5 Essential Tools Epoxy Experts Use for Precision Work

While handy homeowners can apply epoxy paint themselves to save money, hiring flooring professionals is a smarter move for the best results. Experts use a variety of tools to ensure consistency and precision for long-lasting floor durability. If you want to achieve a polished look for your garage, hiring experienced professionals is a great way to ensure that your epoxy floor not only looks fantastic but also stands the test of time.

Having the proper tools will also keep your crew safe and comfortable while working with epoxy resins. PPE equipment like gloves, masks, and safety goggles protects workers from harmful fumes.

1. Drum Mixer

While many homeowners can tackle DIY epoxy flooring projects, it takes a professional to get the best results. That means specialized tools and equipment, including a drum mixer. This tool helps ensure a uniform mix and a smooth application, which makes it a must-have for every contractor.

It also helps professionals save time by allowing them to mix larger quantities of epoxy at once. That way, they can get right to work applying the resin to their client’s floors. In addition to a drum mixer, epoxy contractors need other essential supplies, like notched squeegees and rollers for a flawless finish. They also need personal protective equipment like gloves, safety goggles and a respirator to protect themselves from the hazardous fumes created by the curing epoxy.

A drum mixer works by combining the resin and hardener components of your epoxy. Normally, this involves gallon-sized batches. This is too much to stir by hand, and it would take a tremendous amount of physical stamina to do so anyway. A drum mixer uses an electric drill with a mixing bit to combine the ingredients in less than five minutes, ensuring a completely mixed batch that will be ready for application.

Drum mixers are also important for industrial applications that require large amounts of cleaning agents, detergents and industrial sanitizers. These products need to be properly mixed and stored to maintain their intended potency. This tool is also used in water treatment applications to help achieve precise nutrient blends for optimal crop yield.

For contractors who work with chemicals and petroleum-based materials, drum mixers can feature corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel wetted parts and alternative alloys for use with flammable substances. In addition, they can be provided with air-powered or explosion-proof electric motors for closed container operation where safety is a priority.

2. Squeegees

The squeegee is one of the most crucial tools for an epoxy expert, as it helps to ensure that your work is smooth and even. It can also help to pop air bubbles that can occur during the pour, which will create a crystal-clear finish when you’re done.

You can find squeegees in a variety of shapes, sizes, and durometer values to suit your particular needs. Choose a squeegee that is durable and can withstand a lot of use, as well as being easy to clean and maintain. You may also want to consider squeegees that feature ergonomic designs, as these can make it easier and safer to use.

It’s also important to remember that the materials and manufacturing processes used for squeegees can have both environmental and social impacts. It’s best to look for a brand that prioritizes sustainability and supports fair labour practices when purchasing these types of tools.

Other tools that epoxy experts often use include:

Having the right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to achieving high-quality epoxy work. These essential tools can save you time and effort while making your job much easier. Ensure that you have everything you need before starting an epoxy project, and don’t forget to regularly clean and maintain your tools to prolong their lifespan. You can also opt for tools with moisture-resistant coatings and secure storage solutions to protect them from dust and damage. It’s also a good idea to purchase these items from a reputable vendor who can offer warranties and return policies in case something goes wrong with them. This can give you peace of mind that you’re getting the most out of your investment.

3. Stir Sticks

In many cases, the tools used during an epoxy flooring project are just as important as the material itself. To achieve a professional-looking finish, it’s essential that all tools are well-maintained and correctly used. This includes the use of cleaning solvents, which help remove any epoxy residue and keep your tools in good condition. It’s also critical to have personal protective equipment on hand, including gloves and safety goggles.

In addition, you’ll need a moisture meter and a variety of measuring and leveling equipment to ensure proper application and accuracy. These items are particularly important if you’re working with a large-scale project, such as an entire warehouse floor.

Another common tool for precision work is a broom, which can be used to sweep up any loose debris or dust before the epoxy starts curing. This helps prevent any unnecessary contamination of the newly cured resin and improves overall surface quality.

A rag and a bottle of solvent are also necessary to clean up any spills during the application process. This protects surrounding areas from abrasive or toxic chemicals and ensures your tools are clean for the next project.

Finally, a propane torch and heat gun are useful for popping air bubbles that manifest during the coating process. This is especially true for larger projects that require multiple layers of epoxy, such as a floor or an elevated dining table top. These tools can be used on almost any type of project, but they’re especially helpful when working with a more porous substrate. This can help create a beautiful and durable finish that will last for years to come.

4. Rollers

Rolling is a crucial metalworking process that plays a vital role in forming, shaping and machining metal workpieces. Its functional principle is fairly simple: the cylindrical roller shape minimizes contact area with the workpiece, transferring only a small amount of pressure to the material. It’s also important to understand the technical parameters that influence precision rolling, including wall thickness, journal diameter, header thickness, and more.

When it comes to epoxy flooring, these specialized tools are essential for a quality finish. They help ensure that the epoxy resin is mixed evenly and applied smoothly. They are also necessary for a professional-looking finish that is free from bubbles and other defects.

A basic set of epoxy flooring tools includes notched squeegees, mixing paddles, and rollers. These tools make the application process easier and faster, helping ensure a smooth finish that will hold up to everyday use.

Epoxy contractors also rely on a number of other specialty tools to perform their work more efficiently and accurately. Some of these include:

5. Stirrers

As the name suggests, this tool allows experts to perfect their mixing of resin and hardener. It’s essential because different epoxy products have specific ratios and other requirements that need to be followed to get the best results. It also ensures that the epoxy has been thoroughly mixed so it can be applied without dripping or bubbling.

While handy homeowners can install their own epoxy floors, professional flooring contractors have the skills and equipment to ensure consistently smooth, flawless results across large areas. They know how to properly prep concrete surfaces and can skillfully accommodate complex cutouts, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas. They can also apply multiple coats to create the right floor color and luster, which will stand up to heavy use and resist chipping and cracking.

There are a few essential supplies that every expert needs before getting started on an epoxy project. These include cleaning solvents, which help remove epoxy residue and keep tools in good condition. Plastic sheeting is another must-have to protect surrounding areas from potential spills. Finally, it’s important to always have extra supplies on hand as unexpected things can arise and delay projects.

It’s also important to understand the pros and cons of DIY versus hiring professionals. While it’s certainly possible for DIY enthusiasts to successfully complete a project, it often takes more time and can be prone to mistakes that jeopardize the quality of the finished product. Additionally, many DIY enthusiasts don’t have the experience or expertise to choose the right epoxy paint for their project. Using the wrong type of epoxy can lead to chipping, peeling, and other surface issues that can make floors look unfinished and worn out prematurely.