Another Epoxy Flooring Option
One of the most beautiful options in epoxy flooring is the choice of metallic coatings. These sparkling and brilliant floors are available in a variety of colors with metallic flakes of multiple types. Your choices in metallic floors can be based on your ultimate design goals. Are you after a 3D effect, like walking on water or traveling on clouds? Is your goal to mimic the patterns of natural granite surfaces that sparkle in the sunlight when hiking in the Sierras? You can even go for the subtle shine found in beach sands that feature granules of mica and quartz. At California Custom Coatings, all kinds of metallic options are available.
Preparation is Key for Metallic Epoxy Floors
Metallic flakes mixed into epoxy coatings are relatively heavier than the surrounding material. Therefore, they tend to settle out anywhere the floor has a depression. Cracks or dips that are left unfilled end up with unwanted concentrations of metallic flakes. High points in the concrete will be all epoxy and no sparkle. As a result, perfectly prepping the concrete is critical for the installation of a metallic floor. High points need to be ground down and low spots need to be filled.
As a result, we spend more time preparing your floor for metallic epoxy installations. Applications of urethane concrete and additional grinding are common. As always, our top-end equipment prevents dust from escaping to other areas of your home or business. The extra prep work always pays off with outstanding results.
What Creates the Sparkle?
There are three types of sparkle effects created by various metallic additives. Depending on what we include in the mix, here is what you see in your floors:
- Iridescence is the effect created by light hitting a substance and then changing direction as it passes through the material. Iridescence is responsible for the rainbows of color in soap bubbles, the brilliance of hummingbird feathers, and the beauty of butterfly wings.
- Pearlescence is similar to iridescence, but is distinguished by its milky appearance. Pearlescence is the “soft focus” in the world of sparkle. The smooth, colorful lining of a seashell like abalone is one example, and the nacreous surface of pearls is obviously another.
- Reflectance is created by the mirrored surface of metallic substances. Natural micas are one example of reflectance in nature, as is the polished surface of obsidian stones. California Custom Coatings has a wide variety of micas that can be applied during or after the application of the epoxy coating to create metallic effects. This can be separate from or in addition to metallic flakes added during the mixing process.
During your initial consultation, you can provide California Custom Coatings with sample photos or images that highlight exactly the type of metallic effects you desire.
Floors That Stand Out
Metallic floors are chosen when clients want their interior design to stand out! Lighting effects are enhanced by the interplay of a fine gloss coat and underlying metallic flakes. Choose your perfect color or colors with the type of metallic effect you want and the results are always fabulous! To start the process of installing your own metallic floor, contact us by phone or online at California Custom Coatings.
