When designing a space, you have more options in flooring today than ever before. Many are purely functional, but if you want a flooring which is extremely functional and has a lot of “wow” factor, one of the best options you could look into is metallic epoxy coatings. While the positives of metallic epoxy flooring far outweigh the negatives, it is important to look at the metallic epoxy pros and cons during the decision process.
Metallic epoxy is a form of solid epoxy that has metallic, glitter-like particles embedded in it. When properly mixed and applied, the result is an extremely distinctive and eye-catching effect with what appear to be three-dimensional shimmering swirls throughout the flooring. Plus, it’s reflective, which makes it look even more interesting.
As with all flooring materials, metallic epoxy flooring has a variety of benefits that make it a popular choice. There are some drawbacks too, but we feel they are easy to overcome. Make sure you understand the demands of your environment where the flooring will be located before making a final flooring decision. So, let’s take a look at some of the most notable metallic epoxy pros and cons.
Metallic Epoxy Pros and Cons
Metallic Epoxy Flooring Pros
1. There’s nothing else like it.
It’s not uncommon for visitors walking into a foyer coated in metallic epoxy to stop and gape. People are accustomed to a floor being dull and utilitarian – metallic epoxy coating truly captures their attention. On top of that, due to the nature of the epoxy, every installation will have wholly unique designs and swirls. A metallic epoxy-covered floor is truly one-of-a-kind.
2. Accentuate your showroom.
Metallic epoxy is most popular in retail spaces and other areas where you really want to show off a room and its contents. It enhances an overall environment without taking away from the products you are showcasing.
3. A seamless hygienic surface.
As with all epoxy coatings, metallic epoxy can be applied as a single seamless coat, even on floors with unconventional layouts or topography. That makes it exceptionally easy to clean, and the lack of seams mean it can’t easily harbor microbial life. It could even be used in industrial kitchens and similar areas where hygiene is mandatory.
4. A non-slip surface.
Metallic epoxy is reflective and can look slippery, but it’s not. Epoxy is actually an excellent option if you want non-slip flooring. It’s also possible to add topcoats which are even more non-slip if this is an issue you need to deal with.
5. Long lasting.
Wondering about the metallic epoxy floor life expectancy? Solid epoxy is extremely durable, and it is possible to engineer it further to provide more longevity. A properly-installed metallic epoxy floor will last many years with minimal maintenance. If the surface is damaged from falling objects or similar abrasions, it can often be repaired for a nominal cost.
FREE Whitepaper: How to Choose the Right Flooring
Metallic Epoxy Flooring Cons
In the grand scheme, there are very few metallic epoxy flooring problems. The metallic particles don’t alter its basic properties as a flooring substance – it’s just as strong and reliable as any other epoxy coating. The only drawbacks one may encounter are:
1. Cost.
Solid epoxy is among the more expensive floor coatings, and metallic epoxy is a specialty blend. You’ll be paying a higher metallic epoxy cost per square foot for such an eye-catching floor. However, in the long-run, it will outlast other solutions.
2. Expertise.
Metallic epoxy generally needs to be installed by experts to get the best look and that distinctive swirl. In a niche industry such as commercial coatings, you must find the right professionals who can engineer for performance and aesthetics.
3. Trendiness.
Metallic epoxy floors are popular today, but will they still be “in” ten years from now? It’s hard to say. This might not be the best look if you’re wanting a timeless option that can go decades without a stylistic update.
Black Bear is the Leading Commercial Metallic Epoxy Flooring Expert
Blending metallic coatings can create different looks and offer an array of pigments on a single floor. While multiple colors can be mixed, layering too many colors can have adverse effects on the design.
Single Color: Increases the intensity of a single color floor using the same color base and Metallic coat.
Two-Tone Flooring: Layer a Metallic color over a different colored base coat.
Three Color Effect: By layering two or three different metallic colors on a base coat you create a blend of hues that can have a dramatic effect on a space.
For over twenty-five years, the Black Bear team has provided high-quality solutions in metallic epoxy flooring. From floor to ceiling, design-conscious businesses are selecting interior finishes that complement the personality of their company. Talk to Black Bear Coatings & Concrete to learn about Metallic Epoxy flooring solutions – from smooth, mirror-like finishes, to dramatic tones and wave-like designs, metallic epoxy will provide a rich, unique look to call your own. Just contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss your options. We can go over all of the metallic epoxy pros and cons and engineer the right commercial flooring solution for your business!
