Yearly Archives: 2018

Installing Epoxy in Your Basement

Is installing epoxy a smart addition to your basement renovation budget? It depends on what you’re looking for. Do you like beautiful, waterproof, maintenance-free floors? Most would say yes. If that’s your answer too, epoxy should be one of your top options.

The Renovation Process

If you’re one of the many homeowners who has thought about installing an addition, you probably have come up with some problems that made you rethink your plan.

Before you expand outward, why not explore the possibilities downstairs? Your basement could offer the added living space you are looking for. But what type of floor can you choose that offers durability, a pleasing aesthetic and isn’t susceptible to moisture (a common basement concern)?

Don’t Be Afraid of Water

Installing epoxy is popular for homeowners refinishing their basements because it is waterproof.

Of course, you don’t want to think about your basement flooding, especially after you’ve put so much time and effort into renovating it, but there is always the chance that moisture could be an issue, which is why many contractors don’t recommend laying down wood, which can get ruined in the presence of moisture.

Installing epoxy is a great option because water won’t affect it. It won’t even peel, even if it’s a humid environment.

It’s Extremely Easy to Clean

Do you plan on having your kids’ playroom in your finished basement? You’ll need a floor that’s easy to clean, and epoxy is it.

It’s a smooth finish, so all dirt and dust can be easily swept away and it’s also impervious to stains. If something is spilled and forgotten about, you won’t come back to an ugly permanent stain. If it does start to look like the epoxy is dirty, just mop it with cleaning solution to restore its shine.

It’s Attractive

There are many different colors you can choose from, and you can also jazz up your epoxy coating with flakes or a personalized logo, such as that of your favorite sports team. Installing epoxy allows you to put your personal stamp on the project and create a beautiful space unlike any other.

The Lifetime Value Pays Off

It might take an upfront investment, but epoxy is worth it. It lasts for decades with minimal maintenance. When you compare the lifetime costs to wood, carpet, laminate or even tile, epoxy will likely outlast them all, and with less expensive upkeep.

Get a Quote!

Want to see how much installing epoxy in your basement might cost? Get a free quote from Packman’s Coatings today. We offer no-risk, no-commitment estimates so you can see if epoxy is the right flooring material for you.

Are Concrete Coatings Good for All Types of Concrete Surfaces?

Concrete coatings are beautiful, but are they ideal for anywhere and everywhere?

If you’re thinking about installing one somewhere out of the ordinary, it’s probably a question you’re asking yourself. Concrete coatings offer a wide range of benefits that apply to many different environments, but there are cases where changes must be made for the coating to bond successfully and last as long as expected.

You can install concrete coatings anywhere, but there are two instances where repairs and preparation are needed in advance.

Moist, Damp Concrete Presents a Problem

When concrete is constantly moist, any coating applied to it will not yield a good result. Moisture trapped in the slab will cause the dissolution of salts in the concrete and create an alkaline environment, which then contributes to the early deterioration of the surface coating. It is imperative to address the source of concrete slab moisture before the coating is applied for the best results.

Dirty, Grimy Concrete Is a Challenge

All concrete must be cleaned thoroughly prior to coating application, but the extremely stained and dirty surfaces require a bit more work if the coating is going to look good and function well. At Packman’s Coatings, we use a specialized diamond grinding process that strips away all contaminants. While extremely soiled surfaces present a challenge, they’re not impossible for our team!

The Good News: It’s Fixable

On both these counts, you can trust Packman’s Coatings. We can investigate the source of moisture and provide detailed recommendations on how to fix it. In fact, we test every concrete slab for moisture before we apply any coating. It’s just part of making sure that our work delivers the best result and the highest return on investment for our clients.

And of course, we take great care in the preparation process as well, perfectly cleaning even the dirtiest of concrete surfaces.

Durability, Aesthetics and Low Maintenance: What’s Not to Like?

There are so many upsides to concrete coatings. They’re durable. They are aesthetically pleasing. They require little to no maintenance. They contribute to the functionality of your space, offering a resilient, nonslip surface for work areas. If you’re hesitant whether a coating is fit for the purpose you have in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask our team which product is the best option for you.

Packman’s Coatings offers superior epoxy coatings for all types of concrete surfaces. When yours leave something to be desired, we’re the team to call. From preparation to the final finishing touches, our concrete coatings process is easy, cost-effective and exciting. Jump-start your concrete’s transformation — call us today for a free quote!

Concrete Coating Curing Time: What to Expect

“What is the concrete coating curing time?” is a question many business and homeowners ask when researching the epoxy coating process. Once you’ve decided that an epoxy finish is a change you need to make to improve your concrete surface, you might be wondering how long it will take. Will you need to wait days, weeks, months? We have answers!

concrete curing time

Multiple Steps in the Process

Full disclosure: Getting a new epoxy finish on your concrete isn’t as simple as dumping a bucket of the mixture on the concrete and calling it a day. There are many intricate steps that require time and skill to complete, some of which need to take place before the actual coating is applied.

First, it’s essential to prepare the surface properly. At Packman’s Coatings, we use diamond-grinding techniques to remove old paint or coatings and to even out bumps and rifts. After this, the floor must be cleaned thoroughly and swept of all debris and dust.

Finally, it’s time to start layering the coats. Depending on the finish you are going for, we will lay down multiple coats, including a primer.

Curing Time Is Essential for Good Results

As a general rule of thumb, we typically suggest waiting a full 24 hours before you try to walk on the surface. However, when it comes to driving on it, it will be about a week.

If you’ve just poured new cement and you’d like to install a coating, keep in mind that you will have to wait 30 to 90 days before doing so. The concrete coating curing time could be extended for new concrete.

Follow Instructions Closely

The guidelines for your epoxy coating might vary from your neighbors’, for various reasons. First, the type of coating you choose will dictate its total curing time, depending on the coatings’ chemical makeup. Temperature may also play a factor. Any glossy or nonslip finishes can also change the expected time it takes before your floor is ready to use.

What Can You Expect from Us?

At Packman’s Coatings, we realize many home and business owners want a quick fix to their less-than-desirable concrete surfaces. While we can commiserate, we want our customers to understand that concrete coating curing time plays a pivotal role in the durability of their finished product. We will walk you through every step of the finishing process to ensure you know when it’s safe to start using your new floor! Contact us today to get a free quote for your epoxy coating.

6 Common Epoxy Coating Misconceptions 

An epoxy coating can transform the look of your concrete floor. But many home and business owners have some common misconceptions that may prevent them from making the improvement.

6 Common Epoxy Coating Misconceptions 

Check out the list below of concrete epoxy coating myths.

Myth #1: They’re Expensive

Think about the cost of replacing your floor. Now think about the cost of installing a subpar concrete coating. You can see that going with epoxy is an investment that pays off with its durability and easy maintenance. You may have to pay more up front than you would for a cheaper concrete finish, but it’s worth it!

Myth #2: You Can Install it on Your Own

Is buying a DIY epoxy coating kit the same as hiring a professional? No, and it starts with the product.

The mix that comes in the kits is not of the same quality as a professional-grade coating. Also, you must do a significant amount of prep work for the coating to take. Without the experience and the tools, even the most capable DIY-er can run into trouble when it comes to epoxy.

Myth #3: You Need to Re-coat Every Few Years

Epoxy lasts up to 15 years, not one to two. It’s a special product that hardens once applied and doesn’t need repair for a long time.

Myth #4: Paint Is the Same Thing

Epoxy and paint are different. While they may look similar once applied to concrete, don’t make the mistake of believing that paint can achieve similar results. Epoxy is a resin that’s moisture-resistant, creating an impenetrable barrier. No paint can do the same.

Myth #5: The Only Prep Work Necessary Is Cleaning

Your coating specialist is a definite amateur if they tell you all your concrete needs is a quick clean before applying an epoxy layer. A professional knows that it’s vital to remove all loose cement and open the concrete pores before application to achieve the best result. It’s a labor-intensive process to grind down the floor to get it ready for the epoxy, but it’s worth it.

Myth #6: It’s Hard to Maintain

Epoxy doesn’t chip or stain, and it’s super easy to clean. All this maintenance that naysayers are talking about is just a myth!

Can We Help?

Packman’s Coatings is a local Utah business highly experienced at installing beautiful epoxy coatings in both residential and commercial settings. We prepare the surface, coat the concrete and ensure the curing process is off to a great start. We’re the team you can depend on for custom work as well, since our artistry includes creating logos and designs exactly to your specifications. Get in touch with us today to learn more!