you properly prepare the surface. This will require sanding/grinding to create a smooth and uniform area before installation. It’s also important to make sure that the concrete is completely dry and free from any moisture prior to epoxy application.

How thick can you pour self leveling epoxy?

The thickness of self leveling epoxy depends on the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, it is recommended to pour in thin layers (approximately 1/8 inch) and then build up each layer until you reach the desired thickness. Keep in mind that thicker pours tend to take longer for complete curing.

Can you put epoxy on uneven concrete?

Yes, you can put epoxy on uneven concrete as long as it is properly prepped. This may involve grinding or leveling out the surface with a self-leveling compound before applying the epoxy. Additionally, make sure that any loose dirt and debris are removed to ensure a smooth finish.