What Is Two-Part Epoxy Resin?
When it comes to epoxy resins there are a number of options available. Here is a breakdown on two-part epoxy paint, its benefits and when you should consider choosing it.
What is epoxy?
Epoxy resins are one of the most versatile concrete coating solutions that can be used in a variety of applications across a wide range of industries including concrete flooring, water, mining and wastewater industries.
Epoxy resin applications can be customised to suit the requirements of the project and customer. They can be applied using a number of methods such as trowels and sprays to provide various thicknesses for a wide range of applications including:
• General flooring for commercial and industrial buildings
• Decorative flooring
• Heavy duty environments
• Linings and protective coatings
• Grouts for machinery bedding
Mixing the components to create two-part epoxy paint
According to Chris Bauer, Head of Flooring at Hychem, there are single component products and two-part products.
Mr Bauer says a single component product can be used straight from its packaging without needing to be mixed, metered or degassed.
“If you wanted to paint your house you would go to the local hardware store and buy a tin of paint. It would only be a single drum and you could roll it straight onto the wall. This is called a single component product because there is only one part to the application process.”
Compared to single component products, two-part epoxy products require two elements to complete the application: resin and hardener.
“With a two-part product, you mix the components together to create a chemical reaction between Part A and Part B before applying it to the floor or wall. Because it has been chemically cured, it has higher strength characteristics than a single component epoxy,” Mr Bauer said.
Advantages of two-part epoxy resin
As two-part epoxy contains a two-part formula it creates a strong covering and when both components are brought together they react to form a long-lasting seal.
Mr Bauer said two-part epoxy is able to withstand abrasions and is impact resistant, making it a good choice for floors that experience heavy traffic such as manufacturers; processing, industrial and heavy duty areas; and workshops.
The benefit of a two part epoxy resin paint formula is it can also be mixed with other components to give the coating additional properties such as curing speed.
“Hychem has a range of accelerators which can be used with epoxy products to speed up the curing time. In some cases you can use the floor 30 minutes after application,” Mr Bauer said.
Furthermore, additional components can be used for slip resistance, gloss level, strength, chemical resistance and UV resistance. This allows for a finished floor that can be tailored to suit the needs and requirements of individual projects.
Other characteristics of two-part epoxy resin coating include:
• Resistant to vibration and shock
• Ability to withstand thermal cycling
• Gap filling capabilities
• Strong adhesion to similar and dissimilar substrates
• Even stress distribution
• Long-term durability
• Easy application
• Solvent free
• Dimensional stability
• High mechanical properties
• Corrosion resistant
• Range of colours and textures available
• Low VOC
Learn more about two-part epoxy resin
Looking for tough, durable epoxy paint coatings for your concrete floors? Consider coating your concrete floors with Hychem’s two-part epoxy resin that will withstand harsh impact and high traffic. With over 30 years of experience, we are proud to be Australia’s leading provider of epoxy flooring solutions.
Hychem specialises in a wide range of epoxy flooring solutions, ranging from epoxy floor coating to epoxy self-levelling, epoxy resin flooring, polished concrete epoxy flooring, epoxy sealants and more. Contact the team at Hychem today on (02) 4646 1660 to see how we can help you.