If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and low-maintenance flooring option for your garage, basement, showroom, or even a commercial space, epoxy flake flooring is one of the best solutions out there. But if you’ve never seen how it’s installed, you might be wondering: What goes into the process? Is it something I could do myself? Why do professionals like Alltimate Floors make it look so flawless?
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about epoxy flake flooring—what it is, why people love it, and how the step-by-step installation process works. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your garage or a business owner wanting a clean, high-performance surface, this blog will walk you through the process in plain, simple language.
What is Epoxy Flake Flooring?
Let’s start with the basics. Epoxy flake flooring is a decorative, multi-layered coating system made from resin and hardeners. It’s combined with colored vinyl flakes (also known as paint chips or decorative flakes) that are scattered into the wet epoxy. The flakes add visual texture and style while also helping to hide imperfections and improve slip resistance.
After the flakes are applied, the surface is sealed with a topcoat for durability, gloss, and stain resistance. The result? A floor that’s tough, easy to clean, and attractive.
Benefits of Epoxy Flake Flooring
Before we dive into the steps, here’s why more and more people are choosing epoxy flake flooring, especially when installed by professionals like Alltimate Floors:
- Durability: Resistant to chemicals, impact, moisture, and heavy traffic.
- Style: A wide variety of flake colors and sizes to match your design style.
- Slip Resistance: Added texture helps prevent slips and falls.
- Low Maintenance: A breeze to clean with just a mop and mild cleaner.
- Seamless Look: No grout lines or cracks to collect dirt.
- UV Stability: Won’t turn yellow over time with exposure to sunlight (when topcoat is UV-stable).
Step-by-Step Epoxy Flake Floor Installation
Now, let’s take a closer look at how the pros at Alltimate Floors handle epoxy flake flooring installation from start to finish.
1. Surface Preparation
This is the most important step—think of it like painting a wall. If the surface isn’t clean and smooth, the finish won’t last.
Tasks involved:
- Removing any old paint, glue, or coatings.
- Repairing cracks, holes, or surface damage.
- Grinding or shot blasting the floor to roughen the surface (this helps the epoxy bond properly).
- Vacuuming thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
Pro Tip: A clean, dry, and etched surface is crucial for long-lasting results.
2. Moisture Testing
Concrete floors can retain moisture, and if that moisture pushes upward, it can ruin the epoxy layer. That’s why a professional team like Alltimate Floors will always test for moisture first.
Why it matters:
Too much moisture can cause bubbling, peeling, or delamination of the epoxy.
Solution:
If moisture levels are too high, a moisture barrier or special primer is applied before the base coat.
3. Priming the Surface
Once the surface is clean and ready, it’s time to apply a primer or base coat. This is the first layer of epoxy that will stick directly to the floor.
What happens here:
- Epoxy resin and hardener are mixed.
- The mixture is rolled onto the floor like paint.
- This layer soaks into the pores of the concrete and creates a solid foundation.
Note: Some epoxy systems use tinted basecoats to enhance the color of the flakes.
4. Broadcasting the Flakes
Here comes the fun part—adding the color flakes!
Steps:
- While the base coat is still wet, flakes are broadcast (a fancy way of saying “scattered”) across the floor.
- Installers throw them by hand to ensure even coverage.
- You can choose a light flake coverage (sparse look) or full broadcast (completely covered look).
Customization options:
- Flake size (from 1/32” to 1”).
- Flake color combinations to match your style.
5. Scraping and Cleaning
After the flakes are fully cured into the basecoat (usually 12-24 hours later), the surface is scraped to remove any loose or sharp flakes.
Why it matters:
- Scraping evens out the texture and helps prepare for the topcoat.
- Vacuuming or blowing off the floor removes all the loose debris.
6. Applying the Topcoat
Now, the floor is ready for the final protective layer—the topcoat.
Features of a quality topcoat:
- Adds shine and enhances color.
- Provides chemical and abrasion resistance.
- Seals in the flakes for a smooth, easy-to-clean finish.
- It can include anti-slip additives for safety.
At Alltimate Floors, we typically use UV-stable polyaspartic or polyurethane topcoats, which dry quickly and resist yellowing even in sunny areas.
7. Final Curing and Dry Time
Once the topcoat is applied, the floor needs to fully cure before it can be used.
Curing timeline:
- Light foot traffic: 24 hours.
- Heavy foot traffic or light vehicles: 48-72 hours.
- Full cure: Around 5-7 days (depending on temperature and humidity).
Important: Always check with your installer for exact curing times before moving furniture or driving on the surface.
Where You Can Use Epoxy Flake Flooring
Thanks to its durability and visual appeal, epoxy flake flooring isn’t just for garages anymore. Here are some great places to consider:
- Garages
- Basements
- Retail stores
- Warehouses
- Medical and veterinary clinics
- Auto shops
- Showrooms
- Commercial kitchens
- Locker rooms and gyms
Whether you want to upgrade your home garage or need a tough flooring solution for a business, Alltimate Floors can help design and install the right epoxy flake system for your needs.
Why Choose Alltimate Floors?
There are plenty of epoxy installers out there, but here’s why homeowners and businesses continue to choose Alltimate Floors:
✅ Licensed and experienced installers
✅ Premium epoxy and polyaspartic products
✅ Fast installation with minimal downtime
✅ Custom color options and flake styles
✅ 100% customer satisfaction guarantee
We don’t just install floors—we help protect your investment with floors that perform and impress for years to come.
FAQs
1. How long does epoxy flake flooring last?
With proper installation and maintenance, epoxy flake floors can last 10-20 years or more, especially in residential settings. High-traffic commercial areas may see some wear sooner but can be refreshed with a new topcoat.
2. Is epoxy flake flooring slippery when wet?
The flakes provide texture, and most systems also include a slip-resistant additive in the topcoat. That means epoxy flake flooring offers a better grip than traditional smooth concrete.
3. Can I install epoxy flake flooring myself?
Technically, yes. But the process requires professional tools, experience, and surface preparation for the epoxy to bond correctly. Mistakes can be costly. That’s why hiring a pro team like Alltimate Floors is your best bet for long-lasting, high-quality results.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flake flooring is one of the best options for anyone looking for strong, stylish, and low-maintenance floors. It combines beauty with function, and when done right, it can transform a dull space into something impressive.
Whether you want to refresh your garage, upgrade a commercial facility, or simply enjoy easy-to-clean floors with a custom look, epoxy flake flooring delivers.
