Floor Paint Selection Help

The most common substrates are concrete, sand/cement screed, asphalt and previously coated floors. Each behaves differently in terms of porosity, strength and flexibility. For example, concrete typically requires mechanical preparation and benefits from epoxy systems, while asphalt requires more flexible coatings to accommodate movement. Identifying the correct substrate ensures the coating system is compatible from the outset.

No. Concrete is rigid and porous, whereas asphalt is flexible and contains oils that can affect adhesion. Using a rigid coating like epoxy on asphalt can lead to cracking and failure. Always choose a system designed specifically for the substrate.

The surface must be clean, dry, structurally sound and free from contamination. Any laitance, dust, oil or previous coatings must be removed or stabilised. Weak or damaged substrates must be repaired before applying any coating system.

Yes. Existing coatings must be assessed for adhesion and compatibility. If they are failing or incompatible with the new system, they must be removed. Applying a new coating over an unsuitable base will result in further failure.

Assuming all concrete or existing floors behave the same. Differences in density, contamination and previous treatments can significantly affect coating performance.

Yes. New concrete may contain residual moisture and require curing time or moisture-tolerant systems, while older concrete may require more intensive preparation due to contamination or surface degradation.

Start by identifying how the floor will be used. Light-use areas such as domestic spaces can use simpler systems, while garages, workshops and industrial floors require heavy-duty coatings with higher abrasion and chemical resistance.

Garage floors typically require coatings that can withstand vehicle traffic, tyre movement, oil and fuel exposure. Two-pack epoxy or polyurethane systems are commonly used for this purpose due to their durability.

Yes. Floors exposed to forklifts, machinery or high foot traffic require high-performance systems such as epoxy or polyaspartic coatings to ensure long-term durability.

Absolutely. Environments exposed to oils, fuels, solvents or cleaning chemicals require coatings specifically designed to resist chemical attack. Standard coatings will degrade quickly in these conditions.

The coating will wear prematurely, lose adhesion or fail under load. This often results in the need for complete removal and reapplication.

If the area is exposed to water, oil or regular foot traffic, anti-slip coatings are recommended to improve safety and compliance.

Epoxy coatings provide high durability and chemical resistance, making them ideal for industrial and garage environments. Polyurethane coatings offer flexibility and UV resistance, making them suitable for areas exposed to sunlight. Acrylic systems are typically used for lighter-duty applications where ease of use is prioritised.

Single-pack coatings are easier to apply and suitable for lighter use. Two-pack systems offer significantly higher performance, including improved durability, chemical resistance and lifespan, making them the preferred choice for demanding environments.

In most cases, yes. Primers improve adhesion, regulate absorption and ensure a consistent base for the topcoat. Skipping this step can reduce system performance and longevity.

A system consists of preparation, primer and topcoats working together. Each layer plays a role in achieving adhesion, durability and finish. Treating coatings as a single product rather than a system is a common cause of failure.

Match the coating to the demands of the environment. Higher-performance systems cost more initially but provide longer service life and better resistance to wear, reducing maintenance over time.

Choosing based on price or convenience rather than substrate condition and performance requirements. This often leads to premature failure and higher long-term cost.