August 13, 2020
Resinous flooring systems are a standard flooring option for many architects and designers. That said, resinous flooring systems are far from standard. The systems are composed of multiple layers, with each offering their own purpose, from moisture mitigation, to chemical resistance or thermal-shock resistance ─ these seamless and hygienic floors have many options for durability and aesthetics.
When designing a commercial space and specifying resinous floors, there is no substitute for seeing and touching the floors in person. Ordering resinous flooring samples is the best way to literally get a feel for the colors, textures and available finishes. The physical samples give you (and your client) the ability to see what the finished floor will be like.
Whether you are ordering samples for a specific project, creating finish boards or updating and restocking your library, there are several things to consider:
- Chemistry
- Color
- Finish
- Texture
If the sample is for a specific project, it is best practice to order the flooring sample in the exact system being specified. This will eliminate any potential discrepancies between texture and color between the available flooring chemistries.
Chemistry
Physical samples of resinous floors can be ordered for every available chemistry. There are several product lines within each chemistry, but the first decision will be which chemistry, and then which flooring system.
Available Chemistries:
- Epoxy
- MMA
- Accelera®
- Urethane
- Hybrid Systems
It is a good idea to discuss the attributes and qualities of each chemistry with your Dur-A-Flex representative.
Colors
Resinous flooring systems come in a variety of standard solid colors and color blends that are finished with clear or pigmented urethane topcoats. Additionally, with most systems you have the ability to create unique custom colors and chip or quartz blends. When specifying a solid color, metallic pigment, or a quartz / chip floor remember it is always recommended to order the sample the exact way you intend to build the system. For example, if you are specifying Shop Floor in charcoal gray, even if you have a sample of Poly-Crete in charcoal gray, you should still order a sample of Shop Floor in charcoal gray, as there may be variances in the pigments or topcoats.
Typical Sample Requests for Colors:
- Decorative Chip Blend: include color(s) and desired system
- Decorative Quartz Blend: include color(s) and desired system
- Solid Color Topcoat: include color(s) and desired system
- Metallic Pigments: include color for ReFLEXions pigments and desired finish / topcoats
For custom colors, it is best practice to write the color name into your specification, “Dur-A-Gard SL (Color X-284-50-3SF)”.
Finishes
Resinous floors come in a variety of finishes. Satin and gloss are the two standards and most common. It is important to consider the environment carefully when deciding on the finish. If the surface is going to be subjected to potentially abrasive traffic, a satin finish will hide scratches better than the gloss will.
Most Common Finishes:
- Satin
- Gloss
Texture Comparison
Specifying texture is easy using physical samples. Once you decide on the desired texture, you can take the information from the label on the back of the sample and write it into your specification. For example, “The quartz aggregate shall be Dur-A-Flex, Inc. Q-28 colored quartz aggregate.”
Typical Textures to choose from:
Smooth coatings:
- Smooth- no texture
- Orange peel finish – light stipple
Broadcast aggregate systems:
- Standard Texture : One Grout Coat, One Topcoat
- Orange Peel: Two Grout Coats, One Topcoat
- Smooth: Three Grout Coats, One Topcoat
Broadcast aggregates:
- Dur-A-Quartz Q-11 / QROK: quartz aggregate as part of the system for high degree of slip resistance
- Dur-A-Quartz Q-28 / Flintshot: quartz aggregate as part of the system for a standard degree of slip resistance
- Dur-A-Quartz F-60: quartz aggregate as part of the system to increase slip resistance
- Decorative Vinyl Chip: decorative aggregate providing orange peel finish
Slip resistance additives:
- Dur-A-Grit: broadcast aluminum oxide (#24, 36, or 54) added to increase slip resistance
- Dur-A-Grip: a granulated polymer additive for topcoats to increase slip resistance
Finally, after you have narrowed down your desired color, texture, finish and system, using the standard 3” x 3” samples, consider ordering a custom 6” x 6” or 12” x 12” sample based on these selections. This will give you and your client a proper representation to sign off on. Once you have the signoff, you’ll also have the exact system name to include in your specification.
An example specification listed under Products:
Flooring
- Dur-A-Flex, Inc, Hybri-Flex ES (self-leveling cementitious urethane broadcast quartz), epoxy/aliphatic urethane topcoat seamless flooring system. (Chemistry)
- System Materials:
- Primer: Poly-Crete TF, resin, hardener and TF filler and TF aggregate.
- Topping: Dur-A-Flex, Inc, Poly-Crete SL resin, hardener and SL aggregate.
- The broadcast aggregate shall be Dur-A-Flex, Inc. F-60 quartz aggregate.
- Self-Leveling Topcoat: Dur-A-Flex, Inc. Dur-A-Gard SL, aggregate filled epoxy two-component resin.
- Topcoat: Dur-A-Flex, Inc. Pigmented Armor Top Satin resin, hardener with grit and grip. (Finish)
- To achieve smooth finish do not add grit or grip component. (Texture)
(Color) can be included under the Product Requirements: Dur-A-Gard SL (Color X-284-50-3SF)
Interested in learning more on ordering samples? You can access some more tips or feel free to reach out to your local Dur-A-Flex territory sales manager. They will be happy to assist you and answer any questions regarding flooring selection.
Ready to order samples? Fill out this samples order form and your local rep will get them to you as soon as possible.
Author: Jes Grant
Jes Grant is the content development manager for Dur-A-Flex. She has over 15 years of experience creating content for various technical industries, and has been featured in several publications for her writing and design work.