100% Solids Epoxy: Pros, Cons & How It Compares to Other Coatings
100% Solids Epoxy: Pros and Cons You Need to Know
Is your garage floor chipping, peeling, or looking rough, even after pressure washing? You’re not alone. Many Kansas homeowners and shop owners face the same frustrations. And when it comes time to coat your concrete, one question always comes up:
“Is 100% solids epoxy the best solution?”
This guide breaks down what 100% solids epoxy really is, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other floor coating systems.
What Is 100% Solids Epoxy?
If you've ever heard the term "100% solids epoxy" and wondered what makes it different, you're not alone. The name sounds technical, but the concept is pretty straightforward once you cut through the noise.
At its core, 100% solids epoxy is a pure resin formula. No water. No solvents. Just raw, industrial-grade protection. That means when our team at Top Flake Coatings applies it to your garage or shop floor, everything that goes down stays down. There’s no shrinking as it cures. No evaporation. No filler materials disappearing into thin air.
This isn’t a coating that thins out over time. It cures at full thickness, building a dense, durable barrier that locks into the concrete below and stands up to serious wear and tear.
Why does that matter? Because it translates directly into a stronger, longer-lasting floor. One that resists impact from tools, shields against chemical spills, and won’t flinch when your tires are scorching hot from a summer drive.
It also gives you total control over the finish, from ultra-glossy showroom shine to a textured, slip-resistant surface tailored for your space. Whether you're turning your garage into a home gym, a workshop, or just want it to finally stop dusting up everything you store, 100% solids epoxy gives you a foundation that holds up.
No fluff. No shortcuts. Just a flooring solution engineered to outperform the rest.
And when it’s installed by certified professionals like us? The difference isn’t just visible. It’s feel-it-under-your-feet obvious.
People Also Ask: What does 100% solids epoxy mean?
It means the entire product cures into a solid, there’s no water or solvent that evaporates. The result? A much thicker, more durable floor.
The Pros of 100% Solids Epoxy
Let’s start with why so many pros, garage owners, shop managers, and homeowners, swear by this stuff.
This isn’t your average floor coating. When installed correctly, 100% solids epoxy transforms concrete into a high-performance surface that holds up under serious abuse. We’re talking forklifts, tool drops, tire heat, chemical spills, you name it.
1. Extreme Durability
You need a floor that won’t flinch when life happens. This coating does just that.
It resists chipping, peeling, and cracking, even in high-traffic zones where other coatings wear thin fast. It's a top choice for auto shops, garages, warehouses, and anyone who’s tired of floor coatings that tap out too soon.
If you’re working on cars, grinding metal, or just parking your truck every day, this is the durability you want beneath your feet.
2. High Build Thickness
Here’s the deal: thickness = toughness.
100% solids epoxy is a “high-build” coating, which means it goes down thick, 10+ mils in a single pass, with no evaporation or shrinkage. You get full protection, edge to edge.
This isn’t just about looks. That thickness makes it incredibly resistant to chemicals, impacts, and abrasion. For a floor that actually holds up to the work you do, it’s a no-brainer.
3. Long-Term Investment
Want to avoid redoing your floor every 3 to 5 years? This is your play.
With proper prep and a pro install, 100% solids epoxy can last 10–20 years. Seriously. That’s two decades of not worrying about your floor.
It’s low maintenance, easy to clean, and doesn’t need to be sealed or resurfaced every other season. Over time, that adds up, less hassle, fewer repairs, and way more peace of mind.
4. Strong Adhesion
What good is a coating if it peels off?
When installed over properly prepped concrete (we’re talking diamond grinding, not acid wash), this stuff grips like it’s welded to the slab. It doesn’t flake or lift, even under hot tires or sharp impacts.
That’s why prep matters so much, it’s the difference between a floor that lasts and one that fails in a year.
5. Glossy, Professional Finish
Let’s be real, you want the floor to look good, too.
100% solids epoxy delivers a glossy, seamless finish that instantly upgrades any space. Whether it’s a showroom, garage, or retail space, the shine reflects light, making the area feel bigger, cleaner, and more polished.
And if you’re adding flakes or custom colors? It elevates the aesthetic even more.
The Cons of 100% Solids Epoxy
Okay, let’s flip the coin. This system isn’t perfect for everyone, and we won’t pretend it is. Here’s where it gets real.
1. Requires Precise Installation
This is not a “grab-a-roller-on-Saturday” kind of project.
100% solids epoxy has a short working time. Once it’s mixed, it starts curing, fast. You need to know what you're doing or it will set before you're halfway done.
DIYers, be cautious. We’ve seen too many floors ruined by good intentions and bad execution.
2. Slippery When Wet
That glossy finish? It’s stunning. But it can also be slick.
Without traction additives like aluminum oxide or silica, the surface may become slippery when wet, especially in garages, pool areas, or shop spaces with fluids.
The good news? We can build in slip resistance from the start. Just make sure it's part of the plan.
3. Sensitive to Temperature & Moisture
This coating loves stability.
Cold temps slow curing. High moisture ruins adhesion. If the slab isn’t dry or the space isn’t conditioned, it could bubble, peel, or fail outright.
We always test for moisture before installing, and if we need to mitigate it, we do. Because shortcuts here will cost you later.
4. Higher Cost
Let’s not sugarcoat it, 100% solids epoxy isn’t cheap.
You’re paying for pro-grade materials and skilled labor. But here’s the tradeoff: You’re also avoiding re-coating your floor every few years, dealing with cheap kits that fail, or paying more down the line to remove a failed job.
This is an investment. Not an expense.
Done right, 100% solids epoxy is a flooring solution that pays for itself, in durability, longevity, and visual impact. But it’s got to be done right. And that’s where Top Flake Coatings comes in.
100% Solids Epoxy vs. Water-Based vs. Polyurea
Let’s clear the fog. If you’ve been bouncing between epoxy types, especially 100% solids, water-based, and polyurea, you’re not alone. These terms get thrown around a lot, but the differences matter. A lot.
Here’s how they actually stack up, side by side:
👉 Bottom line?
100% solids epoxy is the balance point between raw strength and affordability. It beats water-based on longevity by a mile. It’s not quite as fast as polyurea, but it builds thicker, costs less, and can still deliver pro-level results when applied by experts.
Who Should Use 100% Solids Epoxy?
This system isn’t for everyone, and that’s a good thing. It’s built for people who expect more from their floors.
Got a home gym and need flooring that won’t get shredded by weights? This is your solution.
Obsessed with cars? Auto enthusiasts love it because it resists hot tire pickup, brake fluid, and oil.
If you run a shop or commercial showroom, you’ll appreciate the clean finish and low maintenance.
Want a surface that speaks quality the moment someone walks in? This is your upgrade.
You’re not just coating concrete. You’re creating a space that works with you, not against you.
Common Issues to Watch Out For
Even the best coatings can go sideways if you’re not prepared. So let’s tackle some quick fixes and what to avoid:
“Why is my garage floor peeling after epoxy?”
Nine times out of ten? It wasn’t the epoxy.
It’s bad prep, usually trapped moisture or skipping surface grinding. Always start with a solid foundation.
“My epoxy turned yellow, what went wrong?”
Epoxy + sunlight = ambering.
To keep your floor looking sharp, add a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat. It blocks the sun and preserves the finish.
“How thick should epoxy be?”
Don’t skimp.
We recommend 10–20 mils per coat, depending on your use. Thin layers wear out fast. Thicker builds last longer, and look better.
When 100% Solids Epoxy Might Not Be Right
We won’t sugarcoat it. This system isn’t the perfect match for every space or every situation.
If you’re hoping for a quick weekend DIY? Go water-based instead.
Dealing with a concrete slab that’s constantly sweating or absorbing water? You’ll need a moisture barrier first.
Planning to coat an outdoor patio exposed to direct sun without a UV topcoat? You’re better off with polyurea.
This is a pro-grade product, and it should be used in spaces where its strengths can shine.
How Top Flake Coatings Does It Better
Here’s the truth: great floors aren’t just about materials, they’re about process. And we don’t cut corners.
✅ Diamond Grinding
We mechanically grind every floor to create the perfect profile. It’s the only way to guarantee adhesion.
✅ Moisture Testing
Before we lay down a drop of epoxy, we test your slab. If there’s hidden moisture, we deal with it, before it ruins your floor.
✅ Full Chip Broadcast
Not only does this make your floor look amazing, it adds texture, slip resistance, and hides imperfections.
✅ UV-Stable Polyaspartic Topcoat
Our topcoat seals the deal. It locks in the beauty, blocks UV rays, and adds another layer of heavy-duty protection.
When you work with Top Flake Coatings, you’re not just buying a floor.
You’re investing in a system, built for Kansas weather, real-life messes, and everyday durability.
See It In Action
Is 100% Solids Epoxy Right for You?
If you're looking for a floor that doesn't flinch, no matter what life (or your workbench) throws at it, 100% solids epoxy might be your perfect match.
This system wasn’t made for quick weekend projects. It’s made for long-term performance, industrial-level toughness, and that clean, high-end finish you don’t just see, you feel.
Let’s break it down:
✅ The Pros
Industrial durability that handles hot tires, heavy tools, and daily wear without breaking a sweat.
A sleek, glossy finish that transforms your space, adding both style and light.
Unmatched adhesion when installed on properly prepped concrete. No flaking. No peeling. Just solid.
⚠️ The Considerations
It’s a pro-only install for a reason. Fast curing times and precision requirements mean there’s no margin for error.
Moisture sensitivity means we always test the slab before install. Because even the best system fails without the right prep.
At the end of the day, if you're someone who wants lasting quality, not just a surface that looks good for a few months, this is the system to trust.
And when you want it done right, by a team who treats your floor like it’s our own?
We’re here for you.
Ready to Upgrade Your Floor?
Whether you're in Topeka, Overland Park, Lawrence, or anywhere in between, we're proud to help Kansas homeowners and business owners level up their space with coatings that actually last.
📞 Call us: (785) 333-1196
🌐 Explore more: topflakecoatings.com
📧 Reach out: [email protected]
Let’s build a floor you’ll love walking on, for years to come.
