Water-Based Epoxy Floor Paint for Concrete

What Is Water-Based Epoxy Floor Paint?

Water-based epoxy floor paint is a resin floor system in which water, not an organic solvent, carries the resin. The same product family is also called water-based epoxy floor coating — both names refer to the primer, mid-coat and finish on this page.

Because water is the carrier, VOC content and heavy-metal content are near zero and there is almost no pungent odor, which is why the system is used in schools, hospitals and other occupied buildings. It is an indoor system: the water-based epoxy film is not UV-stable.

The film is also breathable — vapor below the slab can escape instead of being trapped, which reduces the risk of blistering. Substrate moisture content must still be below 8% at application and a waterproof layer is required; see the substrate conditions below.

Layer	Product	Function
Primer	E156 Water-based Epoxy Primer	Seals the prepared concrete and provides adhesion
Mid-coat	E336 Water-based Epoxy Middle Coating	Builds film thickness and carries the color
Finish	E556 Water-based Epoxy Finish	Forms the wear- and chemical-resistant surface

Layer

Product

Function

Primer

E156 Water-based Epoxy Primer

Seals the prepared concrete and provides adhesion

Mid-coat

E336 Water-based Epoxy Middle Coating

Builds film thickness and carries the color

Finish

E556 Water-based Epoxy Finish

Forms the wear- and chemical-resistant surface

Key Specifications of the Water-Based Epoxy System

Item	Specification
System thickness	0.5–10 mm
Substrate concrete strength	≥ C20
Substrate moisture content	≤ 8% (waterproof layer required)
Application temperature	5–30 °C
Relative air humidity	30–85%
Recoat interval	10–12 h in summer, 12–24 h in winter
Full cure before use	7–10 days
Service life	3–5 years under normal service
Color range	Red, green, gray, yellow and other standard color blocks
Chemical resistance	30% sulfuric acid — no change after 7 days 40% sodium hydroxide — no change after 7 days Gasoline 120# — no change after 7 days Lubricating oil — no change after 7 days

Item

Specification

System thickness

0.5–10 mm

Substrate concrete strength

≥ C20

Substrate moisture content

≤ 8% (waterproof layer required)

Application temperature

5–30 °C

Relative air humidity

30–85%

Recoat interval

10–12 h in summer, 12–24 h in winter

Full cure before use

7–10 days

Service life

3–5 years under normal service

Color range

Red, green, gray, yellow and other standard color blocks

Chemical resistance

30% sulfuric acid — no change after 7 days
40% sodium hydroxide — no change after 7 days
Gasoline 120# — no change after 7 days
Lubricating oil — no change after 7 days

Where Water-Based Epoxy Floor Paint Is Specified

Where the water-based system is the right choice

Indoor concrete floors at ambient temperature, where odor during application is a constraint:

Production and assembly workshops

Dust-free and clean workshops

Warehouses and storage areas

Underground garages and parking decks

Textile, tobacco and food processing plants

Schools, corridors and other occupied buildings

Hospitals and healthcare buildings

Where a different system is the better fit

Outdoor areas and any floor in direct sunlight → specify a polyurethane topcoat, which is UV-stable.

Continuous sub-zero service such as cold stores and freezers → a low-temperature system is required.

Heavy machining areas with metal-wheeled traffic and impact loads → expect a shorter service interval; a higher-build system will last longer.

Water-Based Epoxy Floor Paint vs Solvent-Based Epoxy Floor Paint

	Water-based	Solvent-based
Carrier	Water	Organic solvent such as toluene or xylene
VOC & odor	VOC and heavy-metal content near zero; almost no pungent odor	High VOC; strong pungent odor
Permeability	Breathable — vapor below the slab escapes, lowering blister risk	Low permeability — vapor is trapped, so blisters are likely on damp substrates
Suitable substrates	Concrete, including damp or humid sites (subject to ≤ 8% moisture at application)	Requires a dry substrate
UV stability	Not UV-stable — indoor use	Not UV-stable — indoor use

Water-based

Solvent-based

Carrier

Water

Organic solvent such as toluene or xylene

VOC & odor

VOC and heavy-metal content near zero; almost no pungent odor

High VOC; strong pungent odor

Permeability

Breathable — vapor below the slab escapes, lowering blister risk

Low permeability — vapor is trapped, so blisters are likely on damp substrates

Suitable substrates

Concrete, including damp or humid sites (subject to ≤ 8% moisture at application)

Requires a dry substrate

UV stability

Not UV-stable — indoor use

FAQs About Water-Based Epoxy Floor Paint

1.What is water-based epoxy floor paint?

A1: Water-based epoxy flooring is a high-strength, wear-resistant and beautiful flooring with the advantages of seamless, solid texture, good chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, waterproof, dustproof, easy maintenance and low maintenance cost.

2. What areas are water-based epoxy flooring suitable for?

A2: Production workshops, dust-free workshops, warehouses, workshops, warehouses and underground garages with special requirements such as anti-static and explosion-proof, factories and corridors in textile, tobacco, food, schools, hospitals and other industries, machinery factories, parking lots, especially walkways where forklifts, cars and heavy carts are needed.

3.How many types of water-based floor paint are there?

A3: a. Water-based epoxy floor paint; b. Water-based polyurethane floor paint; c. Water-based inorganic composite floor paint

4. What is the thickness of the water-based epoxy floor?

A4: The general thickness is about 0.5mm-10mm. If it is too thin, it will easily delaminate and crack.

5. Is water-based epoxy flooring oil-proof?

A5: It has anti-penetration effect on general motor oil, gear oil, etc.

6. Is water-based epoxy flooring acid and alkali resistant?

A6: A. Resistant to 30% sulfuric acid for 7 days without any change; B. Resistant to 40% sodium hydroxide for 7 days without any change; C. Resistance to gasoline 120#, no change in 7 days; D. Lubricating oil resistance has no change after 7 days.

7. Can water-based epoxy flooring be used outdoors?

A7: Water-based epoxy floor paint is generally used indoors because it is not resistant to UV rays, while polyurethane floor paint can be used outdoors.

8. Is water-based epoxy flooring fireproof?

A8: Ordinary epoxy floor is flammable, and water-based epoxy floor paint is flame retardant.

9. What is the price of water-based epoxy flooring?

A9: The price of water-based epoxy flooring varies according to the type and materials used. The specific pricing depends on the type selected and the market at the time.

10. Is water-based epoxy flooring toxic?

A10: Water-based epoxy floor paint uses environmentally friendly raw materials, and the floor is generally harmless to the human body after the curing and maintenance period.

11. How many colors are there for water-based epoxy flooring?

A11: Water-based epoxy flooring has a rich variety of colors, and commonly used colors include red, green, gray, yellow, etc. The specific color can be selected according to the national standard color blocks. Yingwanjia has produced special floor paint color cards.

12. How many years can water-based epoxy flooring generally last?

A12: The service life of water-based epoxy flooring is determined by the type of flooring selected and the degree of maintenance it receives. Generally, 3-5 years is normal.

13. What are the requirements for the base layer of water-based epoxy flooring?

A13: The base strength is required to be greater than C20 and the flatness must meet national standards. A waterproof layer must be made and the moisture content of the floor must be below 8%. The base must be polished and clean and dust-free.

14. Can epoxy be applied to a water-based base layer without a waterproof layer?

A14: It is generally not recommended.

15. Can water-based epoxy flooring be made on top of terrazzo?

A15: It can be done, but it needs to be polished.

16. How long does it take for water-based epoxy flooring to cure?

A16: Conventional epoxy materials generally last 10-12 hours in summer and 12-24 hours in winter.

17. Can water-based epoxy flooring be used on courts?

A17: Outdoor courts are not recommended.

18. Will water-based epoxy flooring become irritating?

A18: Water-based epoxy flooring is non-flammable and fire-resistant.

19. Can water-based epoxy flooring be made in a mechanical processing plant?

A19: It can be done, but the service life will be shortened due to the harsh operating environment.

20. How to solve the noise problem when using water-based epoxy flooring in underground garages?

A20: The noise problem is more difficult to deal with. The only way is to reduce emergency braking and reduce speed as much as possible.

21. Can scratches on the surface of water-based epoxy floor be repaired?

A21: It is difficult to repair. If the damage is serious, you can apply a new layer of topcoat or add a topcoat to the finished floor for protection.

22. Can water-based epoxy flooring be used in the food industry?

A22: Yes, water-based epoxy floor paint is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, and some can reach food grade.

23. Are there national acceptance standards for water-based epoxy flooring?

A23: The standard is now being implemented on a trial basis.

24. What is the difference between water-based epoxy flooring and polyurethane flooring?

A24: The materials used are different, so the performance is also different. Water-based epoxy has better toughness and can be used indoors at a cost-effective price, while polyurethane has better hardness and is UV-resistant and can be used outdoors.

25. Can water-based epoxy flooring be used in cold storage?

A25: It is generally not recommended for use in cold storage.

26. What is the temperature adaptability range of water-based epoxy flooring?

A26: The applicable temperature varies depending on the materials and curing agent used.

27. What are the construction temperature requirements for water-based epoxy flooring?

A27: The construction temperature is 5 degrees to 30 degrees.

28. What is the reason for shrinkage holes in water-based epoxy floors?

A28: The base layer is not sealed well, the material is not mixed evenly, and the material solidifies too quickly.

29. What is the reason for knife marks on water-based epoxy self-leveling floors?

A29: The material solidifies too quickly, resulting in poor leveling and insufficient auxiliary defoaming.

30. What are the characteristics of water-based epoxy flooring?

A30: Beautiful, good integrity, corrosion resistance, acid and alkali resistance, etc.

31. Does water-based epoxy flooring require expansion joints?

A31: It is determined based on the area of the floor and the layout of expansion joints in the base layer.

32. How long after the water-based epoxy floor is completed can it be used?

A32: A curing period of at least 7-10 days is required.

33. Why does the water-based epoxy floor peel off?

A33: There are problems with the base material or the treatment is not in place, the layer removal is not thorough, there is no waterproof layer or the load seriously exceeds the design load.

34. What precautions should be taken when using water-based epoxy flooring?

A34: ①After the floor construction is completed, it needs to be cured for 7-10 days before it can be put into use. During the curing period, water or other solutions should be avoided from infiltrating the surface.

② All employees entering the workshop must change into rubber-soled shoes (black-soled shoes with foam soles are not allowed) (to avoid bringing mud and sand from outside into the workshop and scratching the floor).

③All hardware: such as iron chairs, iron tables, iron shelves, etc., must have their feet wrapped with soft plastic, rubber or padded with cardboard to avoid scratching the ground during use.

④ The tractor needs to fully lift the machine board off the ground. When turning, pay special attention to the machine board corners to avoid scratching the ground. When cleaning the ground, please use a soft, absorbent mop or a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. You can use clean water or detergent to clean it, but please be careful that the ground is slippery.

⑤ Before the equipment enters the factory, place cardboard boxes on the floor as a cushion to prevent scratches on the ground during transportation. Use hard or elastic rubber wheels for carts and flatbed trucks, and use them separately inside and outside the factory.