How to Seal an Epoxy Floor

In order to prevent peeling of the top of your new epoxy floor, you will need to seal it. Other reasons for sealing an epoxy floor include preventing color change and reducing slippage. Follow the tips below to seal your epoxy floor to make it safer and help it last longer.

Step 1: Wait 48 Hours after Applying Your Epoxy Floor

Be sure your epoxy floor has dried and cured thoroughly before sealing it with a protective top coat. This will enable you to identify any potential problems with moisture seepage or alkalinity before they happen. You will be unable to correct these issues once you have sealed the floor.

Step 2: Purchase the Best Sealant and Non-Slip Additive

If your epoxy floor will get a lot of sunlight, be sure to purchase a polyurethane sealant that has UV protective additives. For an epoxy floor in a garage, where various materials such as water, oil, and transmission fluid, along with other lubricants, will end up on the floor, get a heavy-duty non-slip additive to mix with your floor sealant.

Step 3: Apply the Sealant in the Evening

If you have laid your epoxy floor in the heat of the summer, wait until evening a couple of days later to apply the top protective coat. The floor surface will be cooler and the concrete will have some slight contraction, so the top protective coat will go where it should be applied.

Step 4: Measure and Mix the Sealant and Non-Slip Additive

Follow the maker's directions for both products to mix them effectively for the best sealing and anti-slippage results.

Step 5: Apply the Protective Sealant to the Floor

Start at the farthest corner from your exit doorway or garage door. Pour a circle of protective sealant about 24 inches across. Use the long-handled roller to spread the sealant out evenly and in a thin coat. You can add a second coat after the first has dried, so work quickly to put on the first coat. These sealants are solvent based so they have a high level of volatile fumes. Be sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear eye goggles to keep your eyes from watering. If you are putting sealant on an epoxy floor inside the house, open all the nearest doors and windows to improve ventilation, and wear a painter's breathing mask. Run two electric fans, one inside and one outside the room to create an air current that can help dissipate the fumes. Apply the second coat 24 hours after the first coat in the same manner. The floor will be able to take heavy traffic, such as a vehicle, 7 days after the last top coat of protective sealant is added.

Step 6: Maintain the Sealant Coating

Once the sealant top coat has dried, maintain its good looks by cleaning up any lubricant or other spills immediately. Keep the temperature of the area above 60 degrees F (15 C) as much as possible.