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Flaked Epoxy vs. Metallic Epoxy vs. Polished Floors

Epoxy is one of the most versatile and popular floor coatings for almost every commercial and industrial application type. It is available in various formulations, each of which can handle and perform differently. In our blog, we’ll discuss the critical differences between flaked epoxy, metallic epoxy, and polished floors.

Flaked Epoxy vs. Metallic Epoxy vs. Polished floors

What is an Epoxy Floor?

Epoxy is a floor coating made from a two-part epoxy resin system. It is considered a durable and long-lasting option commonly used in residential and commercial environments. Due to its attractive appearance and numerous benefits, epoxy coatings are increasingly popular.

Epoxy is made up of two components: resin and hardener, which, when mixed, form a chemical reaction to create a durable and solid surface. Epoxy surfaces are resistant to wear and tear, stains, and chemicals. Additionally, they’re waterproof, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas.

Epoxy coatings come in various finishes and colors and can be customized to match the aesthetic and design of any space. Some popular finishes include matte, satin, and high gloss. Epoxy floors are versatile, making them a popular choice for various applications. 

The Difference Between Flaked Epoxy, Metallic Epoxy, and Polished Floors

Below are the critical differences between flaked epoxy, metallic epoxy, and polished floors. 

Flaked Epoxy

Flaked Epoxy Floors by Jersey Epoxy

Epoxy flake floors, often called chip floors, provide endless combinations and color options, creating a seamless and stunning surface. With this flooring option, you can say goodbye to stains and cracks as epoxy flakes paired with concrete floor epoxy coatings help hide imperfections to offer a durable floor.

Flaked epoxy is perfect for workshops, garages, and any busy environment, as it cleans up easily with little effort. It is easy to install for professionals and DIYers, and you can choose from single products or kits to achieve the look you desire.

Epoxy flakes are just paint that come in various sizes, the most significant being 1 inch and the smallest 1/32 inch. The most common size is ¼ inches, and they are additionally used for slip resistance and decorations.

The flakes are not a set shape like round or square but shaped randomly to provide aesthetic. These flakes are UV stable, but the longevity of the color is highly dependent on the UV stability and quality of the coating system.

Benefits

    • Customizable
    • Fully functional
    • Easy to clean
    • Known for its durability and strength
    • Cost-effective

Metallic Epoxy

Metallic Epoxy Floors

Due to their stunning appearance and uniqueness, many choose metallic epoxy floors for high-end retail environments and showrooms. These contemporary, eye-catching floors can enhance any environment without distracting from any displays in a showroom. Medical facilities, casinos, and restaurants are other environments that use metallic epoxy floors.

Metallic epoxy floors are customizable to suit any setting. Additionally, you can add effects and various colors to create a unique appearance. Even with their main focus on providing a unique visual, metallic epoxy floors are known for their long-lasting lifespan and durability.

A metallic epoxy floor coating is a protective layer for existing concrete surfaces. These floors have decorative effects delivered by this multilayered decorative coating, including metallic additives.

During curing, metallic epoxy pigments create movement throughout the surface, giving your floor a pearlescent effect. Its metallic look resembles natural stone and marble.

Benefits

    • Resilience
    • Slip and chemical-resistant
    • Unique design
    • Safety
    • Longevity

Polished Floors

Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors are the ultimate no-wax flooring material. Using the proper experience and floor grinding equipment, concrete polishing professionals can grind concrete surfaces, whether old or new. Known for its performance and durability, it’s no wonder why commercial and retail environments are catching on to its appeal.

Individuals use heavy-duty machinery to gradually grind down a concrete surface to its desired shine and smoothing, similar to sanding. The most common places for polished floors are warehouses, restaurants, office buildings, private residences, and retail stores.

You might think polished floors are expensive, but they are one of the most affordable flooring options and maintenance is a breeze!

Because of its versatility and easy-to-clean capabilities, polished concrete can be used on any floor of your home. They provide a great foundation for area rugs and in-floor heating systems that make them feel warm and welcoming.

One common misconception about polished floors is that they’re cold, but they’re one of the best floors to have in your home during the winter. Polished floors have a thermal mass material, meaning that concrete can absorb and store heat compared to other types of floors.

Final Thoughts

With our flooring options at Jersey Epoxy, you can transform your bland concrete floors into a luxurious and durable surface. Jersey Epoxy is your trusted source for high-quality epoxy floors.

While the DIY method of installing these popular flooring options can save you money, it might not be best to tackle these large projects yourself if you don’t have the experience. Call our experts today to receive your free estimate and the floor of your dreams!

Flaked Epoxy vs. Metallic Epoxy vs. Polished Floors: FAQ

Epoxy-colored flakes, also called paint chips, help create beautiful epoxy finishes. They are used in epoxy coatings to give floors an aesthetic appeal and texture and to help hide imperfections.

Epoxy flakes aren’t necessary on floors; however, they’re growing in popularity because of how good they look and blend into the environment.

Metallic epoxy is a type of epoxy that contains metallic pigments. As the metals and epoxy are mixed and cured, the metallic powder blends to create a pearlescent design.

When well taken care of, metallic epoxy can last for about 20 years.

Polished concrete is the process of honing and polishing an existing concrete surface using floor grinders fitted with industrial diamond abrasives.

With professional concrete installation, a polished concrete flooring system can last 20 years or more.