I'm curious if you used the clear epoxy first then the polyurethane would it be stronger?
This is typically how it is done for concrete .
The only urethanes that can go floor direct are acrylics and the polyaspartic/urea types.
Sorry I wasn't clear. I have used our urethanes directly over vct tile. Industrial settings. Mix a little aluminum oxide in the urethane and you have a really tough floor.
Take a hammer to it and you will need to make repairs.
LOL, I'm assuming were using the hammer to simulate dropping something big and heavy.
I guess the question should be about what epoxy brings to the table that just polyurethane doesn't. We already know the polyurethane brings UV protection to the floor.
I would suggest topping your tile with an urethane top coat. Ad a little aluminum oxide for slip and scratch resistance and be good to go. Just know your top coat over the tile will only be as good as the tile itself. I'm sure the car salesmen will jump in. Get a high quality, high solids urethane. 75% solids or higher.
Urethanes have a better scratch and chemical resistance than epoxies. Well, at least the ones I deal with. You can't do a high build with urethane like you can with epoxies.
Jamie is correct. you need to prep the tiles before coating them or you are just blowing your money.
I'm curious if you used the clear epoxy first then the polyurethane would it be stronger?
For our system? Yes. BondTite 1115 with a clear coat of EnduraShield 2254 would result in the most durable VCT solution.
The BT1115 is formulated specifically for VCT, it adheres to it real well, and isn't brittle.
The EDS2254 by itself will not stick well to VCT, but it is very compatible with the BT1115. It's UV resistant and has a higher resistance to abrasion, keeps its gloss finish better & longer.
I'm still not sure what you mean by flexable. VCT is brittle as hell and hardly flexable, especially in compression. If you smack my floor with a hammer you might ding it, but the same would happen to concrete or epoxy.
I guess it depends on how rough you plan on being on the floor. If that rough you would be best using nothing or Porcelain.
Jim![]()
Look at a VCT floor that has been installed over an uneven substrate for awhile and you will understand just how flexible it is. Yes it does sometimes crack, but it also deforms to the surface characteristics of the substrate.
With a VCT covered epoxy floor, is it safe to use jacks and jacks stands without damaging the floor? Trying to figure out if this is a viable solution and just as durable if not more durable than just a complete epoxy constructed floor, i.e. no tiles. I'm looking for the color without the prep work needed for good epoxy adhesion.
We have had many clients try this...our opinion is don't do it, we have seen many, many failures. While it may work sometimes, it is risky.
