A commercial showroom floor has to support vehicle and pedestrian traffic while contributing to the presentation of the space. For Florida Pre-Owned, Kongcrete Coatings installed a 3,200 sq. ft. commercial metallic epoxy flooring system across the interior showroom and office areas.
The project required installing the new system over existing commercial tile. After mechanically preparing the tile, repairing and leveling problem areas, and addressing grout lines, the crew built the floor with a grey epoxy moisture vapor barrier, a black high-build epoxy base, a Charcoal Metallic designer layer, and a clear protective topcoat.
For Orlando and Central Florida businesses considering decorative commercial flooring, this project shows why substrate preparation is just as important as the finished design.
Project Summary / Quick Facts
| Project Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Property type | Pre-owned auto dealership showroom and offices |
| Project area | 3,200 sq. ft. |
| Flooring system | Charcoal metallic epoxy system |
| Existing substrate | Commercial tile |
| Surface preparation | 5-segment 30-grit diamond grinding |
| Surface profile target | ICRI CSP 2/3 |
| MVB / grout-sealing coat | Grey industrial epoxy MVB with thickening agent at 100 sq. ft./gal |
| Base coat | Black industrial self-leveling epoxy at 50 sq. ft./gal |
| Metallic layer | Charcoal Metallic epoxy at 40 sq. ft./gal |
| Protective layer | High-gloss industrial clear topcoat |
Why Metallic Epoxy Was Used for This Showroom
Metallic epoxy is a decorative resinous flooring option that uses metallic pigments within the epoxy layer to create movement, depth, and a marble-like appearance.
For a vehicle showroom, that makes it possible to create a continuous decorative surface instead of retaining the visual pattern of the existing tile and grout joints.
The system selected for Florida Pre-Owned used a dark base beneath the Charcoal Metallic layer. The metallic coat was then applied at a high-build rate so the pigments had sufficient resin volume to move and form the intended visual pattern.
The decorative finish was only one part of the project, however. Installing a coating system over an existing tile floor required extensive preparation before the metallic layers could be applied.
How Kongcrete Coatings Installed the Metallic Epoxy Showroom Floor
Step 1: Mechanically Prepare the Existing Tile
The installation began by grinding the existing commercial tile with 5-segment 30-grit diamond tooling.
The objective was to mechanically prepare the surface and establish an ICRI CSP 2/3 profile suitable for the coating system being installed.
Existing surfaces cannot simply be coated because they look clean. Their condition, bond and profile must first be evaluated and prepared for the proposed system.
Step 2: Level Recessed Areas and Repair Surface Defects
Two recessed side office/room areas totaling more than 60 sq. ft. were filled with industrial rapid-set cement and brought level with the main showroom.
Deep gouges, transition lines and tile imperfections were also skimmed with high-performance polyurea repair material.
After the repair work, the surface was vacuumed with HEPA equipment and cleaned with an acetone wash before coating.
Planning a commercial flooring upgrade in Orlando? Kongcrete Coatings can evaluate the existing surface, intended use and finish requirements before recommending a coating system. Get a Free Estimate or call (855) 699-5664.
Step 3: Address the Grout Lines With an Epoxy MVB Coat
Existing tile introduces another challenge: the grout pattern can remain visible through a new coating if the substrate is not prepared appropriately.
For this project, Kongcrete applied a pigmented grey industrial epoxy moisture vapor barrier/sealer coat at 100 sq. ft. per gallon.
A thickening agent was added to help fill the existing grout lines and establish a more uniform surface for the layers above it.
Step 4: Apply the Black High-Build Epoxy Base
Next, the crew applied a black industrial self-leveling epoxy base coat at 50 sq. ft. per gallon.
The dark base created a consistent background beneath the Charcoal Metallic designer layer.
The base was allowed 6–8 hours before intermediate preparation.
Step 5: Install the Charcoal Metallic Design Layer
After the black base coat was ready for the next stage, the surface was buffed, HEPA vacuumed and wiped with acetone.
Kongcrete then installed the Charcoal Metallic epoxy layer at 40 sq. ft. per gallon.
The high-build application gives the metallic pigments room to move within the resin, creating the flowing, dimensional appearance associated with metallic epoxy flooring.
Step 6: Apply the Clear Protective Topcoat
The final stage was a high-gloss industrial clear protective topcoat over the decorative metallic layer.
The topcoat serves as the exposed wear surface and helps protect the decorative layer from routine showroom traffic, scuffing and cleaning.
Product-specific chemical, abrasion and UV performance should always be based on the technical data for the topcoat selected for a particular project.
Technical Project Specifications
| Specification | Florida Pre-Owned Showroom |
|---|---|
| Project type | Main showroom and offices |
| Total area | 3,200 sq. ft. |
| Existing substrate | Commercial tile |
| Mechanical preparation | 5-segment 30-grit diamond grinding |
| Surface profile | ICRI CSP 2/3 |
| Leveling | More than 60 sq. ft. of recessed areas filled with industrial rapid-set cement |
| Surface repairs | High-performance polyurea repair material |
| Primer / grout-sealing layer | Grey epoxy MVB with thickening agent |
| MVB application rate | 100 sq. ft./gal |
| High-build base | Black industrial self-leveling epoxy |
| Base application rate | 50 sq. ft./gal |
| Metallic layer | Charcoal Metallic epoxy |
| Metallic application rate | 40 sq. ft./gal |
| Final layer | High-gloss industrial protective topcoat |
These specifications describe this installation. Surface conditions, product requirements and coating schedules can vary from project to project.
Why Surface Preparation Matters Over Existing Tile
The finished appearance of a metallic floor depends heavily on what happens before the designer coat is poured.
On this project, preparation included mechanical grinding, leveling recessed areas, repairing imperfections, cleaning the surface and treating grout lines before the black base and metallic layers were installed.
This also helps explain why an existing tile floor should be evaluated individually. Tile condition, bond, grout lines, transitions and other substrate conditions can affect whether coating over the existing floor is appropriate.
For more examples of Kongcrete’s commercial flooring work, review the company’s commercial flooring and project gallery resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can metallic epoxy be installed over existing commercial tile?
Yes, metallic epoxy can be installed over commercial tile if the tile is sound and properly prepared. The process requires mechanical diamond grinding to create an ICRI CSP 2/3 profile, and an epoxy primer formulated with a thickening agent to lock in grout lines and prevent them from showing through the topcoat.
How do you clean and maintain metallic epoxy floors?
Metallic epoxy floors are relatively easy to maintain because the seamless surface does not contain traditional grout joints. Routine maintenance generally consists of removing dirt and debris, promptly cleaning spills, and using cleaning products compatible with the coating system. Avoid abrasive cleaning methods that can dull the gloss or damage the protective topcoat.
What is the difference between metallic epoxy and regular epoxy flooring?
Regular epoxy flooring or ‘solid color’ epoxy flooring, typically produces a consistent, uniform color, while metallic epoxy uses specialized pigments to create movement, depth, and a three-dimensional decorative appearance. Metallic epoxy generally requires a heavier application and more specialized installation techniques to achieve its characteristic marble, cloud, or flowing visual effects.
Is metallic epoxy more expensive than regular epoxy?
Yes, metallic epoxy flooring costs more than standard solid-color epoxy when properly installed because it requires additional materials, specialized application techniques, higher material coverage, additional crew due to pot life time, and greater attention to substrate preparation. The result is a highly customized decorative floor with a three-dimensional, high-gloss appearance rather than a simple uniform coating.
Does metallic epoxy scratch easily?
Metallic epoxy is durable, but like any high-gloss flooring surface, it can be scratched or scuffed by abrasive materials, heavy equipment, or dragging objects across the floor. A high-performance protective topcoat helps improve abrasion and scratch resistance while protecting the decorative metallic layer underneath.
Does metallic epoxy yellow over time?
Epoxy chemistry and UV exposure can affect color stability. For areas exposed to significant sunlight, the protective topcoat should be selected specifically for UV resistance. In interior showrooms, a properly formulated epoxy system with an appropriate clear protective finish can maintain its appearance while providing a durable, high-gloss surface.
Can cars drive on metallic epoxy flooring?
Yes. A properly engineered commercial metallic epoxy floor can withstand vehicle traffic when the coating system is designed for that application. Automotive showrooms require flooring that can handle tire loads, pedestrian traffic, cleaning chemicals, and routine vehicle movement without sacrificing the appearance of the decorative surface.
What is the best epoxy flooring for a car dealership showroom?
For a premium automotive showroom, a high-build metallic epoxy flooring system with a durable protective topcoat can provide an upscale appearance while supporting vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Metallic epoxy is particularly effective in showroom environments because its reflective, three-dimensional finish can complement overhead lighting and make displayed vehicles stand out.
Can metallic epoxy hide imperfections in concrete?
A high-build metallic epoxy system can help visually minimize minor surface imperfections, but it should not be considered a substitute for proper concrete repair and leveling. Cracks, deep gouges, significant transitions, uneven areas, and other substrate defects should be addressed before applying the decorative layer. The smoother and more uniform the substrate, the better the final metallic appearance.
Can epoxy flooring be installed over old flooring?
In some situations, epoxy flooring can be installed over an existing floor covering such as tile, provided the existing material is sound, properly bonded, and compatible with the proposed coating system. The existing surface must be mechanically prepared and any transitions, grout lines, damaged areas, or other imperfections must be addressed before coating.
Why does metallic epoxy need to be applied thick?
Metallic epoxy requires a high-build application and heavy rate of coverage to reach a point of complete because the decorative effect depends on the movement and suspension of metallic pigments within the resin. Sufficient material thickness allows the pigments to flow, swirl, and create the depth associated with premium metallic epoxy and marble-look flooring. Applying the material too thin can reduce the visual depth and consistency of the finished design.
How thick should metallic epoxy flooring be?
- Layer 1: Moisture Vapor Barrier (MVB) | 10–20 Mils
A specialized, 100% solids epoxy that seals the concrete substrate. Applied at a minimum of 10 mils, this layer blocks hydrostatic pressure and eliminates the risk of future moisture blistering. - Layer 2: Pigmented Epoxy Base Coat | 8–10 Mils
A solid, high-opacity canvas (typically black or dark charcoal) that completely hides the bare concrete. This provides the stark contrast necessary to make the metallic colors pop. - Layer 3: Designer Metallic Coat | 30–40 Mils
The “money coat.” While competitor systems cut corners here, our 30 to 40 mil designer layer provides the material depth required for the metallic pigments to dynamically flow, swirl, and sink. This creates our signature three-dimensional, high-end marbled aesthetic. - Layer 4: High-Performance Clear Topcoat | 3–5 Mils
A crystal-clear, wear-resistant polyurethane or polyaspartic shield. This final layer protects the designer metallic artwork from scratches, impacts, UV yellowing, and hot-tire pickup.
Why does metallic epoxy need to be applied thick?
The finished floor needs to be exceptionally smooth and uniform so the metallic designer coat can create a consistent, three-dimensional finish. After proper concrete preparation, the MVB sealer helps seal the substrate and minimize imperfections, while the base coat creates a uniform canvas for the designer layer.
Kongcrete applies its metallic epoxy designer coat at approximately 40–48 mils, compared with roughly 20–40 mils for many high-build metallic epoxy applications, depending on the product and manufacturer specifications. The additional resin volume allows the metallic pigments to flow, swirl, and suspend naturally, creating the depth, movement, and marble-like appearance associated with premium metallic epoxy flooring.
Applying metallic epoxy too thin can restrict pigment movement, reduce visual depth, and make imperfections more noticeable. The thickness is not just for durability—it is critical to achieving the smooth, high-end visual finish.