Sooner or later in the life of any person there is a terrible word - "repair". Very often, even small changes stretch over weeks and months, and the estimate grows inexorably. But if you approach the matter responsibly, then remodeling a home can bring pleasure and unleash creativity. Change is always an inspiration for a person, and repair is always a way out of one's own comfort zone.
First difficulties
The first serious difficulties arise already at the design stage. What kind of flooring and wallpaper to choose so that everything turns out beautifully, combines with each other, is practical and does not cost a fortune? With a huge variety of materials, it can be very easy to get confused.
Types of flooring
First of all, as a rule, they are determined with the floor and start from the selected material. For floors, you can use parquet, laminate, tiles, carpet, 3D self-leveling floors and others. In order to make a competent choice, it is necessary to take into account the features of the destination and the material itself. Parquet is a rather expensive and capricious material, so it is perfect forbusiness office, elegant living room or bedroom.
In rooms with high humidity, in the bathroom, shower or toilet, it is better to use tiles. In working areas, it is quite possible to use a laminate or even linoleum, they are now being made with high quality, and there are a great many variations. Polymer self-leveling floors 3D (photo below) are almost universal and suitable for almost every room. It is important that the selected coating is fully consistent with the interior design.
3D self-leveling floors
Polymer resin is considered one of the most versatile materials, no matter where. A properly selected version of such a coating is perfect for the kitchen, bedroom and any other room. Also, the polymer is widely used to cover the floors of industrial premises. Self-leveling epoxy floors are not afraid of moisture, temperature changes, chemical exposure and are absolutely harmless to he alth. Thanks to the gapless design, polymer floors are perfectly protected from harmful organisms such as mold, dangerous fungi.
3D self-leveling floors are highly resistant to stress and vibration, making them ideal for industrial and public spaces. Very often they can be found in clubs and museums. The thickness of the decorative self-leveling floor 3D ranges from 0.4 to 9 mm, depending on the load or type of room. The service life of such floors reaches fifteen to twenty years, if the technology has been correctly observed. High-quality 3D self-leveling floors are made by real professionals.
Pros and consresin floors
The undoubted advantages of 3D polymer self-leveling floors include:
- strength;
- sustainable;
- fire safety;
- resistance to dirt and fungus;
- they are not afraid of chemistry;
- glossy surface visually makes the room larger;
- long service life (up to twenty years);
- price;
- people are increasingly interested in how to make a 3D self-leveling floor with their own hands, as there is a huge field for creativity.
This list is by no means a complete list of the benefits of polymer coating. In general, polymer floors are becoming more and more popular. They are eco-friendly, beautiful, stylish and allow you to show your creativity. Polymer self-leveling floors are an excellent choice, but here, as elsewhere, there are drawbacks.
Minuses are much less than pluses:
- If you sell cheap or choose the wrong material, the floors will quickly lose their appearance. When exposed to light, they will simply turn yellow.
- Dismantling of epoxy floors is almost impossible. Most likely, you will have to mount a new coating directly on top.
Classification of polymer floors
There are quite a few types of polymer floors, they can be divided according to several criteria. Mainly distinguished:
- most frequently chosen epoxy self-leveling floors;
- polyurethane;
- methyl methacrylate-based floors, the most commonly chosen in industrial production;
- polyester solutions - a low-quality type of polymermaterials and the most short-lived (costs less than others).
Depending on the content of the filler, the polymer flooring is:
- with a smooth or rough surface;
- plain or textured;
- self-levelling (contains mineral particles);
- highly filled (includes large particles);
- combined.
The mixtures themselves may consist of one or more components. One-component ones contain only a base, they can be applied immediately. Two-component consist of a base and a hardener, which are mixed before working with them.
Such floors can be varied, even interspersed with different materials. Everyone saw in childhood epoxy resin amulets with bugs or flowers. Epoxy perfectly interacts with different materials: with wood, organics. The material allows you to wall up and save anything for many years.
Resins in decor
Production of self-leveling floors is not the only industry using this technology. The idea of using polymer compounds in decor quickly grew and became popular. For example, due to its unique properties, epoxy resin is often used in a wide variety of applications. It is often used in the manufacture of furniture, both partially, combined with various materials, and completely from resin.
Epoxy resin jewelry and various decorative elements are very popular. The creations of eminent designers made of polymer materials often win all sorts of prestigious awards and can cost a lot of money.
Various combinations
Designers often combine laconic fundamental materials such as metal, wood and stone with certain epoxy resin elements. By itself, epoxy resin looks elegant and holistic, so you should not overload the interior with bright, sticky details. Unless it's the designer's intent.
History of resin floors
Today self-leveling floors are very popular both in Russia and abroad. But there is no exact data when they captured their niche. According to legend, the Queen of Sheba, famous for her beauty, never showed her legs. There were rumors that she had hooves instead of legs. The brave and daring King Solomon ordered the creation of a hall with a glass floor that looked like water. The Queen of Sheba entered the hall and thought she was walking on water, and instinctively lifted the hem of her dress so that it would not get wet. Her legs turned out to be quite ordinary, and everyone knows what happened next. This was the first mention of self-leveling floors.
Much later, the American brand "Ardex Inc" first announced a new revolutionary polymer coating in 1972. The first self-leveling floors were made of cement, gypsum and polymeric substances. Later, the technology was improved and improved to this day.
The roots of the self-leveling floor with a 3D effect are also interesting. In 1978, new street artists appeared in Italy(Street Painting). Their work was notable for the fact that from a certain angle the image on the pavement looked surprisingly realistic and deep. This idea was quickly picked up by eminent interior designers and brought to their craft. This is how the technology of self-leveling 3D-floor appeared.
How much do self-leveling floors cost
The cost of self-leveling floor per square meter is not very high and varies from 200 to 700 rubles per square meter for work. When choosing a floor covering, you must first of all look at the reputation of the manufacturer and its position in the market in order to have confidence in the chosen product. The same applies to the contractor - the performer. The master must be verified and know exactly how to make a 3D self-leveling floor.
Installing epoxy floors on your own, although difficult, is quite possible
Materials for self-leveling floor 3D are relatively inexpensive. A square meter will cost about 150-200 rubles. So, consider the sequence of work:
- First you need to prepare the base. A concrete floor that has been pre-sanded is best, but is not required.
- Remove dust and dirt.
- After preparing the floor, apply a coat of primer and let it dry.
- It's time to fill the floor with a base coat of epoxy.
- If the floors are patterned or interspersed, lay out the filler.
- After we put the final layer of varnish on the floor, the final layer.
This is a brief instruction so that there is a general idea of what is to comeJob. It seems that everything is simple, but it is a very painstaking work that requires maximum concentration. Otherwise, the floor will simply lose its valuable properties and come out uneven.
Worth a look at the complete epoxy floor installation process:
- The first step is to prepare the foundation. It can serve not only concrete, but also, for example, wood and ceramic tiles. It is necessary to thoroughly clean the surface from dirt, grease and dust. This moment is the most important. If you follow the instructions inattentively, defects may occur in the future. The floor may swell, become cloudy or rough. Humidity during operation should be in the range of 4-8%.
- The second stage is the application of primer with a roller. Its main properties: increase in adhesion, elimination of concrete porosity, exclusion of the possibility of air penetration. All this can cause deformation of the floor. You need to act very carefully. Quartz sand should be added to the soil to increase adhesion to the base. The sand must first be dried and sieved. The procedure can be repeated for better results. In this case, you need to go through the grinder again.
- The third stage is the application of the main layer, that is, the base. First of all, remember that epoxy floors are sensitive to temperature changes during installation. The maximum difference should be no more than 2 degrees. The base is applied by pouring. That is, the composition is poured onto the floor and evenly distributed. For work, a squeegee, spatula and aeration roller are used. Withit can help get rid of air bubbles. The base should dry for a day or more, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
- The fourth stage is the application of various additives or a pattern: chips, glitter and in general everything your heart desires. A very popular option with laying out coins under varnish. This step is optional.
- The fifth stage is the application of the final layer. This is done on the third day after applying the base. The composition is distributed with a thickness of 1-2 mm. He needs to dry thoroughly. At the end, the surface should be gently rinsed with a damp cloth.
It's always a good idea to carefully read all instructions for use of materials, as there are significant individual differences.
Conclusion
Many people doubt whether it is worth opting for polymer floors. But the end result will surely please the eye for many years. So try and you will succeed!
