Research Lab Epoxy System
Full chemical-resistant epoxy flooring system installed across 22 chemistry and biology research rooms, protecting concrete substrates from reagent spills while meeting biosafety and ADA slip standards.
The Need
An expanding STEM complex needed durable, chemical-resistant flooring across 22 labs handling acids, solvents, and biological agents; the existing sealed concrete was inadequate for containment.
Service Performed
Surface preparation, epoxy primer, 100% solids epoxy base coat, broadcast silica aggregate for slip resistance, and chemical-resistant polyaspartic topcoat in a color-coded room system.
Timeline
14-day installation across spring break, with five rooms completed per day and equipment relocated back same morning for faculty use by term start.
The Challenge
Standard concrete sealers were failing under the repeated exposure to hydrochloric acid, acetone, and formalin common in the chemistry and biology suites. Spill containment was inadequate, and two rooms had concrete etching that was now wicking contamination into the slab. The system needed to be BSL-2 compliant, color-coded by discipline, and return to service within 24 hours of installation per room.
Our Epoxy Installation Process
Surface Preparation
Shot-blasting and vacuum extraction achieve a CSP 3 profile, ensuring maximum mechanical bond for the epoxy system throughout the lab environment.
Moisture-Mitigating Primer
A moisture-tolerant epoxy primer seals the substrate and bridges micro-cracks, preventing osmotic blistering in the final system over the concrete slab.
Base Coat & Aggregate
100% solids epoxy base coat is applied at 20 mils; silica broadcast aggregate is seeded into the wet coat to create the anti-slip profile required by BSL-2 standards.
Chemical-Resistant Finish
Fast-cure polyaspartic topcoat rated for acids, solvents, and disinfectants is applied in room-coded colors, enabling 24-hour return to service.
"Every room was back in service on schedule. The color-coded system has actually improved safety communication between our lab sections."
— Dean of Sciences, Anaheim Research Institute
Ready to start your project?
Get a custom estimate today and see the CATA difference.