Decorative Flooring Systems (Epoxy, PU & Polyaspartic)

Epoxy Injection Systems That Bond to Oil-Contaminated Surfaces

Decorative Flooring Solutions

Decorative floors should look great and stay easy to clean. A good decorative resin system gives you a seamless surface that can handle daily traffic, stains, and routine washing—without losing its shine too fast.

At ZDSpoxy, we manufacture decorative flooring resin systems using epoxy, polyurethane (PU), and polyaspartic chemistries. This guide explains the main decorative styles, when to use each system, and how to avoid common finish problems.

Decorative flooring overview

Decorative flooring systems are designed to deliver:

High visual impact (color depth, patterns, sparkle, stone-like effects)
Easy cleaning (seamless surface, fewer joints)
Durable wear (scratch and abrasion resistance, depending on topcoat)
Optional safety (anti-slip textures for wet areas)

Common decorative environments:
Showrooms, retail, hotels, lobbies, restaurants, offices, gyms, schools, premium garages, and light-duty industrial areas.

System options

Below are the most popular decorative system types and how they work.

Metallic floors (3D “movement” effects)

Metallic systems create a deep, flowing look—like marble, clouds, or waves.

Best for: lobbies, restaurants, galleries, boutique retail
Key needs: clean substrate, controlled application, stable topcoat
Finish options: high gloss, satin, anti-slip clear topcoat

Typical build-up:

Primer
Base coat (colored epoxy)
Metallic effect layer
Clear topcoat (UV and scratch protection)

Flake floors (chips broadcast)

Flake systems are one of the most practical decorative floors. They hide minor dust and marks and can improve slip control.

Best for: garages, corridors, factories with light-to-medium traffic, locker rooms
Key needs: correct broadcast density + strong clear topcoat

Typical build-up:

Primer
Base coat
Flake broadcast
Scrape / vacuum
Clear topcoat (1–2 coats)

Terrazzo-style epoxy (aggregate + grind)

Terrazzo resin floors combine decorative aggregates with strength. They’re great when you want a premium look with long service life.

Best for: malls, airports, schools, commercial halls
Key needs: skilled installation, correct aggregate grading, proper sealing

Typical build-up:

Primer
Terrazzo resin matrix + aggregate
Grind and polish
Clear sealer / topcoat

Colored sand floors (texture + water resistance)

Colored sand systems add grip and can be built as waterproof decorative surfaces.

Best for: courtyards, stairs, ramps, public walkways, wet zones
Key needs: stable binder + proper sealing to lock sand in place

Typical build-up:

Primer
Resin binder coat
Colored sand broadcast
Sealer / topcoat

Key performance goals

Decorative floors fail when people focus only on “how it looks today.” Here are the performance targets that matter long-term.

1. Gloss and clarity

For high-gloss looks, you need a clear topcoat that:

levels well
cures without haze
resists scratches from cleaning and foot traffic

2. UV stability (anti-yellowing)

If sunlight hits the floor, choose a UV-stable topcoat (often PU or polyaspartic). Epoxy alone can yellow under strong UV—especially near doors and windows.

3. Wear resistance

The topcoat controls wear. For busy spaces, choose a stronger wear topcoat and adequate thickness.

4. Slip resistance

High gloss can be slippery when wet. Add:

micro-texture clear coat, or
light broadcast texture in wet zones

5) Stain and chemical tolerance (light exposure)

Restaurants, cafés, and garages often face oils and cleaners. Pick a topcoat designed for easy wipe-off and stain resistance.

Install steps (decorative floors)

The steps below cover most decorative resin systems.

Step 1: Substrate check

Confirm: concrete strength, surface soundness, moisture condition, and oil contamination.

Step 2: Surface preparation

Grinding or shot blasting creates the right profile. This step decides the bonding quality.

Step 3: Repair and leveling

Fill cracks and holes. Level uneven zones. Decorative floors show defects more than industrial floors.

Step 4: Prime

Apply primer evenly. Let it cure properly before the next layer.

Step 5: Build the decorative layer

Metallic: apply base coat + metallic effect layer
Flake: broadcast flakes into wet base coat
Terrazzo: install matrix + aggregate, then grind
Colored sand: broadcast sand and lock it with sealer

Step 6: Clear topcoat

Apply the correct clear coat based on traffic, UV exposure, and timeline. Do not rush curing—many “cloudy topcoats” come from incorrect timing or moisture.

Step 7: Curing and protection

Protect from dust, water, and traffic during curing. Plan return-to-service based on your chosen topcoat.

Common problems (and how to avoid them)

Yellowing near windows

Fix: use a UV-stable topcoat (often PU or polyaspartic) in sun zones.

Bubbles / pinholes

Fix: improve surface prep, moisture control, and primer sealing. Avoid high mixing air.

Peeling or delamination

Fix: stronger prep profile, remove weak coatings, correct primer selection, moisture testing.

Scratches and dulling too fast

Fix: choose a tougher clear topcoat and the right thickness for your traffic level.

Slippery when wet

Fix: add anti-slip options in wet zones while keeping the design.

FAQs

Which decorative system is most practical?

Flake floors are popular because they hide marks and are easy to maintain. They also allow slip control.

Can I apply decorative resin over old tiles?

Sometimes, yes—if the tile is stable and properly roughened. You’ll still need the right primer and a careful prep plan.

Is metallic epoxy hard to install?

Metallic systems look simple but require good timing and technique. The floor must be level and clean to get a consistent “movement” effect.

What topcoat should I use for sunlight exposure?

Choose a UV-stable finish. For many projects, that means PU or polyaspartic topcoats rather than epoxy-only systems.

Get a decorative system recommendation

Tell us:

area size (m²/ft²)
where it is (indoor/outdoor, sunlight or not)
traffic level (foot/pallet/forklift)
finish style (metallic/flake/terrazzo/colored sand)
timeline (normal vs fast return)

We’ll recommend a build-up route and matching SKUs.

Decorative Flooring Systems (Epoxy, PU & Polyaspartic)

Epoxy Injection Systems That Bond to Oil-Contaminated Surfaces

Decorative Flooring Solutions

Decorative flooring overview