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What is the Process for Industrial Floor Coating Installation?

August 22nd, 2024

6 min read

By Andy Roe

If you’ve ever walked into a warehouse or a factory and admired the sleek, polished floor, you might have wondered, “How did they get the floor to look so good?” Well, you’re in the right place because today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the magic of industrial floor coating installation. And trust us, it’s more than just slapping on some paint and calling it a day.

Here at Roe Painting, we’ve spent 25 years perfecting the art of industrial flooring, and we’re excited to share the process with you. Whether you’re managing a bustling warehouse, a busy healthcare facility, or an industrial garage that sees a lot of action, knowing what goes into your floor installation can help you make the best decisions for your space.

Let’s be real—industrial floors go through a lot. Between heavy machinery, constant foot traffic, and the occasional chemical spill, these floors must be tough. Without the right coating, your concrete floor can become a safety hazard or a money pit with constant repairs. And who has time for that?

We’ve been in the game long enough to know what works and what doesn’t. Our team specializes in industrial concrete coatings, using top-of-the-line materials like epoxy and polyurea. We’ve seen the difference between a floor that lasts for decades and one that starts showing wear and tear within months. Spoiler alert: It all comes down to the preparation and the products used.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the industrial floor coating installation process. We’ll walk you through each step, making sure you feel confident in your flooring choices. 

Step 1: The First Meeting—Assessment and Consultation

Every great project starts with a conversation, and that’s precisely how we begin our industrial flooring installations. We like to start by getting to know you and your space. What kind of traffic does your floor see? Are there any harsh chemicals involved? Do you need something easy to clean?

Once we understand your needs, we’ll examine your floor’s current state. Is it smooth, or are there a few bumps and cracks? Depending on what we find, we’ll recommend either epoxy or polyurea coatings. Both are fantastic options, but they each have their strengths.

Why We Love Polyurea and Epoxy

Polyurea is a top-notch choice for industrial floor coatings because it’s tough, flexible, and stands up to chemicals like a champ. It’s perfect for those high-traffic areas that take a beating every day. Our three-layer polyurea system gives you that extra grip, which means fewer slips and falls—always a win in our book. And with a 15-year warranty, you can relax knowing your floor is built to last, keeping your space safe and sound for years.

Epoxy is another fantastic option, offering durability and a smooth, polished finish that looks great in any space. It’s ideal for places that need to handle heavy use without showing wear and tear, like warehouses or industrial facilities. And the best part? You can customize epoxy with different finishes, colors, or textures to suit your style. So, whether you’re after a floor that’s all about function or one that adds a bit of flair, epoxy has you covered.

Step 2: The Prep Work—Surface Preparation

You’ve probably heard that saying, “Preparation is key,” and when it comes to industrial flooring, truer words were never spoken. This is where we roll up our sleeves and get down to business. Proper surface preparation is what separates a so-so job from a stellar one.

First, we clean the floor thoroughly. Any dirt, oil, or old coatings need to go. We use techniques like grinding to roughen up the surface, which helps the new coating bond better. If there are any cracks or holes, we’ll fill those in to ensure your floor is as smooth as possible.

Step 3: The Sticky Stuff—Priming the Surface

Once the surface is ready, it’s time to apply the primer. Think of the primer as the glue that holds everything together. It helps the epoxy or polyurea stick to the concrete, ensuring a solid bond that will stand the test of time.

We carefully select the suitable primer based on your floor’s specific needs. Our goal is to create a solid foundation for the next steps so your floor looks good and lasts for years.

Step 4: The Main Event—Applying the Base Coat

Now comes the fun part—applying the base coat. This is the first layer of the epoxy or polyurea coating, where your floor starts to take shape. The base coat provides most of the floor’s thickness and durability.

Our team is meticulous during this step, ensuring the coating is mixed correctly and applied evenly. Depending on what you’re looking for, we might add some colored flakes or quartz to the base coat. This not only adds a bit of flair but also improves slip resistance.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch—Adding the Top Coat

With the base coat down, it’s time for the top coat. This layer gives your floor its final finish—whether you’re going for a glossy shine or a more subtle matte look. But it’s not just about aesthetics; the top coat is also the floor’s first line of defense against wear and tear, chemicals, and UV exposure.

We often recommend applying multiple top coats for added protection, especially in areas with heavy traffic. This extra step can make a big difference in how long your floor stays looking great.

Step 6: The Big Reveal—Final Inspection and Curing

We’re almost there! The last step is to inspect the floor thoroughly. We check everything—smoothness, evenness, adhesion—to ensure it meets our high standards. This is where our attention to detail pays off.

Once we’re satisfied, it’s time to let the floor cure. Curing is like letting the floor set, allowing the coating to reach its full strength. Depending on the materials we’ve used, this process can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days. We know it’s hard to wait, but trust us—it’s worth it.

Pricing Insights: What to Expect

We get it—budgeting for a big project like industrial flooring can be daunting. That’s why we like to be upfront about what you can expect. While square footage is one factor, we consider other elements like the condition of your floor, the type of coating you need, and any specialized requirements.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those looking to protect their concrete surfaces without spending a fortune, our Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a great choice. It offers solid protection against moisture and harsh weather indoors and outdoors and is priced at just $1.25 to $1.75 per square foot.

Durable Solutions for Heavy Use

If your space sees a lot of action—think warehouses, shop floors, or even aircraft hangars—our Concrete Grind & Seal, Thin Film Epoxy, and Self-Leveling, 100% Solids Epoxy systems are engineered to take a beating. These products range from $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot and deliver outstanding performance and durability.

Premium-Grade Coatings

Want to make your space look as good as it functions? Our premium-grade coatings, like Decorative Flake Polyurea and Quartz Floor Coating, offer durability and aesthetics. These finishes are perfect for high-end commercial spaces, restaurants, or any setting where looks matter as much as toughness. Prices for these coatings range from $5.50 to $12.00 per square foot.

Specialized Solutions

We offer specialized products like urethane cement and ESD epoxy for specific needs, such as areas requiring extra safety or dealing with moisture. These coatings are designed for peak performance in demanding settings and are priced between $10.00 and $15.00 per square foot.

Add-Ons for Extra Protection

Our range of add-on products can further enhance your flooring system. For example, our Moisture Stop Primer is $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot, while a Matte or Satin Finish is $1.50 per square foot. Need extra traction? Our Traction Additive is just $0.75 per square foot and is a game-changer for slip resistance.

Why Roe Painting’s Industrial Concrete Coatings Are a Cut Above

We know there are many options when it comes to industrial flooring, but here’s why Roe Painting stands out. We’re not just about getting the job done; we’re about getting it done right. Our coatings are ideal for a wide range of industrial spaces, from warehouses to healthcare facilities and even retail stores.

Ideal Locations for Application

Our concrete coatings aren’t just tough—they’re versatile, too. They’re perfect for spaces like warehouses, plants, and healthcare facilities. For example, healthcare facilities love our coatings because they’re easy to clean and don’t harbor germs. And if your space deals with harsh chemicals, don’t worry—we’ve got coatings that can handle it.

Safety First

Safety is always a top priority for us. Our coatings are designed to create a slip-resistant surface, essential in industrial settings where things can get slippery. Plus, they seal the concrete, keeping germs and bacteria out. While the application process involves heavy machinery and chemicals, our team takes every precaution to ensure a safe installation.

Ready to Transform Your Industrial Floor?

At Roe Painting, we believe a great floor starts with excellent preparation, materials, and expert installation. And we’re here to ensure your industrial floor is everything you need it to be—strong, durable, and ready to handle whatever comes its way. So when you’re ready to choose an industrial epoxy flooring installer, remember we’ve got your back.

We’re here to help you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final inspection. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering a floor that’s functional and built to last.

Don’t wait any longer—contact us today and let’s start the journey toward a better, safer, and more durable floor! With our years of experience and commitment to quality, you can trust that your facility will be in good hands.

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Andy Roe

As our founder and CEO, Andy has passed on a legacy of high-quality craftsmanship from his father before him, who was both a firefighter and painter. Since 2000, Andy has grown RoePaint.com to become an industry leader across Idaho and northern Nevada.