Can I Paint Plywood Floor With Epoxy?

Cleaning

• Sweep the plywood floor with a stiff broom to remove any loose dust and dirt from the surface. Wet a soft cloth or rag with warm water and wring out excess. Scrub any caked-on debris with the wet cloth or rag and then let the plywood air dry. Fill any cracks and holes in the flooring with silicone-free acrylic latex painter's caulking. Sanding is not necessary but make sure the flooring is completely clean and dry. Open all windows and doors in the room to allow air to flow into the area.

Mixing

• If you are not using pre-mixed epoxy, you will need a large bucket, a high-speed drill with a mixing tool attachment and a measuring stick to mix two-part epoxy. Rinse out the bucket with warm water and dry the bucket thoroughly with a clean rag or towel. Wear rubber gloves, a nose mask and safety goggles to keep the epoxy off of your hands and out of your nose and eyes. Place the measuring stick in the bucket and pour part “A” epoxy into the bucket until the recommended amount of the coating is reached. The recommended amount is found on the epoxy’s container -- usually two parts of part “A.” Blend the coating with the mixing tool for two minutes. Wipe the measuring stick clean with a rag or cloth. Use the stick and measure out the recommended amount of part “B” epoxy coating -- usually one part of part “B.” Pour the coating into the bucket on top of part “A” epoxy. Blend the mixture for three minutes with the mixing tool. Turn the bucket as you are blending the mixture and raise the mixing tool up and down to fully blend the epoxy. Follow any recommendations on the epoxy’s container.

Applying

• Pour the mixture in a straight line in the farthest corner of the room away from room’s exit. You don’t want to trap yourself in the room. Use a long-handled squeegee to spread the epoxy across the plywood flooring. Work quickly and spread the coating evenly and consistently. Let the epoxy dry for 18 hours before walking on the flooring. If the area receives heavy foot traffic, let the epoxy dry for 24 hours before walking on it.

Coverage

• One gallon of epoxy, premixed or part A and B combined, can cover 500 square feet or a room/area that is 20 feet by 29 feet. One gallon is enough epoxy for two coats, if you apply each coating with a thickness of 3 ml. Let the epoxy dry completely before applying an additional coat of the material.