epoxy vs. epoxy resin?

[Olyar15]

Hi all, am in the planning stages of a new house and attached garage. I've been looking at TheGarageGuy's website, and I am really interested in having a garage floor that has a marble appearance, kinda like this:

http://garageandbeyond.com/wp-content/gallery/designer-epoxy-flooring/1256769530.jpg

This is from his website under designer epoxy floor, and mentions using epoxy resin. Just wondering if this type of flooring is the same as the typical epoxy coating and whether it will hold up the same in a garage. Also, if he would mind letting me know if this is something that can be DIY (I highly doubt it) would be highly appreciated.

 

[thegarageguy]

Hello Olyar15,

Thanks for liking my work. We do install these systems in garages. The chemistry is a bit different in the designer epoxy. It is much slower curing so it allows us to manipulate it more, the downside is that is can easily scratch if you get on it too early or don't poly top coat it. Regular 100% solids epoxy can be used but it limits your designs and is less forgiving.

The application method of these floors vary from contractor to contractor but in the pic you posted, that was done on our hands and knees, with notched and steel flat trowels. We used a silver pigmented epoxy with a hint of black. The exact application method is top secret! 6 sample boards where made before we figured out the exact color ratio and look that the client desired.

DIY is tough, not saying it's impossible but hey, it took me years of trial and error to figure some things out and we still get issues here and there. These products aren't as forgiving as paint. They react to the surroundings and we work in an uncontrolled environment. Re coating is expensive and sometimes more laborious.

If you have the time and money to play, then I say go for it until your heart is content. If you have a desired look and you want it done right, hire a qualified professional.

 

[-angus]

Hey Charles! Good to see you on here too, I also am in the process of building a garage at home and need to choose either an epoxy system or something. I currently have stonhard floor in my shop and while I have been happy with it, I am interested in looking at different options - the marble look is appealing - I also thought of granite tiles...