Metallic Epoxy Floor & Countertop Systems

Metallic ColorPigments are special effect pigments composed of mica nano-particles coated with various organic and inorganic pigments to create pearlescent and iridescent effects that mimic the natural look of stone and rock formations. Metallic Systems have become incredibly popular due to their unique, 3 dimensional, decorative and pearlescent appearance. When the metallic particles are mixed with epoxy they give the coating a shine that reflects light and creates and eye-catching dramatic color. Using Metallic Pigments as part of a 3 step epoxy and polyaspartic application process offers the unique design of  a quartz, granite or marble look in a tough, durable floor coating system at a fraction of the cost of natural stone, making them perfect for any commercial or residential setting.

We recommend using our HyperREZ UV Epoxy or our new E671CL Epoxy to install metallic floor and countertop systems with its long 40-45 min working time, great looks and superior dynamic flow. When applying the metallic systems to a wood floor, recommend using our HyperFLEX Epoxy in the Step 1 primer coat to accommodate the flexibility needed with a wooden floor.  For outdoor projects requiring maximum UV protection, recommend using metallics pigments with our Aspartic 100 Aliphatic Polyaspartic.

With 50 metallic colors (shown below), the color combinations and artistic designs options are limitless! For proper blending of all pigments including Metallic Pigments, strongly recommend a Jiffy Mixer style drill mixer which will ensure proper dispersion of pigments throughout the epoxy, polyaspartic or urethane.

Why Metallics Pigment Systems?

• Showcase the “WOW” Factor with Unlimited Design Options in a decorative marbled look or unique artistic expression
• 50 metallic & pearlescent UV Resistant colors to choose from
• Recreate a marble, quartz or granite looking decorative surface at a small fraction of the cost per square foot
• Offers exceptionally tough, durable, long lasting coating system (40 – 45 mils thick vs one coat of household paint averaging <2 mils thick)
• Good for both foot traffic and vehicular applications
• Looks great in a wide range of residential and commercial projects
• Basic 3 Step Product Application Process – (see “How to” tabs this page)
• Pigment Comes in easy to use powder form in 4 oz containers (colors 1 gallon clear epoxy)

Where Are Metallic Systems Used?

• Showroom floors
• Commercial Office floors
• Home living spaces
• Garage Floors
• Basement Floors
• Indoor & Outdoor
• Concrete or Wood Floors and Countertops

METALLIC PIGMENT PAIRINGS

Looking for color ideas?  See our suggested Metallic Pigment Pairings for ideas on mixing metallic colors for a great looking metallic marbled floor!  Pigment Pairings are not a single color but rather include selected multiple colors.  Pigments are mixed one at a time into an epoxy, polyaspartic or urethane coating then applied to your floor one at a time and mixed together on the floor for a great looking system.

Click on each picture for details on what color solid color primer and what metallic pigment colors to use (% shows  how much of each color to use of total metallic pigments).  The secondary color is typically poured on floor using a vein approach and slightly moving roller around once poured on.

New Collection of Metallic Multi-Colored PIgments

Pearlescent color-shifting pigments create unique optical illusions depending on the angles of viewing and light refraction

METALLICS EPOXY SYSTEMS REQUIRE A 3 STEP APPLICATION PROCESS

Preparation:  Proper surface preparation very important on metallics system to ensure epoxy doesn’t peel over time. On concrete surfaces use a concrete (diamond) grinder to provide rough surface (concrete feels like 80 to 100 grit sandpaper).  Remove grease or oil (test to see if water absorbs – if it doesn’t, need to clean).  Acid etch does not provide enough roughness.  On wood surfaces sand surface to open up pores and remove all dust.

Start with Step 1 Primer: Apply Epoxy Primer using solid color.  Metallics pigments are translucent (see through) and pickup primer color so important to select a primer color that compliments metallic color(s).  We offer 14 solid colors for primer coat.  Black is most popular since all colors go with it.  Suggest HyperREZ UV Resistant Epoxy for primer on concrete and HyperFLEX Epoxy on wood.  Apply 150 sq’/gallon in 1 coat.

Next is Step 2 Metallics:  Metallics basecoat gives 3-D look of depth and decorative WOW factor.  Recommend HyperREZ UV Epoxy (same epoxy as step 1).   Apply HyperREZ at 50-75 sq/gallon for best 3-D look and at 75 sq’/gallon to save money.  Thicker the coating greater the 3-D look.  For Metallic systems installed outdoors, recommend Aspartic 100 Alphatic Polyaspartic to prevent problem from epoxy yellowing with exposure to outdoor UV light. Add 1 (4 oz) powdered packet Metallics Pigment for every gallon HyperREZ Epoxy or Aspartic 100 used Step 2.   With 50 different colors, be as creative as you like!  Most metallics systems use 2 or 3 different metallic colors.  Use any number colors as long as total 4 oz metallics packets = number gallons Step 2.

Finally go to Step 3 Topcoat: Clear protective topcoat Aspartic 85 Go Slow applied at 500 sq’/gallon. Apply 1 or 2 coats for additional chemical protection and abrasion resistance.  For small projects or ones outdoors where summer bugs can be a problem with longer set times, suggest the fast setting version of Aspartic 85.  Metallics System are slippery when wet.  If this is a concern, consider SSR-2o anti-slip for least change surface appearance.

What & How to Order (See Products Below)

• Determine the number of square feet of your total project
• Decide which epoxy for Steps 1 primer & Step 2 metallic basecoat and which polyaspartic or urethane you want to use for Step 3 clear topcoat.
• EPOXY required:  Determine how many gallons needed Step 1 and Step 2 and add together as typically same product.  Recommend HyperREZ UV Epoxy  for best looking results.  For step 1, divide total # square feet/150 for number gallons and for step 2, divide Total # Square Feet/50 or total # square Feet/75 depending on how thick you want to apply.  Add gallons needed for Step 1 and 2 together.  For small projects use 1.5 quart kits of epoxy or 3 gallon kits.  For large projects we offer 15 gallon kits when shipped LTL to a commercial location.  For outdoor projects, recommend Aspartic 100 Aliphatic Polyaspartic for best long term UV protection
• Metallic Pigment required Step 2:  Order (1) 4 oz metallic powdered pigment packet per gallon of epoxy used Step 2.  Any combination of colors.  Choose from  45 colors
• Solid Color Pigment required Step 1:  Order 1 or more quarts solid color pigment.  Look at chart on pigment product page to determine number quarts needed.  Number oz solid color pigment used per gallon varies with color.  Choose from 14 colors.
• Clear Topcoat required Step 3:   Divide Total # square feet/500 for number gallons for 1 coat when using a polyaspartic (recommended) or Total # square feet/300 or 350 when using water based urethane.  Use 1.5 quart kits or 3 gallon kits polyaspartic most projects.  For very large projects we offer 15 gallon kits when shipped LTL to  commercial location.  We recommend Aspartic 85 Go Slow for more working time.  If concern about bugs landing in topcoat while curing, suggest using fast setting Aspartic 85 vs slower set options.  Anti-slip recommended is the SSR-20, only 1 quart needed most projects (use 1-2 heaping spoonfuls per gallon topcoat).

APPLICATION TOOL TIPS (See Product Listings Below)

Roller Covers

• Roller covers must be lint free, professional grade for epoxy and high performance coatings
• For Epoxy used in Steps 1 and 2 – use 3/4″ nap roller cover
• For Polyspartic clear topcoat used in Step 3 – use 3/8″ nap roller cover
• Recommend 18″ wide roller cover for floor projects

Squeegee

• Squeegee used after mixing epoxy and polyaspartic and then pouring onto the work surface to move it around.
• Suggest flat squeegee as easiest to work with.  Notched squeegee great for higher build, thick systems but can be difficult to work with for thinner applications.

Jiffy Mixer

• Very important to use a Jiffy Mixer style drill mixer (has horizontal blades on both top and bottom of the cone) to properly mix both the epoxy and polyaspartic coatings.
• A standard paint mixer found at home improvement centers will not produce satisfactory mixing results and can lead to uneven color dispersion in your coating and produce blotchy look.
• Do NOT mix at high drill speed (mix at 450 – 650 rpm).   Move Jiffy Mixer gently around the container.  Don’t over agitate and introduce air bubbles into coating.

Containers

• To make sure you are mixing your 2 part epoxy and polyaspartic in correct ratio when not mixing an entire kit at once,  use a graduated measuring container to ensure accurate measurements, separate for Parts A and B.  Keep them separate until you are ready for final mixing together.  Once these two parts come in contact, the exothermic chemical reaction starts and the clock starts ticking down on your working time.
• A separate mixing container is also used for mixing the Parts A and B together.

Spiked Shoes

• Have to have these for floor projects to enable walking on the surface in Step 2 when applying the metallic epoxy.

Spiked (Porcupine) Roller

• This is used to release air bubbles that can develop in your coating during the mixing and application process.  Used while coating is still wet.  Not needed on most projects