Epoxy can be used for a wide variety of purposes. It’s a convenient way to add a finish to everything from a kitchen countertop to a basement floor. Can you also use epoxy over asphalt?
You can use an epoxy floor coating that is specifically made for application over asphalt. It’s a great way to renew an asphalt driveway and beautify it. When applied properly after preparing the driveway, it can last for many years.
There are a number of things to keep in mind when you are doing this type of project. It’s not simply a matter of throwing down some epoxy and hoping it will stick. Careful preparation is needed.
In fact, as you will see in this article, preparation is really the key to success when it comes to applying epoxy over asphalt. To try to get by without doing any preparation is a recipe for disaster.
Can You Put Epoxy On Asphalt? (How To)
One important factor to consider is the exact product you are using. There are a number of epoxy products on the market that can be put over asphalt, but not all of them are going to offer the same benefits.
You should also keep in mind that using this type of epoxy on asphalt is not like using a straight epoxy resin mixed with hardener. It’s actually closer to using paint that has a little bit of epoxy mixed in it.
Essentially, there is enough epoxy in the product to call it epoxy, but it really is just a water-based sealer and paint. It includes the pigment to cover the asphalt and to bring out the natural color and at the same time, enough epoxy to form a seal that will help to keep it from weathering quickly.
Perhaps you can just consider the old saying that you get what you pay for. If you purchase a cheap epoxy to put on asphalt, you are not going to be as happy with the results compared to putting a high-quality and expensive epoxy on asphalt.
Another thing that you should do is to test a small area. You never quite know how this type of sealer is going to react to your driveway, so you don’t want to ruin the driveway in the process of trying to fix it.
One other thing to keep in mind is your own, personal safety. Since you are working outside in an open area in most cases, you can apply epoxy on asphalt without too much concern but there are still some things to keep in mind.
First of all, the fumes can get strong at times and many people are more comfortable wearing a respirator than breathing in those fumes, even in an open-air atmosphere. In addition, you should always wear goggles or at a bare minimum, safety glasses because you don’t want any of the asphalt to splash open your eyes.
Always read the container to make sure that you are following the proper precautions when applying epoxy on asphalt. Each company may have its own warnings, so get familiar with them before you get to work.
Should You Put Epoxy On Asphalt?
The process of putting epoxy on asphalt is not very difficult. For the most part, it will go smoothly but there are still some potential problems to watch out for.
Preparation – We really can’t overstress how important it is to prepare for this job in advance. Getting started with no preparation is going to leave you very unhappy with the finished product. We will cover preparation in more detail below.
Stretching – It may be tempting to try to stretch the epoxy too thin and this can be a problem. It is always a good idea to over-purchase for the amount that you need and if you’re getting close, open a new can and use it. Stretching the epoxy too thin will lead to lackluster results.
Moisture – If there is too much moisture, it is going to make it difficult for the epoxy to adhere to the asphalt. Check the container to see the proper humidity and don’t try to paint the asphalt while it is wet.
Temperature – it is important to make sure that you are putting the epoxy on asphalt when it is the proper temperature. This can sometimes be difficult to gauge, especially if the driveway is exposed to the sun. Make sure you check both the air temperature and the surface temperature before getting started.
Curing – It is very important to allow the epoxy to cure and harden properly. This can take some time and, depending upon the conditions, it may take longer than is generally recommended on the side of the container.
Put up some flagging and cones if you have them available to keep people off of the driveway. You don’t want anybody walking or driving on the driveway until it is fully cured.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Asphalt?
What kinds of tools are necessary for applying epoxy on asphalt? Typically, you don’t need many but you should have them in advance.
Pressure Washer
Blower
Broom and Dust Pan
Rags
Buckets
Caution Tape and Cones
Drill with Mixer Paddle
Screwdriver or Tool to Open Can
Rubber Mallet
Roller
4 Foot Pole
Safety Glasses or Goggles
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 16, 2022.
Gloves
Boots
Long Pants
Long sleeve Shirt
Respirator (Optional)
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 16, 2022.
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Asphalt?
One of the most important parts of any DIY project is preparation. If you aren’t getting things prepared in advance, you are not going to have the best results. Here are the preparations needed for applying epoxy on asphalt.
Cleaning – When it comes to cleaning asphalt, it is going to require more than just a general sweep with a broom. More than likely, you have everything from motor oil to dirt that has settled into the cracks and it is all going to keep the epoxy from adhering properly.
At a minimum, you should blow the driveway off with an air blower and then pressure wash it with a high-pressure washer. Make sure that you hit all of the areas being worked on but be careful you don’t damage the asphalt at the same time because it is possible to do so.
You may even find that it is necessary to use muriatic acid in some cases to deep clean the asphalt. If you do use muriatic acid, mix one part with 10 parts of water and be very cautious. Wear your safety goggles!
The real key is to clean the driveway as much as you possibly can. The cleaner you get the asphalt, the better the application.
Repair – Although the epoxy is going to make the driveway look like new, it is not going to repair any of the damage that may have previously occurred. This is something that needs to take place before the epoxy is applied.
Interestingly, there may be certain types of epoxy that can be used as a filler to fill in any large cracks and to bond the pieces of the driveway back together again. These lines, which are going to show up when you first do the job will practically disappear once the epoxy is applied.
If the driveway is damaged beyond repair, it is better to pour some new asphalt into the area of the greatest damage. You can then epoxy the entire driveway for a uniform look.
Dry – After cleaning and repairing the driveway, you want to ensure that it is completely dry. Keep in mind that it may look dry on the surface but might not be completely dry underneath.
You can use a tool to check the moisture level in the asphalt or you can simply allow it to dry for a few days before applying the epoxy. In either case, it should be enough to allow for the proper adhesion.
How To Put Epoxy On Asphalt
Now that we have properly prepared the driveway, it’s time to apply the epoxy. It’s a simple process and here is how it is done.
Mix – Most epoxy used over asphalt will come premixed in a container. Once you open it, you should mix it with a wooden stir stick or with a mixing paddle on a drill. You may need to mix it occasionally as you are applying it.
Pour – Tilt the bucket and pour a line of epoxy on the driveway as a starting point. Pouring the epoxy on the driveway makes it easier to apply.
Roll – Next, you will roll the driveway with a roller on a 4-foot pole. Try to evenly spread the epoxy over the asphalt without being too thick in any one area. Be careful you don’t spread the epoxy too thin.
Protect – Finally, put up some caution tape and cones to keep people from walking or driving on the driveway until it has fully cured.
You can apply epoxy on asphalt but it needs to be a specific type for that purpose. Standard two-part epoxy is not going to work well but an epoxy sealer will both beautify and protect the asphalt.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 16, 2022.