Benefits of Metallic Epoxy

Interior Design

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete. Shop here and check out our other services here.

Pour over the Metallic Epoxy Benefits, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Bathroom hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Each epoxy Bathroom is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Metallic Epoxy Benefits include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

The bathroom design ideas, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Epoxy hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Our Benefits of Metallic Epoxy is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Epoxy design

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

Pour over the Metallic Epoxy Benefits, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Bathroom hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Each epoxy Bathroom is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Metallic Epoxy Benefits include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

The bathroom design ideas, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Epoxy hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Our Benefits of Metallic Epoxy is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Interior

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

Pour over the Metallic Epoxy Benefits, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Bathroom hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Each epoxy Bathroom is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Metallic Epoxy Benefits include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

The bathroom design ideas, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Epoxy hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Our Benefits of Metallic Epoxy is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Epoxy design

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

Pour over the Metallic Epoxy Benefits, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Bathroom hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Each epoxy Bathroom is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Metallic Epoxy Benefits include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

The bathroom design ideas, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Epoxy hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Our Benefits of Metallic Epoxy is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Interior

The Benefits of Metallic Epoxy include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

Pour over the Metallic Epoxy Benefits, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Bathroom hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Each epoxy Bathroom is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Metallic Epoxy Benefits include two key, this is a clear base and powder. They mix to form a blend, producing a glossy, nice look effect after complete.

The bathroom design ideas, or solid top. They move through the floor as it cures and can with a paintbrush or roller to create effects such as swirls, ripples, craters, or waves. When the Epoxy hardens, these powders are in place, resulting in a beautiful, nice look.

Our Benefits of Metallic Epoxy is special due to the nature of the powder holding. Skill and mind are critical to achieving the appearance and feel of the surface.

Best Premium Interior Surfacing Option | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy

Characteristics that make Metallic Epoxy the crown jewel of an industry.

What is Metallic Epoxy?  

Metallic Epoxy consists of the main body of epoxy with ornamental metallic pigments suspended within.

The main body is often finished with a polyurethane topcoat that further protects it from physical and chemical wear.

How is Metallic Epoxy Installed?  

To understand the science behind Metallic Epoxy’s brilliant abilities, we need a brief insight into the application process.

Before it solidifies into the nigh-impervious slab of excellence you would expect. Metallic Epoxy is a viscous mixture known as liquid epoxy resin.

The resin is poured and spread across a designated surface by experienced installers. This phase must be completed quickly and smoothly before the resin begins to cure and solidify.

For a more detailed description of how our Metallic Epoxy installation works.

After the epoxy fully cures, a comparatively thin layer of liquid polyurethane coating is spread over the epoxy body.

This protective layer is even tougher than epoxy and can take the brunt of everyday use, but requires the support of an epoxy body beneath it.

For more details on the types of finishings / protective layers you can choose, head over to this post.

“PORE” Favor? | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy 

Now that you know how Metallic Epoxy is generally installed. You may have noticed a recurring theme.

The main components of a Metallic Epoxy system are liquids that harden into a smooth, continuous layer without any pores.

Why is having a Non-Porous Surface Important 

This property is extremely important because porous materials are terrible for your home.

A porous kitchen counter or bathroom floor is full of microscopic holes that trap organic debris such as bits of meat and human bodily waste.

The pores, now packed full of debris, provide bacteria and mould with a warm place to sleep and good food to eat. None of which make for a clean home.

Materials such as natural stone and ceramic tiles are innately full of pores. Worse still, they are segmented and require grout.

Grout is a mixture of fine sand and cement used to fill gaps between tiles and stone. If you’ve grouted tiles or stone at home, you’ll notice that the grout is always the first to grow black scum in wet areas, or trap dirt in a recessed area that is highly inconvenient to clear.

Metallic Epoxy – no pores, no bacteria, no mould, no sweat.

Water Off A Duck’s Back | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy 

Metallic Epoxy is waterproof. So are our floor tiles, you protest.

Well, floor tiles may seem like it. Depending on the material, the ceramic or stone may actually absorb a portion of the water, as some stones do.

Do remember tiles inevitably comes with grouts.

In fact, marble is notorious for its adverse reaction to water, which is typically slightly alkaline or acidic, depending on where you live.

Marble exposed to such water quickly forms obvious and unsightly stains in a process known as etching. You can read more HERE.

So no, stone and ceramic tiles are generally water-resistant, but hardly water-proof.

Stains | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy 

This brings us to our next point – stains. Metallic Epoxy is stain proof. Not stain-resistant, but veritably stain proof.

Marble, ceramic tiles & wood can be stained by the simple spillage of food or drink.

However, such worries are moot with a Metallic Epoxy Interior, which is chemically inert and non-porous.

Too Good to Be True? | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy

Well, yes. There’s actually a common drawback in a crucial process of any Metallic Epoxy finishing. This is the application of a polyurethane topcoat.

Savvy homeowners may know that traditional polyurethane coatings are extremely tough. However, they emit a high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application.

This stinks up your house and may cause or exacerbate respiratory problems for anyone around the work site. It gets worse, traditional oil-based polyurethane coatings continue to give off small amounts of VOCs.

This happens even after fully drying, for years after installation.

“If it’s toxic, why is it still being used?” you wonder.

No, not really. We simply avoid the entire problem by using water-based polyurethane top coats.

These modern water-based improvements on the traditional coating drastically reduce the amount of VOCs emitted during application. The level is so negligible that our installers require no special gear, just a moderately ventilated room.

You Visualise, We Realise | Benefits of Metallic Epoxy

The cherry on top of the multi-layered epoxy cake is, of course, the term Metallic in Metallic Epoxy.

It originates from the process in which metallic pigments of a specific colour are suspended in the epoxy during the curing process.

A design team works with the installers to create three-dimensional swirls within the suspended pigments in accordance with your desired design. The Metallic Pigments scatter and reflect light in a manner unique to Metallic Epoxy.

This allows for exotic designs such as galaxies full of stars, or a brilliant night sky.

The base colour of your Metallic Epoxy, and any additional colours, can also be changed to fit any design your mind can conjure.

You are limited only by your imagination. If you were dead set on a specific material for its characteristic look and feel. A Metallic Epoxy Interior might just be an acceptable alternative that will last you and your family decades.

Still on the fence about Metallic Epoxy? 

Head over to this post for a comparison between metallic epoxy and conventional materials.

Otherwise, our consultants are happy to answer any questions you may have, both general and specific. Simply drop us a message or arrange for a free, non-obligatory consultation here.

Check out The Advantages of a Metallic Epoxy (Part one)!

More information which you may find useful

1) View our Past Works – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Stress Test – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

6) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

Introduction

Today we learn how to choose the best interior surfacing materials for your home as we embark on an exciting new educational series!

The four part series will cover the most popular floor and countertop options available to you on the market. They also include the properties and relative usability of materials such as marble, wood, and synthetics, with hard data and statistics for ease of comparison.

Points to Note

The most important factor when comparing anything is the criteria you select. To achieve the most useful and relevant comparisons, we will be using only the criteria that most impact your experience as a homeowner.

Assessment Criterias

Each material will be assessed with the same set of criteria. Specifically durability (hardness, ageing, thermal resistance), hygiene (porosity, corrosion resistance), and aesthetics (appearance, comfort).

Durability

Hardness: Hardness comes in two flavours. Firstly, scratch hardness is an assessment of how easily a material gets scratched. Secondly, indentation hardness indicates how easily a material gets deformed or dented by impact or prolonged pressure.

While there are many measures of hardness, including the Janka, Rockwell, Shore, and Mohs scales (great subjects for further reading). We will be using primarily the Mohs scale for scratch hardness, and the Janka or Rockwell scales for indentation hardness.

Mohs Scale 

The Mohs scale runs from 1 to 10, where 1 is talc (easily scratched) and 10 is diamond (only scratched by another diamond). For reference, glass can range from 5 – 7 (think iPhone Gorilla glass), while fingernails rate 2 to 2.5.

Janka Scale

The Janka scale measures the amount of force, measured in Newtons, required to push a 11.28 mm diameter steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. Thus, the Janka scale is uniquely suitable for testing wooden flooring.

Rockwell Scale

The Rockwell scale involves using measuring equipment to put a specific amount of force on a material and observing the depth of the indentation formed.

Ageing 

This criterion is an assessment of how well a material ages, including discolouration, warping, loss of resistance to physical damage such as chipping, abrasion, or cracks.

Hygiene

Porosity:

The presence of pores on a material increase the surface area for bacteria and mould propagation, as well as trapping dirt and waste matter. Here, less is more.

Corrosion Resistance

Besides being a matter of durability. Resistance to corrosion is important for interior surfaces as it broadens the type of cleaning agents you can use to maintain the cleanliness of your home.

Materials with lower resistance to chemical corrosion cannot be cleaned with strong and more effective cleaners like bleach. This forces you to use less effective or more labour intensive alternatives.

Aesthetics

An assessment of how aesthetically pleasing most people find the material (an unfortunately subjective matter). Keeping in mind other properties that contribute to the comfort of a home, such as a temperature, softness, and noise level.

For instance, stone and ceramic tend to be cooler, which might be a good thing in Singapore’s warm climate. However it can be unpleasant if you’re stepping into the bathroom from an air-conditioned room in the morning.

One Man’s Trash

Bear in mind that what your neighbour loves about his house will differ from what you might favour in yours. Just because material rates highly in one specific category for the average homeowner, your personal taste may make that same quality a deal-breaker.

For instance, the brisk chill of a marble floor. People who enjoy a break from the sweltering heat may cherish the cold surface, whereas others who have a low tolerance for any form of coldness may hate it.

Decide for yourself as you read our posts in the upcoming weeks.

Knowledge is Power 

We strive to bring you as much information as possible to help you make well-informed decisions about a matter as crucial as outfitting your home.

However, it is almost impossible to be both exhaustive and readable in a handful of bite-sized posts. So while our posts will dive into detail about each material. We encourage readers to use these posts as springboards to begin their own research into what material best suits their needs and your dream home.

For more information 

For more specific information on Metallic Epoxy as an interior surface, visit this page or consider booking a zero-obligations. Personal consultation with our experts CONTACT US HERE.

Otherwise, stay tuned for this brand new, upcoming exploratory series!

More information which you may find useful

1) How Metallic Epoxy is Installed – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Vs Conventional Materials – Click Here

3) Pros & Cons of Marble – Click Here

4) Pros & Cons of Vinyl – Click Here

5) Pros & Cons of Hardwood – Click Here

6) Best Kitchen Renovation Materials – Click Here

How to Distinguish between Professional Metallic Epoxy Installers from the Unskilled | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

With interest in Metallic Epoxy Interiors and installations are gaining traction every day. More and more Metallic Epoxy Installers are popping up in the market. How do you tell the professionals from the simply unskilled?

In this article, we list the key mistakes, as well as the tell-tale signs, which may help you differentiate and assist you in your decision to picking the right installers.

Introduction | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

Like every other product and service, Metallic Epoxy is offered by a variety of suppliers. Some individual contractors, others larger firms.

Today’s post seeks not to evaluate either source, but rather to give you the tools to distinguish good workmanship from bad. For ease of reference, these telltale signs of poor work will be listed in ascending order. From mere eyesore to catastrophic malfunction.

1. Poorly Manipulated Patterns Or Designs (For Flat Surfaces) | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

Imagine having chosen an exotic-patterned Metallic Epoxy Floor for your bathroom, with bold golden streaks accenting a jet-black background. You return home, after the installation, to find that the design of your floor has fallen incredibly far off its mark.

The broad golden swirls are little more than vague patches of gold pigments. Vast stretches of empty black space between the gold accents mirror the expanse between reality and expectation. This is nothing like the catalogue, you scream in your head.

Poor Execution

While poor execution of the intended design doesn’t directly compromise the integrity of the floor. It does cast doubt on the contractor’s ability to deliver on any other prior promises.

You’d better start running down this list and checking your floor.

2. Bubbles | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

Bubbles are fun in the air, they are great in your drinks. However, they are neither fun nor great when they’re in your Metallic Epoxy Floor.

These small defects within the Metallic Epoxy are usually due to one of three factors. Improper pouring and spreading of product, tiny particulate within the epoxy, and outgassing from concrete / pororus floors.

While the first is a strong sign of an amateur installer. The second could indicate poor pre-installation cleaning or inter-installation contamination. Lastly, the third factor is rather debatable in terms of culpability.

Outgassing

Outgassing occurs when the air in cement / porous substrate rises and gets trapped in the Metallic Epoxy layer above it. The amount of air released from cement / porous substrate is dependent on the type of cement mix/material used to construct the floor.

This is a factor that is out of the Metallic Epoxy Installer’s control. However, any installer worth his salt is fully aware of outgassing. They also understand the importance of applying a layer of sealant and primer below the epoxy to greatly minimise any outgassing.

3. Stains | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

Since Metallic Epoxy is a non-porous material and can’t actually be stained. The term ‘stain’ is a bit of a misnomer.

The hideous ‘water stains that most homeowners see on poorly installed Metallic Epoxy Surfaces are largely due to two reasons. Moisture trapped within the cured Metallic Epoxy, or the epoxy is partially peeling off the surface it was applied on.

The former is usually due to improper pre-installation surface preparations. While the latter is commonly the result of using a low-quality substrate that epoxy does not adhere properly to.

Professional installers ensure proper surface prep is done. They also employ one or more sealant and primer layers to further reduce moisture and increase the epoxy’s adhesion.

4. Uneven Surface | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

The average Metallic Epoxy mix takes just over an hour to cure. Ample time for the capable installer to finish arranging patterns within the epoxy and smooth it over.

Such a simple process is another matter entirely for inexperienced or inefficient contractors. Examples include taking too long to finish the pattern arrangement. It also means less time to smooth the Metallic Epoxy over before it fully cures.

This results in a rushed job and a highly uneven surface. While applying a topcoat helps to even out minute irregularities, larger dips and rises cannot be removed entirely. These dips may trap food or shallow puddles of liquids in which bacteria or mould can grow, while making it more difficult to clean than a smooth and regular surface.

5. Mould | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

The primary cause of mould on a mould-free material is the installer error. In much the same way as Horror Number 2. Subpar surface preparation and cutting corners on applying a sealant and primer layer can allow moisture to penetrate from beneath the Metallic Epoxy layer.

On its own, this allows mould to grow in isolated colonies under the Metallic Epoxy surface, but not extensively. However, coupled with the cracks, fissures and many bubbles in a poorly installed Metallic Epoxy. The mould has free reign to spread throughout the flooring, sometimes even reaching the surface.

Such damage can only be repaired at great cost. This includes, hacking out the entire affected section and reinstalling as a whole. Often times, the damage is so extensive that it’s simply more economical to remove and reinstall everything.

6. Warping | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

Warping is often due to poor adhesion between the Metallic Epoxy and its substrate at a critical part of the application process, curing.

As Metallic Epoxy cures, it contracts by a very small amount. Across a large space, this can add up, causing the Metallic Epoxy layer to pull up and away from spots that it poorly adheres to in dramatic fashion.

The results are obvious, exposed bare floor and a highway beneath the Metallic Epoxy for bacteria and mould to fester. While one reason for such poor adhesion is simple, poor surface preparation and cleanliness before and during installation. The other is a little more obscure. The surface that Metallic Epoxy is laid on has to either be coated with primer for good adhesion or be a surface that naturally sticks with Metallic Epoxy.

Unsuitable Surfaces

Some surfaces that are poor matches include sealed concrete or flooring with layers of polish or anti-stick material. An amateur installer who skips the surface preparation & primer layer doesn’t check for such surfaces, resulting in a warped Metallic Epoxy.

Fortunately, warping occurs right as the Metallic Epoxy is curing, giving you ample time to dispute the issue with your installer and seek redress. Still, an unusable surface rates this horror pretty high on the list.

7. Peeling | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

This is the greatest sin of all, a point at which you would be better off with a naked surface. Due to catastrophically poor adhesion across the entire Metallic Epoxy layer, it begins to peel right off the substrate while remaining in one solid sheet.

Common areas where this happens

This problem is most notable at the edges of bathroom walls or the edge of a countertop facing a sink. It is where water and organic debris will enter and fester beneath the Metallic Epoxy layer.

If your installer installed a nice, clear coating. You would have a front-row seat to watch the mould bloom beneath the Metallic Epoxy while being entirely unable to clean it up.

Why is this the worst horror

The main reason peeling Metallic Epoxy is such a grave horror is because it may only be observed weeks after installers hand over the project. At which point shady contractors may refuse to perform repairs.

Unlike warping, your only options are probably a full installation by another contractor. The reasons for such poor adhesion are similar to those in Horrors Number 1 through 6. Improper pre-installation Surface Prep & Cleaning, Low Quality Substrate, and Improper Mixing of the Metallic Epoxy Product.

Red Flags / Tell-Tale Signs of an Unskilled Installer

While it is useful to be able to evaluate the quality of your installed Metallic Epoxy Interior. Few would argue that it would be infinitely more useful and less expensive to be able to tell a good contractor from a bad one.

Credibility

Some of the best ways to find a good contractor are client reviews. Facebook, Instagram, Google. These are indispensable resources for the careful homeowner, and precious currency for business owners.

Frauds

The first sign to watch for is possible fraudulent social media material. Shadier contractors tend to get stock photos from industrial sources and insinuate that the installations in the photos are past projects of theirs.

If you notice suspiciously similar photos across a few contractors, the odds are that one or more of them are not being honest.

Observe their Past Projects

The next sign is simply using what you’ve learnt about the seven horrors and observing photos that the contractor’s post. Despite posting only the least incriminating photos, bad contractors are typically unable to avoid showing defects in their installed Metallic Epoxy Interiors.

Poorly executed design (horror #1) and an uneven or scratchy surface (horror #4) are the easiest to spot, besides bubbles.

Surprisingly Low Prices

The final sign is cost. You often get what you pay for. While expensive services can sometimes turn out to be disappointing, it is more often the case when deals that are too good to be true prove the rule.

Shop for quotes across different contractors. If a contractor offers a surprisingly low price for services, further digging often turns up skeletons.

Conclusion | Horror Stories of Metallic Epoxy

With these tools at your disposal, we hope that it’ll be easier for you to hire a good contractor and get what you pay for.

To view our works and testimonials from satisfied clients, look no further than our Facebook page and our testimonial page. For an obligation-free, all-you-can-ask consultation with our experts, feel free to drop a message or call us for an appointment.

Disclaimer

With all those said, do note that Metallic Epoxy is volatile, and as it is hand-drawn, it takes skill and experience to manipulate and create the designs and effects requested by clients.

Environment as well as a key factor; the closer to a “clean-room” environment the Metallic Epoxy application is installed in, the better the finishing product. The type of surface, the levelness, and the working conditions all affect the outcome of the finishing look and feel as well.

Minor variations, be it in colour or design outlook from the proposed samples, or natural occurrences such as dust spots or minor spots due to the metallic pigments, may happen in any project and should be accepted if within industry standards.

Check out our FAQs for more information on the technical and design aspects!

More information which you may find useful

1) Project by Inexperienced Contractors – Click HERE

2) View our Past Works – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

6) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

Metallic Epoxy Singapore | Is Metallic Epoxy Toxic

Is your new Metallic Epoxy Surface toxic? Are you being exposed to harmful polyurethane particles in your homes right now?

Fact Or Fiction? 

In the digital age, many consumers are highly resourceful and take great pains to research a product and its alternatives before sealing the deal. Often, the decision hinges on factors such as the suitability of the product for one’s needs, or its value for money.

However, the one factor that a smart consumer should NEVER compromise on is: Safety.

Introduction

In today’s post, we’ll be exploring the safety of Metallic Epoxy for your home and office. As with any product, there are bound to be rumours. Many entirely unsubstantiated and a few misinterpreted about potentially harmful side-effects of a product.

The surest way to make an educated decision, free of sensationalised news and half-truths. To have a personal understanding of the product and the science behind it from neutral sources.

The Judges 

For the casual reader. This post will condense and simplify relevant scientific research on the safety of Metallic Epoxy and all that they entail.

For the more avid reader, we will be including our sources, from government and research organisations. This will enable you to be more thoroughly equip in making an educated decision.

What is in a Metallic Epoxy? 

A good Metallic Epoxy System is far more than a single slab of solidified epoxy. Most systems consist of three main layers, The base coat, the body coat, and the top coat, each of which serve crucial functions.

Base Coat 

The base coat consists of a layer of sealant and primer to form a clean base that the epoxy can adhere to. It also prevents moisture and air from entering beneath the finished Metallic Epoxy.

Body Coat 

The body coat makes up the bulk of the Metallic Epoxy. It consists of a liquid epoxy resin mixture of approximately 55% epichlorohydrin, 45% Bisphenol A (BPA), and small amounts of an alcohol hardener.

When poured and spread, the alcohol hardener eventually harmlessly evaporates. Meanwhile the epichlorohydrin and BPA react in the curing process to form solid epoxy.

Top Coat 

The topcoat may vary across suppliers but often consists of an oil-based or water-based polyurethane coating.

Polyurethane coatings can contain one of two types of polyisocyanates. Aromatic polyisocyanates or aliphatic polyisocyanates. The former is more cost-effective and suitable for indoor use, while the latter is more expensive but weathers ultraviolet degradation better.

In Simple Terms

Now that we’ve started listing complex technical terms, let’s explore what each one means. In much the same way that your mobile phone or high-end headphone uses heavy metals. A Metallic Epoxy System is an industrial process that uses compounds that could be dangerous on their own.

However, in the same way that mobile phones don’t poison you each time you take a call. A Metallic Epoxy Interior is designed with the intention to render these compounds entirely harmless for everyday use.

Components of Metallic Epoxy

Big claims need strong numbers, especially when there are lives at stake. Here, we focus on the components that could pose health risks, and why they don’t.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

A prime example would be BPA. This boogeyman of the plastic industry has earned a bad reputation in consumer plastic products, and rightfully so.

Following studies that linked the presence of BPA in food and drink to an increased risk of cancer. Many companies began changing their products, such as water bottles and lunch boxes, to be entirely BPA-free

Is Metallic Epoxy Toxic

“But you mentioned that almost half of my epoxy coating is made of BPA, are you trying to give me cancer?!”

No! Besides being a terrible business model, it would certainly be ethically unsound. When epoxy resin is poured and spread, the BPA and epichlorohydrin react almost completely to form a solid epoxy material.

The ratio of each compound in the mixture is prepared with safety in mind. In modern epoxy resins, the amount of unreacted BPA remaining is less than 1 part per million (ppm). This is far below the estimated maximum of 10 ppm.

All that, and we haven’t touched on the most relevant point. The epoxy body, if the Metallic Epoxy installationis well done, will never even be exposed at all. Instead, all the abuse of everyday use is borne by the polyurethane top coat, the focus of the next section.

Polyurethane Top Coats (And Why You Shouldn’t Worry)

Polyurethane, sometimes mistakenly called urethane, is a durable compound often used as a protective coating. Examples include paints, wood, and in this case, an epoxy body.

Strong, modern polyurethane contains a group of compounds known as polyisocyanates. Polyisocyanates are harmful and present as emissions from liquid polyurethane mixtures, in higher concentrations. They can cause respiratory problems and skin problems when physically contacted.

However, what makes polyisocyanates harmful also make them useful — their reactive nature allows them to bond readily with alcohol, amines, or water, meaning they react quickly and completely.

As such, the only time when there is any significant presence of harmful polyisocyanates is during the curing process. After the top coat hardens and cures, any emission drops to virtually zero. This protects your Metallic Epoxy Interiors in a safe and efficient manner.

Where is Polyurethane Generally Used 

With safe application methods, polyurethane is so good at its job that it’s used in practically every industry. From cargo ships and aeroplanes to shopping mall exteriors and house interiors.

Justifiable Concern and Irrational Worry

Here at Metallic Epoxy Singapore, we believe in a constructive feedback loop. If something is inadequate with a process. We identify the issue, check the numbers, implement a solution, and check the numbers again.

If it doesn’t work, we’re right back to the drawing board to find a solution.

Remember To Do Your Own Research as Well

In the same spirit of constructive progress, we urge you to take education into your own hands. If you hear something bad on the grapevine, it could be about polyurethane coatings, brain-melting mobile phone emissions, or even mutant chickens being used at your favourite fried chicken franchise.

Do the research and verify the facts. More often than not, you’d come out ahead as a well-educated consumer and a responsible member of society.

Conclusion

Our team believes in the safety of our products and services, and the moral responsibility to ensure they remain so. If you’ve any questions or concerns about our process, feel free to drop us a message or give us a call for a better understanding on how we can help you build your dream home or office.

More information which you may find useful

1) View our Past Works – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

Introduction | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

As durable as concrete whilst still being picturesque. A Metallic Epoxy Interior combines beauty and function for the most well-used parts of any home or office.

Fortunately for fans of this wonder material, the isn’t exclusive to the floor. They can be applied to many work surfaces such as countertops and various interior surfaces.

But just how well does Metallic Epoxy stand up to other conventional interior design materials?

The Contenders | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Here, we explore the characteristics of modern interior design materials.

Almost every work surface in the modern building is made of wood, stone, or composite material. A parquet floor in the living room, a quartz counter in the kitchen, or a vinyl floor in a barbershop.

While these materials have long been used for their aesthetic appeal or widespread availability, they do have some very major shortcomings.

Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Vinyl is a rubber-like material that has many qualities as a flooring material. It’s inexpensive and easy to install, is soft underfoot, and is durable.

However, it has many cons that outweigh its utility for most homeowners. Vinyl is manufactured from chemicals that cause it to emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). This can cause serious health problems.

Homeowners looking for long-term flooring solutions should note that besides yellowing over time. Damaged vinyl cannot be resurfaced and has to be entirely replaced.

Vinyl is also sensitive to corrosive chemicals, and cannot be cleaned with stronger cleaning agents. While it is stain-resistant, any contact with rubber, such as shoe soles or non-slip surfaces, results in permanent marks on the vinyl.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Vinyl

Parquet (Wood, Varnish) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Parquet has innumerable varieties but generally entails laying sections of wood to form elegant patterns.

The surface is varnished to protect it from moisture or physical damage. As flooring, its appeal is largely aesthetic, and it requires careful maintenance to be long-lasting.

Its sole protection is a layer of varnish, which is prone to cracks and chips from sharp or heavy objects. Such damage exposes the underlying wood to moisture from spills or the atmosphere. Resulting in warping of the tile.

Repair costs vary, depending on the extent of the damage. This is generally expensive since it requires removing the old sections, acquiring and installing the new sections in the correct shades, and re-varnishing.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Parquet

Laminate (Melamine Resin and Fibreboard Material) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Laminate is a cheaper, popular alternative to wooden parquet flooring. It consists of a top layer made of wood chips or printed graphics, compressed beneath a melamine protective layer.

This gives the appearance of hardwood or stone tile. While relatively unremarkable, it is more water-resistant than parquet, better looking than vinyl, and ages well without fading.

However, it is still prone to warping when exposed to standing water, and vulnerable to dents or scratches from falling objects.

Notably, homeowners with a more refined palate generally feel it falls short of hardwood or ceramic tiles in terms of visual appeal.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Laminates

Stone/Ceramic Tiles | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stone and ceramic tiles are amazingly versatile. They come in myriad shapes of varying ceramic types.

Non-porous tiles are generally stain-resistant. However, tiles are notorious for two things, chips and cracks.

They are extremely vulnerable to physical damage from falling objects, or scratches from sharp items. Damaged tiles are a chore to repair since they are firmly mounted in cement.

Furthermore, they are always accompanied by grout to seal gaps between sections of stone or tile. Grout is highly porous and provides an ideal environment for mould or bacteria.

This results in black scum forming in humid locations like bathrooms or kitchen counters.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Stones

Quartz | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Quartz is a man-made stone used for many parts of interior design. They include from countertops to floor tiles.

While stain-resistant, it is certainly not stain-proof. Quartz is commonly treated with a petroleum-based resin to obtain its colour. This resin can react with chemicals from spillage. Examples include sauces or wine which results in permanent discolouration.

Quartz, like other stones, is also prone to chips and scratches from sharp objects or physical impact. Most notably, wet quartz is highly slippery and may cause accidents.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Quartz & Man Made Stones

Marble/Granite | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Marble is one of the most expensive and premium materials used for building interiors.

While it is highly treasured for its aesthetic appeal, it is undoubtedly the least practical material on this list. Marble is a much softer stone than granite or quartz, meaning it gets chipped or scratched easily.

It is also highly porous, so it stains readily and traps dirt and bacteria. Clean it often, you say. Unfortunately, marble is also sensitive to corrosive chemicals, which rules out many effective cleansers like bleach.

While granite is not as esteemed as marble, it is marginally tougher.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Marble

Metallic Epoxy 

Metallic Epoxy is a wonder material that is spearheading the new age of modern interior design.

It is non-porous and chemically inert. Allowing it to be entirely stain-proof and suitable for efficient cleaning, even with strong cleaning agents.

It has high resistance to impact and scratches, as well as heat tolerance up to 200°C, make it very robust.

When properly installed and cared for, a Metallic Epoxy finishing provides greater protection than any other material. Therefore, it’s no surprise, as it becomes more readily available. It is soaring in popularity with homeowners.

Click here to read more about how Metallic Epoxy is Installed 

Putting all Contenders to the Test 

We now examine how each material performs in the flooring, countertop, and interior surface categories.

Floors | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains:
Metallic Epoxy’s stain-proofing is a no-contest win for flooring, where spills often land. Porous surfaces like marble and ceramic tiles stain easily, while other non-porous surfaces like quartz and vinyl are only stain-resistant

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy and vinyl come out on top for their ability to absorb physical impacts and resist scratches. A critical property for flooring to survive foot traffic, furniture movement, and accidents.

Hygiene:
Metallic Epoxy comes out ahead of other non-porous surfaces (like vinyl and parquet) for its resistance to strong cleaning agents, while sharing their low viability for mould and bacteria. Especially crucial for bathroom and kitchen floors.

Durability:
Metallic Epoxy doesn’t discolour or denature over time in an indoor setting. This is unlike other materials like quartz, which gradually fade in colour.

Countertops | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains: Metallic Epoxy wins again. Which is a good thing since counters take everything from pen ink to hot sauce

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy. While countertops generally do not receive the abuse that floors do, they are still subjected to sharp objects like knives or tools.

Hygiene: Metallic Epoxy. Especially crucial for wet work like meat prep in kitchens.

Durability: Metallic Epoxy’s dominance here is debatable. While it doesn’t degrade over time, its heat resistance comes in front of quartz or ceramic tiles. Especially relevant in kitchens where hot pans or pots might make contact

Other Interior Surfaces (Tables, Vanities, Work Desks) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains: Metallic Epoxy. Most relevant with dining tables.

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy. The only option for protecting discrete pieces of furniture are either some form of varnish or an epoxy finish.

Hygiene: Metallic Epoxy keeps work surfaces clean and enables convenient cleanups.

Durability: Metallic Epoxy. Indisputably the best option.

More information which you may find useful

1) View our Past Works – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Stress Test – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

6) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

The Origins | Metallic Epoxy Singapore (Our Story)

Metallic Epoxy Singapore began as a business project started by two enterprising managers from industrial backgrounds.

Established locally in 2016, the firm began with a small team of just two Leggari-certified specialists, the managers themselves.

However, receiving Leggari certification is no mean feat.

Leggari is a leading American brand that is internationally renown for supplying and engineering premium, high-end epoxy surfacing solutions. Certified installers have to undergo a rigorous training program at Leggari’s headquarters, for the certification to install Leggari products.

This is to ensure products are installed according to the company’s specifications and high standards of quality.

The Leader of the Industry | Metallic Epoxy Singapore (Our Story)

Starting out with just flooring projects. The firm expanded its team as it grew and increased operations to include many other interior surface services.

To date, Metallic Epoxy Singapore has completed over a thousand projects locally and counting. Not forgetting an impeccable record that every past client can attest to.

What is Metallic Epoxy?

You would probably have seen it at a restaurant or an upscale public venue.

Metallic Epoxy comprises of two key components, a clear epoxy base and metallic pigment powder.

While epoxy gives the material incredible durability and strength. The metallic pigments are mixed into the epoxy to give it its signature look.

Before the epoxy sets. The pigments within are manipulated with a paintbrush or roller to produce a three-dimensional pattern that scatters light at many different angles.

The designs that can be achieved from this method are limited only by the artist’s skill and your desired vision.

Why is Metallic Epoxy Gaining Popularity in Modern Day Interior Design & Renovation?

Metallic Epoxy is a bit of an overachiever, as far as materials go. It is the end product of the chemical reaction between an epoxy resin and a hardener.

The resin that Metallic Epoxy Singapore uses sets within an hour and emits no fumes. This allows the area to be used quickly without ventilation.

The end product is entirely stain and waterproof, chemically inert, and highly resistant to scratches and impacts.

This combination of properties is essential for industrial application. Especially where chemical spills and heavy wear often reduce the lifespan of most materials.

However, when used in a setting that is more forgiving like your home, Metallic Epoxy lasts virtually forever. Therefore standing in the ranks of The Best Interior Surfacing Material 

Our Motto

By offering clients a well-rounded consultation that addresses every present and potential concern. The firm empowers them to make a truly well-informed decision.

Metallic Epoxy Singapore ensures strict quality control in every operation, which allows every project to last for many years beyond installation.

Our dedication to excellent service and lasting quality is among the reasons that we are now the country’s leading firm specializing in Metallic Epoxy. See it from our trail of satisfied clients.

You may contact us for a complimentary, non-obligatory consultation, or head over to our FAQ for more information!

More information which you may find useful

1) Benefits of Metallic Epoxy – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here 

3) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here