High-performance flooring made from epoxy-colored sand is primarily suited for spaces that demand both aesthetic appeal and high functionality; it represents a premium category within epoxy flooring systems. Let’s take a detailed look at the specific construction process.
Before applying any type of flooring system, the substrate must be prepared. The original surface is ground down to remove impurities such as oil, dust, and loose material, creating a flat yet textured surface that enhances adhesion. Any cracks, potholes, or other defects must be filled and repaired to ensure the surface is level and intact. Next, the primer is applied: an epoxy resin primer is mixed with a curing agent in the specified ratio, then spread evenly across the prepared surface using a roller or a trowel. It is crucial to ensure the primer is applied uniformly—without any missed spots—to create an effective seal that prevents moisture from rising from below and strengthens the bond between the substrate and the intermediate layer. The primer must then be allowed to dry completely, which typically takes 8 to 12 hours, depending on ambient temperature and humidity.
For the intermediate layer, an epoxy resin is mixed with an appropriate amount of quartz sand to create a mortar. This mortar is applied over the primed surface using a trowel. The number of applications and the total thickness are determined by the design specifications; the intermediate layer is generally between 0.5 and 2 mm thick. Once applied, it is left to cure fully, which usually takes 1 to 2 days. Next comes the colored sand layer: an epoxy resin is mixed with colored quartz sand to form the epoxy-colored sand mixture. This is spread evenly over the intermediate layer using a trowel or a squeegee. During this stage, it is essential to carefully control the thickness and uniformity to ensure a consistent finish, typically ranging from 1 to 3 mm. After application, the surface is compacted and leveled using specialized tools, ensuring that the colored sand particles are tightly packed together. Once the epoxy-colored sand layer has completely dried, the final step is the application of a topcoat for protection. The topcoat must be applied evenly and smoothly, ensuring there are no defects such as sagging or air bubbles. This layer enhances the floor’s gloss and wear resistance while sealing and protecting the colored sand layer. After the topcoat has dried—a process that typically takes 24 to 48 hours—the installation of the epoxy-colored sand flooring is essentially complete. The floor then requires a curing period of 7 to 10 days; it should only be put into regular use once it has fully cured. During this curing phase, the floor must be kept free of foot or vehicular traffic, and protected from impacts by heavy objects or scratches from sharp items.