Epoxy can make a wonderful finish and if you apply it properly, you can live on it for years. One way that this is done is by applying epoxy over concrete. What do you do, however, if the concrete is cracked?
It is possible to apply epoxy over cracked concrete but it is likely to continue to crack if it isn’t prepared in advance. That is why you should first use a type of epoxy to fix any cracks in the concrete before you continue with the final finish pour of epoxy resin.
One of the reasons why epoxy is such a good material for use with concrete that is cracked is because it is strong enough to fix the problem yet flexible enough to work with the crack in case it expands or contracts. In either case, you are doing something that will restore the surface to the point where it can properly be covered and will last for a long time.
Perhaps the best part of using epoxy on cracked concrete is that even an inexperienced DIY enthusiast can do it with excellent results. It is really just a matter of following some step-by-step instructions and they even have kits that make it easier to do.
Once you apply the epoxy to the cracked concrete, it will immediately strengthen the surface to prepare it for a final coat of epoxy. You can then proceed with the process and allow your creative juices to flow.
Can You Put Epoxy On Cracked Concrete? (How To)
After you have fixed the cracked concrete and prepared the floor for a finish of epoxy, you are setting yourself up for success. It is not out of the question for the epoxy floor to last for up to 20 years, even in a high-traffic area.
Of course, you have many different options when it comes to the design of your new floor. It isn’t a matter of simply putting on a clear coat. You can apply epoxy in multiple colors and even add a splash of color to the finished look.
That is why it is a good idea to prepare yourself in advance by practicing in a smaller area. It doesn’t take much practice before you will be ready to tackle a much larger job.
The bottom line is, there is no reason to shy away from the project just because the floor is older and has some cracks. That is something that happens with many concrete floors.
If you take the time to fix the floor in advance and ensure that the cracks are not getting any larger, you can take on the project with stunning results.
Should You Put Epoxy On Cracked Concrete?
There are always going to be questions when it comes to doing any DIY project. That is especially true when it comes to a larger project, such as putting epoxy over a cracked concrete floor.
We’ve already established that it is possible to do it but what challenges might you face during the project? Here are a few to be aware of.
Filling Methods – Although there are many times when you would use epoxy to fill the cracks in concrete, there are also other products that may be used. This includes patcher paste, which is a popular product.
This isn’t really going to present a problem but you should consider the possibilities before moving forward. Choose what is going to work best for the project and stick with it.
Isolation Joints – Not all cracks in concrete are there because of settling and other problems, some cracks are there on purpose. This includes isolation joints, which are in place so concrete slabs can move independently from each other.
You will typically find isolation joints where the floor meets the wall. Take some time to fill the joints properly because they can be a problem if they are not handled.
Hairline Cracks – If there are tiny cracks in the concrete, these must also be fixed before any epoxy is applied. If they are extremely small, they can often be fixed with a small amount of epoxy prior to the full pour.
Cuts and Joints – Any saw cuts can be fixed with a special type of material called an elastomeric sealant. Once they are repaired, you can continue with the finished epoxy pour
Extreme Damage – It is one thing to have a few cracks in the concrete slab but if the damage is extensive, it might require that you float the surface with epoxy in advance.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 15, 2022.
Floating the surface with epoxy in advance starts you with an even playing field. You might even want to start working on the color at this point so it has more of an even tone.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Cracked Concrete?
Are you ready to dive in and try putting epoxy on cracked concrete? You would do well to take the time needed to prepare your tools. Here is what you’ll need:
Grinders – You’ll have to grind down the floor slightly to allow the epoxy to adhere to it.
Vacuums/Brooms/Mops – Have a wide variety of cleaning tools available. You can’t apply epoxy to a dirty or dusty floor
Buckets – Have several 5-gallon buckets and some measured mixing cups available
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Wooden Stir Sticks – You will have to mix the epoxy by hand with these sticks.
Squeegees – For moving the epoxy around once it is on the floor
Rollers – For spreading out the epoxy on the floor
Painter’s Tape – To protect nearby objects
PPE – Safety glasses, ear protection, dust mask, and knee pads are the basic types of personal protective equipment.
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Cracked Concrete?
You really can’t underestimate the need to prepare a concrete floor before you apply epoxy. This is especially true when the floor has many cracks that need to be repaired in advance. Here are some things to consider in that regard.
Clean and Dry – It is vitally important to ensure that the floor is both clean and dry before any epoxy is applied. It doesn’t matter if you are fixing the cracks or applying a coat of epoxy to finish the floor, it needs to be clean, free of residue, and free of dust.
Level – Any imperfections in the floor are going to show through the epoxy. Although epoxy does a good job at finding its own level, it will not be able to overcome unusual or large imperfections.
Fill – Since you are dealing with cracked concrete, you will need to fill the cracks to the best of your ability. One easy way to do so is to use epoxy, as it will fill the gap and level things out to prepare for the finished floor.
Clean – Although we already discussed the need to clean the floor, we really can’t overemphasize the need to ensure that it doesn’t have any dust or debris on it. You don’t want anything to be between the concrete and the epoxy because it will affect how it adheres.
How To Put Epoxy On Cracked Concrete
Now that the floor has been prepared, it’s time to begin the process of filling the cracks and putting on the final coat of epoxy. Assessing the situation in advance can go a long way in helping to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
If there are any hairline cracks in the concrete, they may not need any special attention. Smaller cracks, such as these, do not typically go completely through the concrete so they won’t necessarily cause problems in the long run.
That being said, it’s still important to fill them with epoxy so that they don’t become an issue that will cause the epoxy finish to crack later.
If you really want to do a good job on this, choose a penetrating sealer to fill the crack. It will be a much stronger adhesive that will hold the crack together and keep it from widening.
After all of the cracks have been assessed and addressed, it is now time to put the final coat of epoxy on the floor. You can get as creative as you want with the color and style.
Mix the epoxy in the measuring cups. Most epoxy will use an equal mixture of epoxy and hardener but there may be some specific instructions, depending upon the epoxy that you use.
Don’t use an electric mixer for this process. After pouring the epoxy and hardener into the cup, mix it with a wooden stick by hand for at least 10 minutes. This allows the epoxy to be combined without allowing bubbles to get into the mix.
Pour the epoxy onto the floor and use the squeegee or rollers to begin moving it around. You can add any style or color that you want at this point.
If you get any bubbles appearing on the epoxy, use a hairdryer or heat gun to fix the issue. Be cautious that you don’t overheat the epoxy or you can ruin it.
After the epoxy has been poured and spread out over the floor, it will seek its own level. You can then allow it to dry for at least 72 hours.
You can apply epoxy over cracked concrete but it is always better to repair the concrete before doing so. Use a sealer for repairing some of the larger cracks and a coat of epoxy for repairing any hairline cracks. You can then finish it off with the final coat of epoxy.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 15, 2022.