“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” - Henry Ford

Introduction:

At Golden Concrete Resurfacing (GCR), we pride ourselves on a distinctive approach in the concrete coating sector. Our method, unlike the prevalent fast-curing systems, centers around a specialized three-coat epoxy flake system produced by Concrete Floor Solutions (CFS), aiming to blend visual appeal with unparalleled durability.

The cornerstone of our preferred system is the slow-setting, low viscosity epoxy primer. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to deeply penetrate the concrete, going beyond any minuscule dust remnants that might persist even after our rigorous grinding and two-step vacuuming process. This deep penetration is vital, as it allows the coating to bond directly with the concrete instead of merely sticking to a superficial layer of dust-coated concrete on top. This bonding process is essential for the coating's long-term endurance and stability.

In contrast, fast-curing systems often give precedence to application speed, compromising on penetration depth. These systems, although quicker to apply, generally miss out on achieving a profound bond with the concrete because of their rapid setting time. This results in a superficial bond, increasing the risks of peeling, bubbling, and reduced durability over time.

The second layer in our method is the 100% solids epoxy intermediate coat. This layer substantially enhances the coating's toughness, enabling it to withstand wear and tear over time. It is particularly beneficial for overly porous concrete that soaks up much of the primer. The intermediate coat efficiently fills any voids remaining post-primer absorption. This coat is also crucial for creating beautiful solid colored floors while avoiding the pinholes you may get with a thinner system.

The three coat flake system's final stage involves applying a UV-resistant polyaspartic topcoat. This layer not only elevates the floor's aesthetic quality but also guards against UV-induced yellowing and deterioration. Polyaspartics, known for their superior abrasion resistance, are especially suitable for areas subjected to heavy traffic like garages.

Our three-coat system for flake floors results in an approximate thickness of 30 mils before accounting for flake, with each liquid coat contributing roughly 10 mils. This is significantly thicker than the 3 mil one-coat options like Rustoleum Epoxy Shield Kits found in hardware stores. This thickness is also two to three times greater than what many local contractors offer. The system's depth aids in leveling minor irregularities in the concrete slab and, in spaces like basements, provides additional assurance against radon transmission.

In addition to the coatings, another critical product in our arsenal is the CFS concrete crack filler. Unlike many market options that prioritize cost and ease of use over effectiveness, we employ a low viscosity, fast-setting two-part epoxy filler. This filler, combined with sand backfilling, ensures deep penetration into cracks, resulting in a durable repair and a crack that is effectively mended deep below the surface. This approach contrasts sharply with the thicker, gel-like repair methods commonly found in hardware stores, which only fill the very top of the cracks—akin to merely placing a Band-Aid on top. Our method might require more material and additional passes since it fills the crack deeper than just the surface, but it's these factors that make it superior for professional repairs.

GCR's preferred three-coat flake system stands out for its thickness and resilience, contrasting with the often less durable fast-curing alternatives. While quicker solutions might appear tempting, they may fall short in sustained performance and reliability. GCR's focus on deep bonding and high-quality materials guarantees a concrete surface that is both longer-lasting and more dependable.

Check it out what installing a three-coat flake system looks like below!