Montana is known for its vast landscapes, rugged mountains, and wide-open spaces that take your breath away. Unfortunately, with all that natural beauty comes some severe weather. From freezing winters to hot, dry summers, your garage floor has to be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it. Luckily, our epoxy floor coatings are designed to withstand Montana’s harshest conditions while giving your garage a sleek, durable finish. But the real secret to a long-lasting epoxy floor? It starts with proper mixing of the coatings; what we refer to as proper epoxy mixology.
Epoxy Mixology: Why the Right Mix Matters in Montana
Epoxy floors are made from two key components: Part A (the resin) and Part B (the hardener). Together, they create a chemical reaction that transforms the liquid mix into a solid, durable surface. However, getting that mix just right makes the difference between a floor that lasts and one that stays strong for years.
Furthermore, the mix is especially important here with our extreme weather. The epoxy needs to handle everything from snow and ice to the dry, intense summer heat. Consequently, we take every step to ensure the mix is perfect.
Here’s why the mix matters:
- Precision in Ratios: The balance between Part A and Part B has to be exact. Whether the ratio is 1:1, 2:1, 3:2 or even 4:1, getting this balance right ensures the epoxy cures properly and bonds strongly to the concrete. In a state like Montana, where the weather can change rapidly, a precise mix ensures the floor adapts without cracking.
- Weather Resistance: Montana’s freezing winters and hot summers require a floor that can handle expansion and contraction. So, properly-mixed epoxy coatings will be flexible enough to handle these changes without peeling, cracking, or losing strength.
Epoxy Mixology: Common Mixing Mistakes to Avoid
In Montana’s rugged environment, poorly mixed epoxy coatings simply won’t last. Hence, precision is key to ensuring your garage floor holds up through the years.
Here are a few common mistakes that we avoid:
- Using the Wrong Tools: Firstly, a high-speed drill with the proper mixing blade is essential for creating a smooth, even mix. Without the right tools, air bubbles form, “weakening” the epoxy mix and making it vulnerable to Montana’s weather extremes.
- Bad Measurements: Secondly, when mixing epoxy, even a slight error in measuring the resin versus hardener can result in a weak or improperly cured floor. We use precision in-field tools, like a smart phone-based Coatings Calculator, to ensure the exact ratio.
- Using the Wrong Containers for Mixing: Thirdly, soiled containers may react chemically with the epoxy, which lead to problematic curing issues. The containers need to be spotless, and they have to be “non-reactive” — meaning they aren’t going to sully the epoxy by being in contact with it.
- Incompatible Products: Finally, the chemistry of epoxy needs to be respected. Mixing products from different brands can result in an improper chemical reaction, leaving you with a floor prone to failure. That’s why GFC uses only top-quality, compatible products.
GFC’s Epoxy Mixology: Designed for Montana
We’ve developed a process designed to ensure your epoxy floor is built to handle Montana’s toughest conditions. Here’s how we do it:
We start by thoroughly mixing Part A, the resin. If the epoxy is pigmented, we make sure the color is evenly distributed throughout the resin. This step is critical to avoid streaks or uneven coloring, ensuring a smooth finish.
Next, we carefully add Part B, the hardener, to the mix. This is where the chemical reaction begins, so we take time to ensure the components are mixed slowly and steadily. Mixing too quickly can lead to air bubbles, weakening the epoxy. In Montana, where freeze-thaw cycles are typical, preventing air pockets is essential for avoiding cracks.
For larger projects, we batch-mix multiple containers of Part A to ensure uniformity across the entire floor. This guarantees that the color and texture remain consistent, even across a large surface. With Montana’s dramatic temperature swings, having a consistent, well-cured epoxy floor is key to the long life of your epoxy floor.
Finally, we ensure the workspace is clean and free from contaminants. Montana’s environment can bring in dust, dirt, and moisture, compromising the epoxy’s adhesion. Maintaining a clean, controlled environment ensures that the epoxy bonds properly to the concrete, creating a long-lasting, durable floor.
Epoxy Floors: Built for Montana, Built to Last
In Montana, your garage floor has to be tough, durable, and ready for anything. We take pride in delivering epoxy floors that look great and are designed to handle the unique challenges of the Montana climate. Our precision mixing process ensures that your floor is built to last, providing a protective surface that’s as rugged as the state itself.
Trust us to deliver a garage floor that’s ready for all four seasons. From the initial mix to the final application, we make sure every step is done right so you can enjoy a floor that’s as strong and reliable as the Montana mountains.
