The tools that you have often dictate the quality of the job. From preparation tools to installation tools, epoxy flooring is only made better by improving your toolkit! Quality equipment can mean the difference between a project that’s efficient and professional and one that misses the mark. Don't settle for less, prepare for a better floor!
For contractors just starting or veterans looking to refine their setup, this guide outlines the five must-have tools for every epoxy flooring job. With the help of Xtreme Polishing Systems' veteran team & quality resources for contractors, you can find success, too.
Five Tools Every Epoxy Flooring Kit Needs
1. Moisture Meters
Before applying epoxy, it’s essential to measure moisture levels in the concrete. Excess moisture can prevent the epoxy from bonding properly, leading to issues like bubbling or peeling. Sometimes it's incidental moisture, sometimes it's environmental, but you should always be prepared to deal with moisture.
A moisture meter enables precise readings to ensure surfaces are ready for epoxy application. Options include destructive and non-destructive meters, and it'll depend on your project which is best for you.
2. Concrete Grinders, Diamond Tooling & Polishing Pads
A concrete grinder is indispensable for preparing surfaces by removing coatings, stains, and uneven spots. You may be able to get away with using just an angle grinder for a small job such as a garage. But, for those with contracts on job sites bigger than an average garage, a larger machine is essential to surface preparation.
It creates an ideal base for epoxy, improving adhesion. Swapping to polishing pads after grinding can also give the finished floor a glossy look.
Options include planetary and rotary grinders, with diamond-tipped heads providing optimal control. Xtreme Polishing Systems recommends starting with the Concrete Genie Floor Grinder for excellent performance in epoxy prep and polishing.
3. Dust Vacuum with Shroud
Grinding concrete generates dust, which can affect epoxy adhesion and pose health risks. While epoxy resin is generally safer than other flooring alternatives, that doesn't mean you should disregard safety procedures! VOC containment and ventilation practices are still essential to be aware of.
A dust vacuum with a shroud minimizes airborne dust and keeps the worksite clean. Consider pairing your grinder with a heavy-duty vacuum to capture fine particles effectively. This improves safety and enhances epoxy bonding, leading to a smoother finish.
4. Epoxy Resin Application Tools
One of the more self-explanatory parts of your kit, but still cannot be neglected. From applicator tools to tools to help you keep your space organized and clean, your finished floor will thank you. These are relatively small investments that have a big result. After surface preparation, high-quality epoxy application tools are essential. These include:
- Squeegees: Ideal for spreading epoxy over large areas quickly.
- Rollers: Useful for achieving a consistent finish and accessing edges.
- Tarp, Tape & More: Helpful to maintain an organized work space & prevent epoxy from spreading to unwanted surfaces.
- Buckets, Mixing & Measuring Tools: Epoxy resin is a lenient solution, but you should be as precise with possible to get the best cure out of your resin.
Each tool ensures that the epoxy is applied smoothly, promoting even coverage and minimizing issues like pooling or bubbles.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
As we discussed in the dust section, safety is just as important as results in epoxy flooring. It's a small investment that'll protect you and your employees for years to come! Proper PPE includes:
- Respirator: Protect against inhaling dust and fumes.
- Spiked Shoes: Enable safe movement on wet epoxy.
- Goggles and Gloves: Shield eyes and skin from chemicals and dust.
Prioritizing safety gear protects contractors from long-term health risks and maintains a safer work environment.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the right tools is key to delivering high-quality epoxy flooring results. It's your kit that determines how strong your cured resin is. From grinders to dust vacuums and PPE, each tool contributes to a successful and safe installation. So, be prepared! Pick up everything you need to install the strongest & cleanest epoxy resin floors you can today with XPS.
Xtreme Polishing Systems (XPS) is the central hub for every epoxy resin & concrete contractor. Call our specialists at (877) 958-5264 for any job or resource assistance! Check out our online store for the best prices on the best materials today.
