Steps for Creating a Stunning Liquid Epoxy Marble or Metallic Epoxy Floor
- Prepare the surface properly
Begin by diamond grinding or acid etching the substrate. The surface must be completely free of dust, oil, grease, loose paint, or moisture. If rising damp is an issue, apply a moisture barrier primer before starting with the base coat. | more info
- Repair cracks and damaged areas
Use a two-pack epoxy filler such as Sikadur 31 CFN to fill small cracks. For larger voids or spalls, the Epoxy Coving and Repair Kit is recommended. Allow the repair mortar to cure fully (usually 6–8 hours) before grinding or coating.
- Apply an epoxy primer
Coat the floor with epoxy primer and let it cure for at least 8 hours at 20°C. The curing time may extend if solvent has been added.
- Level imperfections before moving forward
Within 24 hours of priming, grind down high points and patch any low spots. This ensures a smooth, even surface so flaws won’t show in the final coat. If more than 30–36 hours pass (depending on temperature), the surface will need to be abraded with 80-grit sandpaper.
Note: The surface must be perfectly even and free of imperfections before the next step.
- Roll out the coloured epoxy coat
Apply an even coat of coloured epoxy, rolling wall to wall, and allow a minimum of 8 hours to cure (at 20°C). For a uniform look, back-roll against the natural light. Walking with spike shoes allows movement on the wet epoxy, but safety precautions must be taken.
- Create the Metallic or Marble finish
Apply a 100% solids, self-leveling product for the decorative layer.
For Metallic Epoxy
Mix the metallic pigment into Part A of the clear epoxy until completely dissolved. Pre-mixing the pigment the night before can improve saturation. Once ready, combine with Part B, mix for 2 minutes, and apply. Use a swirl or squeegee motion to achieve the desired effect.
For Liquid Epoxy Marble
Add a solid colour pigment to Part A, just as you did for the base coat. Prepare a second batch with a contrasting colour for the marble effect. Mix in Part B only when you are ready to apply directly to the floor.
Note: For best results, one person should handle mixing and pouring while another works on moving and swirling the design.
- Seal with clear top coats
After curing overnight, apply one or two clear top coats for maximum durability. Each coat requires at least 8 hours to cure at 20°C. Use sufficient product for full coverage.
For floors exposed to heavy solvents, fuel, or chemicals, a two-pack clear top coat is recommended instead of a single-pack option.
