Epoxy flooring is a two-part resin applied over concrete. Once cured it forms a hard, joint-free layer that resists oil, chemicals and wear and is easy to wash. In Lahore it is used in garages and basements, warehouses and factories, shops and showrooms, clinics and labs, and more and more in modern homes.
What's included
| System | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Roller coat | Thin primer and one or two coats of epoxy | Light traffic, garages, storage |
| Self-levelling | Thicker poured layer that spreads flat | Showrooms, clinics, offices, homes |
| Flake or chip finish | Coloured flakes broadcast into epoxy, then sealed | Garages, retail |
| Anti-slip | Grit added to the top coat | Ramps, wet areas, kitchens |
| Anti-static | Conductive system | Electronics, server rooms, some labs |
| Metallic or 3D | Decorative layers | Homes, showrooms |
A full job also includes surface preparation, crack repair, primer, body coat, top coat and curing time.
When you need it
- Garage or basement floors stained with oil.
- Warehouses and factories with forklift or trolley traffic.
- Clinics, labs and kitchens that need a washable floor.
- Shops and showrooms wanting a modern finish without tile joints.
Step-by-step process
- Site visit. The contractor checks the concrete's condition, dampness, cracks and existing coatings.
- Moisture check. Damp concrete, common in basements and ground floors, can make epoxy peel. Ask how it will be tested.
- Written quote naming the system, number of coats, thickness and preparation method.
- Surface preparation: grinding or shot blasting to open the surface, removing old paint, oil and loose concrete.
- Repairs: filling cracks and holes.
- Primer to bond the system to concrete.
- Body coat or self-levelling layer.
- Top coat, with flakes or anti-slip grit if chosen.
- Curing. Keep people and vehicles off for the time the contractor gives.
- Handover with cleaning instructions.
Documents and approvals
No approval is usually needed. For factories, food and medical premises, check whether your own licence or inspector has floor requirements, and ask the contractor for product data sheets.
What affects the cost
Epoxy is priced per sq ft. There is no fixed public rate, so get written quotes for the same system and thickness. Factors:
- System type and thickness. Roller coat is the lightest; self-levelling and specialist systems cost more.
- Surface preparation. Grinding, shot blasting and removing old coatings are a big part of the job.
- Floor condition. Cracks, holes and uneven floors need repair first.
- Moisture. Damp floors may need a moisture-tolerant primer.
- Finish options. Flakes, anti-slip, metallic and anti-static add cost.
- Area. Small areas cost more per sq ft.
- Downtime. Night or weekend work for running businesses.
Questions to ask the contractor
- How will you prepare the surface, grinding or shot blasting?
- How will you check the floor for moisture?
- What thickness and how many coats?
- How long before people can walk on it, and before vehicles drive on it?
- Does the top coat yellow in sunlight? (Some epoxies do; outdoor areas may need a different top coat.)
- What warranty do you give, and what does it exclude?
Red flags
- Painting epoxy directly on a dusty or oily floor without grinding.
- No moisture check on a basement floor.
- A quote that just says "epoxy floor" with no system or thickness.
- Very short curing time promised for vehicle traffic.
- Using epoxy outdoors in full sun without discussing UV yellowing.
- No warranty in writing.
FAQs
How long does an epoxy floor last? It depends on the system, thickness, preparation and traffic. Ask the contractor what life to expect for your use.
Why does epoxy peel? Most often because of poor surface preparation or moisture coming up through the concrete.
Is epoxy slippery? A smooth finish can be slippery when wet. An anti-slip top coat helps.
Can epoxy go over tiles? Sometimes, with special preparation and primers. Many contractors prefer to remove tiles first.
Can I use epoxy in a home? Yes. Self-levelling and decorative systems are used in lounges, kitchens and basements.
Sources
No external figures or legal requirements are used on this page. Pricing bases reflect common practice; get written quotes for current Lahore rates.