07 Oct 10 Questions You Should Ask Before Purchasing Epoxy Resin
When comparing epoxy resins from manufacturers, it is important to select the right product for your project. Epoxy resins are widely used in the building and construction industries. It can be used for outdoor coatings, resin countertops, artistic paintings, and high performance and decorative flooring like epoxy terrazzo (Our epoxy resins are best used for terrazzo floors!).
In need of epoxy resin? Here are some of the questions you should ask manufacturers before ordering.
1. Will the resin work for your project?
Figure out whether the epoxy resin you are researching is a good fit for your project. Buying an epoxy resin product only to learn that it won’t work can cost you your time and your money. Ask the manufacturer representatives how their epoxy resins work and how they can be used.
For example, TERRAZZCO epoxy resins are used for epoxy terrazzo floors. It would not be a good fit when designing epoxy floors, resin countertops or artwork.
2. What is the Cure Time, Pot Time, and Mixing Ratio of The Epoxy Resin
Common questions you should ask an epoxy resin manufacturer is how long can you work with the resin per mix, how long will it take to cure, how to mix the epoxy resin properly, and how much coverage you can get per mixed batch.
In doing so, this will help you compare manufacturer resins and determine which product would be most useful in completing your project.
3. How qualified are you to use the epoxy resin?
Epoxy resins are complicated to use especially if you are a beginner. DIY projects often fail due to improper measurements and mixes, or the pot time expired.
For those interested in using TERRAZZCO epoxy resins for terrazzo projects, we recommend that only qualified contractors purchase the epoxy.
4. Ask for a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the resin product.
Manufacturers can provide safety data sheets that provide you information on how the ingredients of each epoxy product, any safety precautions and hazard warnings, and how to properly store and dispose of the material after use.
If working on a sustainable building project, safety data sheets can indicate whether epoxy resin products are non-toxic.
5. Does the manufacturer supply clear resin or colorful resins.
When purchasing epoxy resins, know the color options you will need for your project. Most manufacturers are capable of developing epoxy resins in any color. Before ordering products, ask the manufacturer whether their clear resin will yellow over time.
TERRAZZCO Epoxy Resin can be manufactured in virtually any color. The design flexibility of epoxy terrazzo allows for some of the most beautiful floor designs seen around the world. In addition, our clear resin does not yellow.
6. Should I be concerned about pinholes when using epoxy resin products?
Pinholes are caused by air bubbles formed in the epoxy resin during the curing process.
When installing epoxy terrazzo, pinholes are common after the floor has been grinded. This is often fixed by having the installer fill in all voids using colored epoxy. TERRAZZCO’s Groutless® EZpour Epoxy has been tested to have fewer pinholes than other manufacturer products, which can save contractors time and cost to complete a terrazzo floor.
7. Can you use epoxy outdoors?
Using epoxy resins has its limitations. One limitation is the use of epoxy resin products for outdoor applications. Discoloration can occur if epoxy resins come into direct sunlight outdoors. Generally, epoxy resin is not UV protected and is sensitive to temperature.
When speaking with architects and designers, we always point out that epoxy terrazzo is best suited for indoor applications only. If terrazzo is desirable outdoors, we recommend that they specify a rustic cementitious terrazzo system instead of epoxy terrazzo.
8. How Thick Will the Coating Be Applied?
There is a wide range of coating thicknesses for epoxy resins depending on the product and application. Thicker coatings tend to be more expensive.
Epoxy terrazzo is a thin-set system that can be troweled at 3/8″ or 1/4″ thickness. Thinner than traditional terrazzo systems, it is generally stronger and more durable.
9. Does Epoxy Smell?
Be sure to ask the manufacturer representatives if their epoxy resin product smell. Some epoxy types leave behind a foul odor.
TERRAZZCO Brand Epoxy Resins are odorless and VOC-free. Our epoxy resins contribute to designing commercial spaces with good air quality.
10. Ask the manufacturer for installation instructions
To get the best results for your project, ask the manufacturer to provide a step-by-step instruction guide on how to use the epoxy resin product.
In the terrazzo industry, epoxy terrazzo is typically installed similarly from project to project, but a manufacturer’s instructions come in handy at times. A manufacturer representative should be available to give you the technical support necessary to obtain the best outcomes of your project.
About Our Epoxy Terrazzo System
Concord Terrazzo Company manufactures and supplies epoxy resin products for contractors to install epoxy terrazzo floors for their construction projects.
TERRAZZCO EZPour Epoxy 158 is our signature decorative and durable epoxy resin product that when installed it yields a lifetime of beauty and performance. We also manufacture supporting products for the epoxy terrazzo system that includes our Moisture Mitigation System, Leveling Fill Epoxy, Flexible Membranes, Joint Filler, and Bonding Agents.