When it comes to flooring for schools, safety,
durability, and aesthetics are top priorities. Epoxy flooring is quickly becoming the go-to solution for educational institutions seeking a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain, and visually appealing flooring option.
Recently, we completed an ambitious project at a school that included 35 classrooms, nurses’ offices, and staff/student restrooms, all within a tight 2-week timeframe. This project involved transforming the floors into beautiful, functional spaces with epoxy coatings that met both safety and aesthetic standards. Let’s take a closer look at how we achieved this remarkable outcome.
Why Epoxy Floors Are Ideal for Schools: Safety Meets Style
Epoxy flooring offers several advantages that make it ideal for high-traffic areas like schools. Here’s why:
Durability for High-Traffic Areas
Classrooms and hallways see heavy foot traffic daily, so it’s crucial to have a flooring solution that can withstand constant use without showing signs of wear. Epoxy floors for schools are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and wear, making them a long-term investment.
Safety Features for Students and Staff
Safety is always a priority, especially when dealing with children. We took special care in ensuring the flooring design would be slip-resistant. While our client requested a sleek, glossy finish, the school’s primary concern was safety. To balance both needs, we added a traction additive to the polyaspartic top coat, ensuring that the floors maintained both visual appeal and a secure surface for students and staff.
Aesthetic Appeal and Customization
Epoxy flooring offers endless design possibilities. For this school, the flooring was customized with 50% flake coverage, using a mix of blues, whites, and blacks. This choice perfectly complemented the light grey base coat and aligned with their desire for a uniform, elegant look consistent with previous common area coatings.
The Epoxy Flooring Installation Process: Step-by-Step Breakdown
The epoxy flooring installation process was completed in a highly efficient 2-week timeframe, far ahead of the 1-month target. Here’s how we made it happen:
1. Initial Demo and Flooring Removal (VCT and Vinyl Baseboards)
We began by removing the old VCT flooring and vinyl baseboards from the 35 classrooms and other key areas of the school. This preparation step was essential to ensure that the new epoxy would bond properly to the concrete slab beneath. Proper floor preparation is critical for achieving the best results.
2. Sealing Gaps on 2nd Floor to Prevent Leaks
Since the second-floor classrooms were located directly above the cafeteria, it was vital to take extra precautions. After installing the vinyl baseboards, we sealed any gaps along the baseboards to prevent any coatings from leaking into the cafeteria or kitchen below. This proactive step ensured that the epoxy coating would stay contained and effective.
3. Grinding and Surface Preparation
Once the floors were prepped and gaps sealed, we ground all classrooms thoroughly. Grinding the concrete is a crucial step to ensure proper adhesion of the coatings. It also smooths out any imperfections in the concrete, providing a better surface for the base coat to adhere to.
4. Patching Imperfections
After grinding, we patched any minor imperfections in the concrete using specialized patching materials. This is essential for achieving a flawless finish, especially since the school requested partial coverage flake, where the base coat is visible in some areas.
5. Applying the Moisture Vapor Barrier
One of the key challenges of this project was the presence of moisture in the concrete. To address this, we applied a moisture vapor barrier, which seals the concrete and prevents moisture from interfering with the epoxy coatings. The barrier also helps the epoxy maintain its integrity under moisture pressure of up to 25 pounds.
6. The Base Coat and Vinyl Flake Broadcast
Once the barrier coat was fully dry, we applied the epoxy base coat, followed by the 50% vinyl flake coverage. The flake colors were carefully chosen to create a modern, stylish look while still ensuring durability. The blue, white, and black flakes complemented the grey base coat and helped the floors blend seamlessly with other school areas.
7. Final Touch: Polyaspartic Top Coat for Gloss and Protection
To finish off, we applied a polyaspartic top coat, providing a glossy, smooth finish. Since the school opted for partial flake coverage, we added a traction additive to the polyaspartic to enhance safety while maintaining the sleek appearance the school desired.
The Outcome: Beautiful, Durable, and Safe Flooring for Schools
The completed flooring project is nothing short of spectacular. The classrooms and other school areas now feature epoxy floors that are not only visually stunning but also safe, durable, and easy to maintain. The combination of traction additives, moisture barriers, and custom flake coverage ensures that the flooring meets all the school’s safety and aesthetic requirements.
Before and After: Transforming the School with Epoxy Flooring
The transformation is remarkable, and it’s a testament to how epoxy flooring for schools can completely overhaul the look and functionality of a space in just a few weeks. The fact that we completed this ambitious project in just 2 weeks, well ahead of schedule, shows the efficiency and quality of our work.
Conclusion: Why Epoxy Floors are the Best Choice for Schools in 2025
Epoxy flooring is a game-changer for educational facilities. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your classrooms, hallways, or other school spaces, epoxy provides a safe, durable, and attractive solution. By opting for epoxy for classrooms, you ensure that your floors can handle the wear and tear of daily school activities while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
In this particular project, we were able to meet the school’s expectations by incorporating the right safety features, ensuring durability, and creating a stylish environment for students and staff alike. Epoxy floors are a smart investment that will last for years, making them a top choice for schools looking to improve their spaces.
Ready to Transform Your School with Epoxy Flooring?
If you’re considering epoxy flooring for your school, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a beautiful, safe, and functional flooring solution. Our team has the expertise to handle projects of any scale, ensuring quality and efficiency every step of the way.