Can Epoxy Paint Be Applied To Wood Floors?

Epoxy paint is a 2-part coating, consisting of a catalyst and a resin. When combined, these two components harden into a durable coating, able to withstand a great amount of duress. Epoxy paint is ideal for concrete surfaces, such as in basements and garages; it can also be used to coat wood floors. However, before the wood will accept the epoxy, a few important preparation steps are required.

Wood floors coated with varnish or sealer are not conducive to epoxy paint adhesion. These coatings should be removed, using a palm or power sander before application begins.

Bare wood surfaces are ill-suited for paint adhesion. Before epoxy paint will adhere to a wood floor, it must be coated with an acrylic latex primer. The primer should be applied, using a roller affixed to a rolling pole. The primed wooden floors must dry for at least three hours before they are ready for epoxy paint.

Epoxy paint will remain wet until the two components are stirred together. The resin and catalyst should be stirred in a 5-gallon bucket for at least five minutes, using a wooden stir stick. Inadequate stirring can cause the epoxy to go on uneven and streaky.

Epoxy paint should be applied using a roller affixed to a rolling pole. However, the roller should be equipped with a shed resistant nap cover. Epoxy will begin to harden quickly, so the entire floor must be coated within one session, as the epoxy will not keep for longer than an hour or two.

When applying epoxy to wood floors, always begin in one far corner, and work moving backward toward the exit point of the room. Otherwise, you may become trapped within wet epoxy paint.