Epoxy Flake Floors in Grand Rapids, MI

Epoxy flake floors, also called chip or broadcast floors, are one of the most popular finishes for West Michigan garages. Colored vinyl flakes are thrown by hand into a wet base coat until the surface will not take any more, then the loose chips are scraped off and a clear topcoat seals everything in. The result is a floor with a granite-like speckle and a slight texture underfoot.

What the flakes actually do

The flakes are mostly about looks and practicality. A multi-color blend hides the dried salt film, sand and tire marks that show up quickly on a solid gray or white floor in a Grand Rapids winter. The flake layer also adds thickness, and the edges of the chips give the topcoat some texture, which helps traction compared with a glassy solid color. Flakes do not make a weak bond stronger, so the prep under them still matters as much as on any other system.

Full broadcast versus partial broadcast

• Full broadcast: chips are thrown until the base coat is completely covered. This is the most common garage finish, with the most texture and the best ability to hide dirt.
• Partial or light broadcast: a scattering of chips over a solid color, so the base color shows through. It looks cleaner and modern but shows dirt more.
• Flake size: smaller chips give a tighter, finer pattern; larger chips read as bolder. We bring sample boards to the estimate.

Picking a color blend

Darker and mid-tone blends with several colors hide the most. Very light blends brighten a dark garage or basement but show tire marks sooner. Many people match the blend to the house trim or the cabinets they plan to install. If you are unsure, look at the samples on your actual floor in the light you have, since garage lighting changes how a blend reads.

How the topcoat affects texture

The clear topcoat over the flakes decides how the floor feels. One thinner topcoat leaves more texture, which is good for traction around the garage door. A heavier topcoat fills in the chip edges and gives a smoother, easier-to-mop surface. We talk through where the floor gets wet and how you clean it, and set the topcoat to match. An anti-slip additive can be mixed in for steps and entry areas.

Where flake floors work besides the garage

Flake systems also work well in basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms with concrete floors, workshops and covered porches. In a basement, the moisture check comes first, because flakes will not stop a coating from blistering if water is pushing up through the slab. For outdoor or sunny areas, the topcoat should be UV stable so the clear layer does not amber.

Caring for a flake floor

Sweep or use a dust mop for grit, and clean with a mild cleaner and a soft mop or a squeegee. In winter, push salty meltwater out and rinse every few weeks. Avoid harsh acid cleaners and abrasive pads, which dull the topcoat.