Resin flooring is a hard-wearing surface that can be adapted to fulfill the requirements of the environment, whether this is for aesthetic, durability or health & safety purposes. Resin originally comes in a smooth liquid form, but once applied it cures into a durable floor finish. Aggregates or decorative flakes can be added to resin to change the overall appearance, increase durability or to enhance slip resistance.
There are 3 main types of resin, Epoxy flooring, Polyurethane flooring and MMA / PMMA flooring (MMA is the liquid form and PMMA is the cured state of the resin).
Each resin type has a different set of characteristics which will vary their suitability depending on the environment and specific requirements. Resin provides an extremely versatile solution but things like cure time, aesthetics, and chemical resistance can vary greatly between each type.
What different types of resin are there?
Epoxy:
An Epoxy flooring system is available in several different forms and is largely used as an epoxy paint / coating, although flowable systems are also frequently used. Epoxy is used commonly in industrial premises and typically has the longest curing time of all the resins.
Polyurethane:
Polyurethane is also known as ‘PU’ and has the best resistance to high temperatures, which is why it is most commonly used in food factories. It is available in flowable forms or heavy-duty trowel-applied systems. It typically provides a more industrial appearance and is often chosen for function over aesthetics.
PMMA:
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) has the quickest cure time out of the resin systems, curing fully in just 2 hours. It can be either smooth or textured once installed, depending on the flooring requirements specified. The fast-curing nature of the system makes it ideal for refurbishment projects or establishments that have limited shutdown periods.
Whilst cures times for Epoxy and Polyurethane are directly affected by the ambient temperature of the environment, MMA remains fully cured within 2 hours from temperatures down to -30°C.
MMA does have an odour but with the correct ventilation and extraction, this can usually be managed effectively.
How do I know which resin system is right for my project?
To decide which resin system is right for your project, specific requirements need to be assessed along with the environment, including the conditions which the floor will be exposed to. This will ensure that the operating procedures of the establishment do not hinder the longevity of the flooring solution. RESYN have extensive experience with a wide range of applications and members of our team can advise you on the best solution for your establishment, contact us for more information.
To further discuss choosing resin flooring solutions over alternatives for your next project, please contact us on 01778 343670 or use our contact us form. You could even take a look at our case studies to see examples or our YouTube channel.
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