Sorting Out Epoxy
The final critical decision is what type of epoxy to use.
Epoxy floor paints are tough resins that come in two separate
parts that you mix together just before you apply them. You
can divide them roughly into three types: 100 percent solids,
solvent based and water based.
Ask Patrick
1-877-749-5554
The 100 percent
solid type is almost pure epoxy; it doesn’t contain solvents
that evaporate. These products are expensive and difficult to
handle because they harden so rapidly.
They’re best left to the pros, at
GWPainting
The solvent-based epoxies typically contain from 40 to 60 percent solids (epoxy). They penetrate and adhere well and are the choice of most pros. And they’re often available in a wide range of colors, which is one reason we chose this type for our demonstration. But they do have some drawbacks. The solvents are powerful and potentially hazardous; you MUST use a respirator (a 3M 5000 series respirator with an organic vapor/acid gas filter, The respirator must fit tightly to your face so you don’t breathe the fumes. In addition, you must ventilate the garage well and keep other people away from the odors.



