Step-by-Step Guide
Installation
Instructions
Everything you need to install your Quartz Epoxy Pro floor like a professional. Read this fully before you begin — proper prep is the difference between a 2-year floor and a 20-year floor.
Jump To Section
Need help during install?
Our team is available Mon–Fri 8am–5pm MST for live phone support.
📞 602-600-0781Read Before You Begin
Surface preparation is the #1 factor in epoxy floor longevity. A properly prepped floor will bond for 20+ years. Skipping prep steps is the cause of 95% of all epoxy failures. Do not rush this step.
Before You Start
Tools & Materials Needed
Included in Your Kit
- ✓Epoxy Resin (Part A)
- ✓Hardener (Part B)
- ✓Colored Quartz Sand Aggregate
- ✓Detailed Instructions
- ✓Free Phone Support
You Will Need (Not Included)
- →22" Squeegee with pole
- →20" De-foaming roller + extension
- →Concrete cleaner/degreaser
- →Angle grinder or floor grinder
- →Drill with mixing paddle
- →Primer (recommended)
- →PPE: gloves, eye protection, respirator
Critical
Safety First
Most Critical Step
Surface Preparation
⚠️ This step cannot be skipped or rushed. 95% of all epoxy failures are due to inadequate surface preparation.
1A. Clean the Concrete
Sweep and vacuum the entire floor to remove all loose debris, dust, and dirt. Scrub the floor thoroughly with a concrete cleaner/degreaser, paying special attention to any oil stains, grease spots, or chemical spills. Rinse completely and allow to dry fully — moisture is the enemy of adhesion.
Pro Tip: The Water Droplet Test
Sprinkle water on the concrete. If it beads up, the surface has a sealer or contaminant that must be removed. The water should absorb into the concrete within 30 seconds for proper adhesion.
1B. Repair Cracks, Holes & Divots
Fill all cracks, pits, holes, and surface defects with a concrete patch compound. For hairline cracks, use a crack filler specifically designed for epoxy applications. Allow all repairs to cure completely before proceeding. Do not use silicone-based fillers — they prevent epoxy adhesion.
1C. Profile the Surface (Grinding)
The concrete must be mechanically profiled to create a surface that the epoxy can bond to. Use an angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel, or rent a floor grinder from your local hardware store. Grind the entire surface to achieve a light, uniform texture similar to 60-grit sandpaper. This step is especially critical for smooth or sealed concrete, previously painted floors, or any surface where the water test showed poor absorption. After grinding, vacuum all dust thoroughly — any remaining concrete dust will act as a barrier layer.
Time Estimate: 2–6 Hours
Varies based on floor size and condition. A 500 sq ft garage with some staining may take a full day to prep properly. Do not rush. This investment in time pays back in 20 years of durability.
Highly Recommended
Apply Primer
Primer is not included in the epoxy kit but is strongly recommended for most installations. Primer penetrates deep into the concrete, sealing the pores and creating a superior mechanical bond for the epoxy coating. It dramatically extends the life of your floor, especially on porous, older, or repaired concrete.
When Primer Is Essential
- ✓Porous or older concrete (10+ years)
- ✓Previously painted or sealed floors
- ✓Areas with past moisture issues
- ✓Commercial/industrial installations
- ✓Any floor under heavy vehicle traffic
Application Method
- 1.Apply primer with a 9" roller or squeegee
- 2.Work in 10×10 ft sections
- 3.Apply thin, even coat — do not puddle
- 4.Allow to cure per product label (4–24 hrs)
- 5.Floor must be tack-free before epoxy
Work Quickly
Mix the Epoxy
⏱️ You have 20–30 minutes of working time once mixing begins. Have all tools ready before you open the containers.
Check the label on your kit for the exact mixing ratio (typically 2:1 or 1:1 by volume). Using a drill with a mixing paddle attachment, combine Part A (resin) with Part B (hardener) in the ratio specified on the label. Mix thoroughly for 3–5 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the container to ensure complete incorporation. Do not mix by hand — improper mixing leads to soft spots and adhesion failure.
Critical: Mix in Small Batches
In hot weather (above 75°F), the chemical reaction accelerates and pot life shortens significantly. Mix no more than one kit at a time. In temperatures above 85°F, work in smaller batches and work faster.
If using color powder or paste additives, add them to Part A before combining with Part B, then mix the combined materials thoroughly. Pour the mixed material onto the prepared surface immediately after mixing.
The Main Event
Pour & Spread
Pour the mixed epoxy directly onto the concrete surface. Start in the far corner of the room and work toward the door so you don't trap yourself. Use a 22" squeegee to spread the material into a uniform thickness. The self-leveling formula will help it flow and smooth out, but you still need to guide it with the squeegee to ensure even coverage.
Work in sections of approximately 100–150 sq ft at a time. Overlap each section by 4–6 inches to prevent lines or gaps. Keep a wet edge at all times — do not allow the epoxy to begin setting before you connect your next pour.
Target Thickness
Sq Ft Per Kit
Squeegee Width
Critical for Finish Quality
De-Foam Rolling
Immediately after spreading with the squeegee, go back over the area with a 20" spiked de-foaming roller. This roller releases trapped air bubbles that would otherwise create pinholes and surface imperfections in the finished floor. Roll slowly and evenly, overlapping each pass by 50%. Repeat this rolling step 2–3 times over each area while the epoxy is still wet.
Why This Step Matters
Concrete is porous and releases air as the epoxy is applied. Without de-foaming, this air creates bubbles in the surface that pop during cure and leave craters. The spiked roller physically pops these bubbles before they have a chance to cure into the surface.
Be Patient
Cure Schedule
Light Foot Traffic
Heavy Traffic OK
Water Exposure OK
Full Cure at 72 hrs
Keep the space well-ventilated during the entire curing period. Ideal curing temperature is 68–77°F (20–25°C). Colder temperatures extend cure time — in temperatures below 55°F, cure time can double or more. Do not apply heat or fans directly to the surface during cure.
Keep It Looking New
Floor Maintenance Guide
Remove loose debris, sand, and grit daily or as needed. Sand and grit are the primary causes of surface scratching. A soft-bristle broom or dust mop works best.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner diluted in warm water. Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, citrus), bleach, or harsh solvents — these can dull the finish over time. A simple mop and bucket is all you need.
While epoxy is chemical resistant, prolonged exposure to oil, solvents, or harsh chemicals can affect appearance. Wipe spills immediately with a clean cloth. For oil-based spills, use a degreaser.
Inspect the floor annually for any chips, scratches, or areas of wear. Small touch-ups can be made with additional epoxy kit material. Unlike other floors, epoxy can be rejuvenated with a new topcoat without removing the existing layer.
If Something Goes Wrong
Troubleshooting
⚠️ Epoxy is not self-leveling / looks streaky
This typically means the material was applied too thin, or the temperature was too low. Ensure room temperature is above 60°F during application. Apply at the correct rate of 100 sq ft per kit — do not try to stretch coverage.
⚠️ Bubbles or pinholes in the surface
Caused by insufficient de-foaming. Pass the spiked roller over the surface 2–3 times while epoxy is still wet. In future applications, pass the roller more slowly and use more passes. Small bubbles can also result from applying in hot conditions — work early in the day when temperatures are cooler.
⚠️ Epoxy peeling or delaminating
The most common cause is inadequate surface preparation — oil, grease, or a sealer prevented bonding. The affected area must be ground back to bare concrete, cleaned thoroughly, and re-coated. This is why proper prep is so critical.
⚠️ Floor didn't cure / still tacky after 48 hours
Usually caused by incorrect mixing ratio, insufficient mixing time, or application in cold temperatures. Ensure temperature is above 55°F. If still tacky at 72 hours, call us at 602-600-0781 for support.
⚠️ Uneven color or blotchy appearance
Often caused by inconsistent aggregate distribution or an uneven base coat. Make sure to distribute the quartz aggregate evenly and immediately after pouring. Heavily worn or stained concrete may show through thinner areas — these floors benefit from primer and a slightly thicker application.
Still Have Questions?
Our installation experts are available Mon–Fri 8am–5pm MST. Call us before, during, or after your install — we're here to make sure your project is a success.