How to Mix Epoxy Paint?
Mixing epoxy is one of the most important tasks in applying any floor coating. Unless you are using a 1-part system where there is no mixing required you must mix your epoxy to start the chemical reaction that initiates the hardening process. Epoxy as its core is simply an epoxy resin and hardener or catalyst. We are going to go over some general guidelines to follow when mixing your epoxy.
Read the Instructions
Before you even open your cans or boxes read the instructions at least 2x to get a good understanding of how the paint should be mixed. If you are using a multi layered system make sure to separate each layer and even place your own labels on them as to not get them mixed up (we suggest using stickers or a sharpie to draw of them).
Set up Area
Pick a place that you can use as your setup and breakdown area. Ideally you will want to have this outside of the area you are coating but if the project is indoors and does not allow this then choose a spot nearest to the door exit so you can work your way out. Lay down both a plastic sheet and red rosin paper or cardboard on top to catch any spills that might happen when mixing.
Use Mixing Cups to Pour your Paint
While this does add another step to the process it’s important to ensure you are mixing the appropriate amounts of epoxy to hardener. Follow the mixing ratio instructions. Once you have poured the appropriate amounts into the cups you can pour both of the cups into a larger bucket (plastic or metal). Remember to not mix up too much epoxy at a time and mix in small batches
Mixing the epoxy
We have found that mixing with a metal mixer attached to a power drill works best for ensuring that all your paint has been evenly mixed up. If you do not have one then a mixing stick will work fine but make sure to mix extra well. Any unmixed paint will not cure properly when applied and can lead to floor failure down the road.
Adding non-skid additive
Depending on the type of system you are using some non-skid additives call for it to be mixed directly into the paint as opposed to being thrown onto the floor. If you are using a non-skid mixing additive you need to remember that most additives are heavy and will want to sink to the bottom of the bucket. If you leave it unmixed for too long your non-skid might end up unevenly distributed throughout the floor. We suggest pouring all the mixed paint on the floor and then rolling out or squeeging (whichever method you are using) to avoid having to go back and forth to mix the epoxy.
Always use gloves when mixing, remember you are mixing chemicals together and you do not want epoxy on your skin. If you happen to get some paint on yourself you can use a rag or paper cloth and some paint thinner to remove while still wet. Do not overdue this as this can cause major skin irritation. If you have any other suggestions or creative ways to mix we alway love to hear from our readers. Feel free to leave a comment below or drop us a line.
Happy Mixing!8 Responses
Rick
We manufacturer a 1 to 1 water based epoxy waterproof coating for basement walls and floors. For floor applications we use it as a primer for 100% epoxy top coats that will accept paint chips and color quartz or non skid sand. With Hydro-Seal 75 we mix 1 gallon at a time, 1/2 a gallon of each component and apply with rollers and brushes to walls and floors. We leave it in the bucket and work out a a tray.
For our 100% epoxies we do only 3 quarts at a time , a 2 to 1 ratio and only use it on floors. The 100% epoxy has to be out of the bucket and into in a tray or on the floor to avoid it setting up in the bucket.
The point is many epoxies require different techniques so consult the manufacturer for advice on using their products when doing it yourself.
Stacy
A very important note was made here – that measuring and making sure you use appropriate amounts of hardener is an important step to ensure proper curing. We have additional instructions and background on this on our site https://epoxymilwaukee.com/
Epoxy Central
Margaret – We just sent you an email so we can get some more background information to give you our best recommendation on a floor coating product for you project.
Thanks!
Epoxy Central
Joren – as long as you thoroughly read the instructions you should not have issues with working time. ensure that all paint is kept out of the sun and in cool conditions. Once the epoxy is mixed it will begin to harden and heat only expedites this process. You can certainly save alot of money by doing it yourself if you are comfortable but beware of contractors who propose inflated prices.
We have a full line of DIY coatings and have helped hundreds of everyday homeowners help get the flooring finishing they have always dreamed off…and they have all done it themselves.
Joren
This article was very helpful, i wanted to install my own epoxy flooring company but im hesitant because im scared im going to do it wrong. Ive seen a lot about how companies use a chemical hardener in the epoxy when mixing which only gives you a short time to apply the epoxy before it cures and as a first-time installer that makes me nervous. At this point i, honestly considering going with a professional company such as this one: https://www.epoxyflooringfortworth.com/ but im still deciding.
Margaret
mention the names of paints I need to buy Tomi my epoxy
ABEBE
PLEAS give me ratio of SIKA epoxy instraction
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imran
April 07, 2020
Thanks for your list, I love reviewing posts with the many variations of one color…grays, whites, etc. (Or “color”.) I may not be alone, and perhaps your main blog readers are true designers, but for me, Benjamin Moore isn’t really practical as a purchase. It’s very expensive (and I do have a lot of walls…put the money in the house:)) and we have one retailer in our area, which is about 20 miles away. Farrow and Ball and Pratt and Lambert…paint by numbers