Epoxy coatings have come a long way. They range from clear epoxy coatings to industrial epoxy floor coatings that are so tough they can protect the floors of airplane hangers. The range of epoxy coating products is truly broad, and can suit various applications. No matter your business needs, there is an epoxy coating that suits your needs.

Making the most of epoxy coatings is important, for not all epoxy coatings can be for the same applications. Choosing the right epoxy coating for the job will help ensure a long-lasting product requiring little to no maintenance. Browse through the information below to find information that should help your company choose the best epoxy finish.

1. Seal surfaces with epoxy enamel for an extra layer of protection.

2. Let epoxy floor paint cover and protect your floor, especially in high traffic areas.

3. Rely on industrial epoxy floor coatings for heavy-duty protection in industrial locations.

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Protect and seal with epoxy enamel

Enamel produces a shiny, glossy, decorative topcoat. This applies to epoxy as well, which can indeed have a glossy, yet hard, finish. Examples of epoxy enamel are 'high solids' epoxy, which have a ceramic-like surface designed to use with concrete, masonry, plaster, wood and more. It's fast drying, protects against corrosion, resists chemicals and is easy to clean.

I recommend: PCRC explains the difference between epoxy and enamel so you pick the best finish for your job. If you decide on epoxy enamel, choose from products made by Epoxy Systems and Metalcrete Industries.

Use epoxy floor paint to protect the floor surface

Epoxy floor paint works well to protect floors that get pretty high traffic. It also resists abrasion. The epoxy paint can contain coloring, though clear epoxy coatings are in this category, and are equally abrasion resistant.

I recommend: Dur-A-Flex and Garon Products are two of the many manufacturers of epoxy paint.

Rely on industrial epoxy coatings for industrial protection

Industrial epoxy paint lives up to its name; it is truly industrial strength. The heavy-duty, epoxy seal will protect the floor of an airplane hanger. These seamless epoxy coatings can also withstand the onslaught of chemical spills and freezing temperatures while being easy to clean. They are perfect for hospitals or high traffic areas that require easy cleaning and protection.

I recommend: US Industrial Coatings and Euclid Chemicals are two manufacturers of these industrial epoxy coatings. The Importance Of Industrial Protective Coatings is a good article that explores the benefits of industrial epoxy coatings.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact an epoxy manufacturer for more information as well as literature regarding products.

Epoxy coatings provide excellent resistance to hardness, abrasion, water and chemicals. You can buy different types of epoxy coatings such as epoxy paints, epoxy enamel, epoxy floor coatings, clear epoxy coatings, two-component epoxies or baking epoxies.

Epoxy finish coatings can be used in hospitals, laboratories, food and pharmaceutical production areas, garages, post offices and generator rooms. Apart from using epoxy coatings for residential and commercial purposes, you can also get industrial epoxy coatings for applications in various industries such as automotive and aerospace.

Some important parameters you must consider before you buy epoxy coatings are:

1. Application of epoxy coatings
2. Chemical composition of epoxy coatings
3. Grades of epoxy coatings
4. Resistance of epoxy coatings to water and chemicals

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Buy marine epoxy coatings from a reliable manufacturer

Buy marine epoxy coatings from a reputable epoxy manufacturer who can provide various types of marine epoxy coatings at attractive prices.

I recommend: You can buy different types of marine epoxy coating products, including fire resistant, high performance, membrane waterproofing epoxy coating products, from Delta Polymers. Sound Specialty Coatings Corporation is another manufacturer that offers paints and coatings, including marine epoxy coatings. Sherwin-Williams is another supplier of marine epoxy coatings.

Buy water based epoxy coatings from a reliable manufacturer

Once you understand your requirements, you are ready to select the right manufacturer to buy appropriate water based epoxy coatings fromThe water based epoxy coatings are easy to clean and are non-combustible. Water based epoxy coatings can be used in dairies, bottling plants, bakeries, meat and poultry processing plants.

I recommend: Check out water based epoxy coatings at Metalcrete Industries. The Euclid Chemical Company and Revere are other manufacturers of water based epoxy coatings. In addition, you can buy different types of water based epoxy coatings from Tnemec Inc.

Buy epoxy coatings primer from a reliable manufacturer

Use epoxy coatings as primers to improve the adhesion of automotive and marine paints, especially on metal surfaces on which the corrosion resistance is important. You can buy various types of epoxy primers including decorative epoxy primers from different manufacturers at attractive prices.

I recommend: Check out different types of epoxy primers, including a two component epoxy primer, emulsion type epoxy primer and static dissipative primer at Dur-A-Flex. In addition, you can buy an epoxy seal and epoxy primers from Superior Epoxies & Coatings, Inc.

Find a retailer for epoxy coatings

Visit various retailers to select appropriate epoxy coatings from different reputable manufacturers.

I recommend: You can buy different types of epoxy coatings produced by different manufacturers at Specialty Coatings Inc. Get a list of epoxy coatings suppliers and distributors at ThomasNet and Chemical Register.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Handle epoxy coatings carefully, as they can be harmful to the eyes and skin.
• •  Remove any oil, grease, dust or dirt before applying epoxy paint on any surface.
• •  Check for manufacturer's warranty before buying epoxy coatings.

Epoxy floor coatings offer business owners the opportunity to have a garage or work area floor coating that looks nice in appearance, is easy to clean up and is durable under a number of circumstances. The problem is figuring how to apply industrial epoxy floor coatings, which can be time consuming, smelly and frustrating to apply.

Epoxy coating products come in many different grades. Factors affecting grade can include temperature, high-impact environments, food areas, auto areas, chemical areas as well as areas that are around acid substances.

To make the most of epoxy coatings education and training:

1. Start with basic information on the makeup of epoxy paint.

2. Check out instructional materials from online publications.

3. Find out what not to do with epoxy finish.

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Learn about the basics of epoxy floor coatings

Find out about epoxy paint and the basics of how to select your product and more.

I recommend: Watch the video produced from Palma on epoxy floor coatings. Follow their step by step instructions to help you with your next project. U.S. Industrial Coatings offers a comprehensive look at epoxy floor paint. They can help you decide which product is best, how to measure, apply, clean up and maintain.

Find out about epoxy floor coatings from online publications

Check out online versions of magazines to find out instructional materials on epoxy coating products, their application and their maintenance. Especially take advantage of reference materials that offer supplemental diagrams or image files to help you follow along.

I recommend: Use the step by step instructional guide from This Old House magazine to learn how to epoxy paint a floor surface. Hot Rod magazine also offers straightforward directions to applying professional grade industrial epoxy coatings for floor surfaces.

Look at the what not to do list for epoxy coating products

Check out the list of what not to do items when it comes to epoxy floor coatings. Sometimes knowing what to avoid can be just as important as knowing the steps to follow.

I recommend: Progressive Epoxy Polymers offers helpful tips for vendors. They review why coatings don't stick, why coatings fail and surface preparation. EpoxyandEpoxyFlooring.com offers additional resource information on why epoxy enamel can fail and what situations to avoid. Factors such as dampness, moisture, grease, oil, dust, slime and salts can all affect epoxy paint application.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Note that most epoxy coatings education and training materials are for application to a horizontal surface. If you need to apply it to a vertical surface, inclined surfaces, a wall or a ceiling, you will need to consult your industrial epoxy coatings dealer representative for additional product supplement information.

Epoxy coatings applications and uses is multitudinous and has far-reaching effects on numerous businesses and industries. Polymer epoxy coating is used in the military, maritime, aeronautical, automotive and general business organizations. Epoxy coatings are utilized in dairies, fisheries, bowling allies, water treatment plants and by the department of transportation. Epoxy is also used in art, home construction and renovation, swimming pools and water slides.

Epoxy is an adhesive that is susceptible to reactions with other chemicals. When applying an epoxy, it is mixed with a hardening agent that causes it to become a very strong adhesive resistant to weathering and other chemicals. It is almost impossible to separate two agents that have been bound together by epoxy coatings. This makes an epoxy finish extremely durable, serviceable and stable. Learn how epoxy coatings can be used to benefit your business by reviewing the following.

1. Epoxy coating products are used frequently in the automotive and aeronautical industries.

2. Various businesses employ epoxy coatings for specific industry uses and needs.

3. Epoxy enamel is utilized in the military as well as in maritime commerce.

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Get familiar with the function of epoxy enamel in the automotive and aeronautical industries

The automotive and aeronautical industries make frequent use of epoxy coatings. The aeronautical industry use epoxy paint for the edges of aircraft wings and epoxy floor paint for hanger floors. The automotive industry applies epoxy in various auto parts as an adhesive, in motors and also in repair kits for automobiles.

I recommend: LORD manufactures epoxy adhesives. LORD's epoxy coating products are widely used in the automotive industry. EP Floors provides epoxy floor coatings and installation of hanger floors for airplanes.

Learn about the many uses of epoxy coating products employed by businesses

There are a myriad of approaches to using an epoxy finish in the business world. Epoxy can be applied as an adhesive or coating for foam insulation, sound control, counter tops, sealants, floors, fuel stations, tank linings for wineries and breweries and much more.

I recommend: Total Lab Solutions sells Duratop epoxy counter tops for schools, colleges, hospitals, laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. HG Thor Guitar Lab distributes epoxy coatings for fretlines. A fret is basically a line marked on the fingerboard to mark a position for the player's finger so that a musical tone is produced.

Discover the application of industrial epoxy coatings in the military and in maritime trade

Maritime uses of epoxy include protection from corrosion, paint for the boat hull, repair putty and non-skid decks. The military applies epoxy coatings to hanger floors, aircraft wings, maintenance projects and sound transmission control for engine rooms.

I recommend: AST Acme makes various epoxy coatings for military ground equipment, fuel tanks, pressurized cabins and other aircraft applications. Sound Specialty coatings Corporation sells epoxy coatings for the propellers on boats, ships and yachts.