Epoxy Flake Floors in Lawton, OK

Epoxy flake floors are the finish most Lawton homeowners pick for a garage. Colored vinyl chips are broadcast into a wet base coat until the floor is fully covered, then the loose chips are scraped off and the floor is sealed with a clear topcoat. The speckled pattern hides dust, tire marks and small stains. The chips also give the surface a light texture, so it is less slick than a smooth, glossy coat.

How a flake system is built

A flake floor has three layers. The base coat bonds to the ground concrete and holds the chips. The chip layer is thrown by hand across the floor until no base coat shows through, which installers call broadcasting to refusal. The topcoat seals the chips in and takes the wear. The topcoat is where systems differ most. Standard epoxy topcoats can yellow in sunlight. A polyaspartic topcoat holds its color better, and HomeGuide rates polyaspartic UV resistance as excellent compared with poor to fair for epoxy.

Full broadcast or partial broadcast

A full broadcast covers the floor completely with chips. It gives the most texture and hides the most dirt. A partial broadcast scatters chips lightly over a solid color, so you see more of the base color between the flakes. Partial broadcast looks cleaner and more modern, but it shows dust and tire marks sooner. For a working garage, most people choose full broadcast. For a laundry room, a hobby space or a dealership, partial broadcast can be a good fit.

Picking colors for Southwest Oklahoma

Most of the dirt that gets tracked into a Lawton garage is reddish soil and fine dust carried by the wind. Blends with tan, brown, gray and a little red hide that dust well between cleanings. Very dark or very light blends show it more. We bring chip samples to the estimate so you can see them in your own garage light, with the door open and closed.

What makes a flake floor last

• Grinding first. The base coat has to bond to clean, open concrete. We diamond grind the full slab.
• Crack and joint work. Cracks are filled before the base coat. Joints that move with the soil get a flexible treatment.
• Enough base coat. Chips need a thick, wet base to sink into. A thin base leaves chips loose and the floor rough.
• A full topcoat. The clear topcoat seals the chips. Skimping here leaves edges that catch dirt and wear through.
• Temperature control. HomeGuide notes that epoxy should be applied between 60°F and 85°F. In a Lawton summer we start early and watch slab temperature.

Flake floors beyond the garage

The same system works in shops, barns with concrete floors, laundry rooms, mudrooms and covered porches. Outside the garage, the main question is sunlight. Covered porches and patios with direct sun need a UV-stable topcoat or the color will fade. Wet areas can get an extra anti-slip additive in the topcoat.

Caring for a flake floor

Sweep or use a dust mop for daily dirt. For oil and spills, wipe up promptly and wash with a mild cleaner and water. Avoid harsh acids and avoid dragging sharp metal across the floor. A rubber mat under a parked car's tires helps in summer, when the floor and tires both run hot.