Epoxy flake or chip coatings are popular ways to spice up the floors of commercial showrooms, garages, and some residential work floors. You have seen them in many service areas and may wonder what, precisely, gives them their look. There is a wide variety of possibilities for epoxy flakes and flooring, which is one of the things that makes them popular. Among the details that gives them a certain appearance, flake sizes can make a significant difference.
The Basic Makeup
Epoxy flake flooring is typically made of pigmented coating that holds the colorful flakes in the first layer. Once that initial layer is dry, another is added, and that second layer may have more flakes, or may be a clear seal. The flakes are called polymer flakes, or color chips. They’re made of paint that maintains its consistency in other paints.
The flakes come in a few standard sizes that can be mixed to please the owner. While the mixes can combine for hundreds of possible variations, flake size can make a big difference. It can affect the coating texture, color contrasts, overall style, and how well the floor hides the appearance of dirt.
The smallest flake size often creates a shining look that resembles glittering quartz, or sand. Due to the miniscule size of the flakes, they are not very noticeable from some angles, and so don’t provide much color contrast. The floor sometimes has a rough feel if the topcoat is thin.
Larger flakes create more contrast, while remaining subtle. Some of the mid-sized flakes make it easier to hide dirt, debris, and scuffs, which make them better suited to some for locations where that matters. Also, larger flake sizes often create a vintage or “retro” style to the floor.
Call us at Stamped Artistry. We can tell you all you need to know about epoxy flake sizes and how they’re used. We can also show you examples of the best usage for the flakes and install your perfect floor.