If you are searching for a brand new floor and worried about “can epoxy flooring be applied over tiles?” The answer is a big YES! Do not worry at all, because we’ll help you gain whatever you deserve. Just with the use of the correct type of epoxy resin and materials, you can enjoy your epoxy floor.
Here, we will help you to gather all the necessary tools and choose the best kind of epoxy floor from the best epoxy flooring suppliers to apply over existing tile floors. However, you may face some challenges along the way. Do not worry at all, as we’ve already prepared a solution for all your challenges.
How Do You Prepare a Tile Floor for Epoxy?
As you know, epoxy flooring is a type of durable and resistant coating made from a mixture of resin and hardener. It doesn’t matter if you are searching for a solid and durable surface for industrial settings, garages, or warehouses, Brisbane epoxy suppliers remain your one and only option.
As epoxy floors offer versatility and aesthetic appeal, they’ve increasingly become popular in residential spaces. However, if there’s an existing tile floor in the area, you have to prepare it for epoxy first. Just follow these steps. Just as follows:
1- Clean the Tile Surface
First of all, you have to clean the surface thoroughly and remove all the dirt, grease, and debris from the tiles. Here, just use a broom or vacuum cleaner and remove the dust from the floor and every corner.
2- Repair Damaged Tiles
If you want to apply an epoxy flooring system over tiles, they must be sound and fairly damage-free. If there’s a crack, chip, or loose tile, you have to repair or change them. Inspecting and repairing these problems is essential for creating a smooth and even surface for the epoxy application. To repair the cracks and chips, you can use a suitable filler.
3- Sand the Tiles
At this stage, you should employ a power sander with coarse-grit sandpaper to roughen the tile’s surface. Sanding the tiles is a critical step to ensure proper adhesion of the epoxy. If there are any dust particles on the floor after sanding, you can vacuum the floor again to remove them all.
4- Apply a Primer
This stage is one of the most important stages in applying the epoxy floor. Applying a primer is necessary to enhance the adhesion of the epoxy to the tile surface. Here, you choose a primer that is compatible with both tiles and epoxy. For applying the primer evenly across the tile floor, you’ll need a roller or brush.
Necessary Tools and Materials to Apply Epoxy Flooring
You’ll need certain types of tools and materials to successfully apply epoxy flooring over tiles. Choosing the best and most appropriate tools and materials to apply epoxy flooring will help you get the job done properly.
How to Apply Epoxy Flooring Over Tiles?
The one common question among contractors is: “Can epoxy flooring be applied over tiles?” Yes, you can apply any kind of epoxy flooring over a well-prepared tile floor. After preparing the floor and all the necessary tools, it’s time to apply the epoxy. For a professional and seamless finish, just follow these steps.
1- Mix the Epoxy
There’s an instruction for mixing the epoxy resin and hardener on every epoxy flooring package. Mix these two according to the instructed mixing ratios and procedures. Just make sure that the components are fully blended before using the epoxy coating. You can use a 15 litres heavy duty plastic bucket and a drill with a mixing paddle.
2- Apply the First Coat
For the first coat, you should pour a small amount of epoxy onto the floor. Since you shouldn’t step on the wet epoxy, it’s better to start in a corner and work your way towards the exit. Use a 460mm wide fibre Roller 11mm nap roller or brush to spread the epoxy evenly across the surface. To avoid overlapping sections, work in manageable sections to make sure that the coating is even.
3- Let the Epoxy Coating Cure
Typically, epoxy coatings need 24 hours to cure. Let it cure and make sure that the area is well-ventilated during the curing process. In case of finding any bubbles or uneven areas on the first epoxy coating, sand the area lightly.
4- Apply Additional Coatings
You can use additional coats of epoxy as needed. Usually two coats are enough for optimal durability and appearance. For the final coat, ensure a smooth and even application. You can easily use a heat gun or torch to remove any bubbles that may form. The final coat can take up to 72 hours to dry, depending on the epoxy used.
What Are the Benefits of Epoxy Flooring?
Can epoxy flooring be applied over tiles? Of course, they even provide numerous benefits that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space. These advantages are as follows:
- Since epoxy flooring can withstand heavy loads, impacts, and abrasions, they are an ideal choice for high-traffic areas and ensure a long-lasting floor.
- Epoxy floors are easy to clean and maintain. The non-porous surface resists stains and spills, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
- Unlike any other flooring options, epoxy floors provide a seamless, glossy finish that enhances the visual appeal of any space. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, and you can easily customize the look to match your needs and preferences.
- You can easily apply the epoxy floor over existing tiles and upgrade your flooring without the need for expensive tile removal and replacements.
Types of Epoxy Suitable for Tile Floors
When choosing an epoxy floor, there are several types of epoxy available, each with its own characteristics and applications. By understanding the differences between them, you can easily choose the right type of epoxy for your tile floor.
1- Solid (Single Color) Epoxy
Solid epoxy is a thick, robust coating that doesn’t have any solvents that can evaporate. It is 100 percent solid and is the most durable and long-lasting type of epoxy. Therefore, it’s a popular choice for both residential and commercial buildings.
2- Water-Based Epoxy
If you are searching for a more environmentally friendly resin epoxy, then your choice should be water-based epoxy. It’s also easier to apply and less toxic than solid epoxy. Therefore, it is considered a better option for residential buildings.
3- Solvent-Based Epoxy
Solvent-based epoxy offers excellent adhesion and durability. It contains solvents that evaporate during the curing process, leaving behind a strong and durable coating. However, it requires proper ventilation due to the strong fumes produced during application.
If you are still wondering “can epoxy flooring be applied over tiles?” do not worry at all, as the answer is yes! Applying epoxy flooring over tiles is a practical and effective way to revamp your floors without the need for extensive tile removal.
FAQ:
1- Can you pour epoxy on top of tiles?
yes , of course. Just with the use of the correct type of epoxy resin and materials, you can enjoy your epoxy floor.
2- What kind of epoxies are appropriate to pour over tiles?
There are 3 kinds of epoxies available: solid epoxy, water-based epoxy, and solvent-based epoxy.
3- What are the benefits of epoxy flooring?
They are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
4- How can we prepare a tile floor for epoxy?
First of all, you have to clean the surface. Then repair the damaged tiles and sand them. Finally apply the primer.
5- How can we apply epoxy flooring over tiles?
Just mix the resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the floor.
