How to Apply Epoxy Resin to Hardwood Floors for a Durable Finish

By JakesVenice · Aug 8, 2025

Why Choose Epoxy Resin for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are beautiful but prone to scratches, stains, and moisture damage over time. Epoxy resin creates a protective layer that seals the surface, making it resistant to water, wear, and chemicals. This makes it perfect for areas that see heavy foot traffic or occasional spills. Compared to traditional finishes like polyurethane, epoxy resin offers superior durability and a distinctive high-gloss look.

This image captures a spacious interior with hardwood floors that exhibit a stunning, mirror - like high - gloss finish, a result of epoxy resin application—this versatile and durable coating not only seals the wood to enhance its natural grain and rich color variations but also provides exceptional scratch resistance, water protection, and a long - lasting, smooth surface that amplifies the floor’s reflective quality and overall elegance.

Step 1: Materials and Tools Preparation

Before starting, make sure all materials and tools are ready to avoid interruptions during the application process.

Materials:

Bond Craftor epoxy flooring resin – ensure it’s fresh and stored in the correct temperature range before use.
Quartz sand or decorative rock chips (optional) – for anti-slip performance or decorative effects.
Primer – compatible with epoxy flooring resin for improved adhesion and sealing.

Tools:

Electric mixer (300–600 RPM) or sturdy stirring stick.
Scraper or putty knife for patching imperfections.
Notched squeegee and rollers for even spreading.
Gloves, safety goggles, and a NIOSH-approved respirator for personal protection.
Spiked shoes to allow walking on wet epoxy without leaving marks.
Mixing buckets (use separate containers for different batches to prevent premature curing).

Extra Tip: Lay out tools and materials along the work area in the order you will use them. This will help maintain a smooth workflow and prevent rushing during epoxy’s limited working time.

Step 2: Ground Preparation

1. General Cleaning Steps

Physical Dust Removal:
Sweep or vacuum to remove loose dust, dirt, and peeling paint. A shop vacuum with a brush attachment works best.

Chemical Decontamination:
Use a concrete degreaser to remove oil stains, grease, and chemical residues. Follow manufacturer instructions, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

2. New/Uncoated Concrete Treatment

Curing Requirement:
Allow new concrete to cure for a minimum of 30 days before applying epoxy. Applying too early can trap moisture and cause blistering.

Acid Etching (Optional for Better Adhesion):

Solution Mix: 1 part muriatic acid to 3 parts water.
Procedure:
1. Complete general cleaning first; acid etching fails if surface is oily or dirty.
2. Wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
3. Always add acid to water (never the other way) to avoid dangerous splashes.
4. Work in small sections, scrubbing lightly for even coverage.
5. Rinse with clean water at least 3 times to remove all residue, then let the surface air dry completely.

3. Previously Coated Concrete Treatment

Coating Preparation:
Lightly sand glossy coatings using a concrete grinder to improve adhesion.

Old Layer Removal:
Remove peeling cement, loose coatings, or failing epoxy with a scraper or grinder.

A worker uses a floor sander to smooth and prepare the herringbone - patterned hardwood floor, a crucial pre - application step for epoxy resin—this durable coating, once applied, will bond tightly to the properly abraded surface, creating a glossy, scratch - resistant, and waterproof finish that enhances the wood’s natural beauty and extends its lifespan.

4. Porosity Testing & Optimization

Pour 1 ounce (approximately 30 ml) of water onto the hardwood floor surface and observe absorption:

Absorbs in 1–2 minutes: The surface is sufficiently porous and the epoxy resin can be applied directly.
Beads on surface: The wood density is too high and the surface is too dense. Sanding with a diamond grinder will increase surface roughness and porosity, creating bonding sites for the epoxy resin.

Special note: If the hardwood floor surface contains "laitance" (a fine white powder left after sanding, or a loose powder from the wood itself due to weathering/treatment), re-sanding is necessary to remove the laitance, even if water absorption is normal. Laitance acts as a barrier, significantly reducing the actual bond strength between the epoxy and the wood.

The image shows water beading on a hardwood floor, indicating high wood density and a too - dense surface; thus, sanding with a diamond grinder is needed to boost roughness/porosity for epoxy resin bonding sites, while laitance—loose powder from sanding/weathering—must be removed even if absorption seems normal, as it blocks epoxy - wood bond strength.

5. Damage & Crack Repair

Fill cracks and damaged spots with a gray-based concrete patch compound. Remove old filler or epoxy completely before re-patching. Let repairs cure fully before proceeding.

Step 3: Mixing Instructions

Mixing Process:

Pour Part A (resin) into a clean container.
Add Part B (hardener) at a 2:1 volume ratio.
Mix with an electric mixer at 300–600 RPM for 3–5 minutes until color and texture are uniform.

The image shows the mixing stage of epoxy resin for hardwood floors: Part A (resin) and Part B (hardener) are mixed in a 2:1 volume ratio in a clean container, then agitated with an electric mixer at 300–600 RPM for 3–5 minutes until the gray liquid achieves uniform color and texture, as evidenced by the smooth, consistent mixture in the bucket.

Important Notes:

Coverage: 1 gallon covers ~175 sq.ft at 8 mils thickness.
Bare Concrete: Apply a thin pre-coat to reduce bubbles before main pour.
Pouring Tip: Do not scrape container sides or bottom into the mixture—this can introduce unmixed resin that may cause soft spots.
Working Time: 20–30 minutes after mixing (less in warmer environments). Work quickly but evenly.

Step 4: Pouring & Curing the Resin

Apply epoxy primer first for strong adhesion, sealing, and moisture resistance. Apply resin within 12–24 hours of primer touch-dry for optimal bonding.
Epoxy resin is self-leveling; spread evenly using a notched squeegee, starting from farthest corner toward the exit.
Use a small spreader for detailed areas like around pipes and pillars.
For large areas, have at least two people mixing and pouring simultaneously to maintain a wet edge.
The resin is self-degassing, but for stubborn bubbles, quickly pass a propane torch about 6–8 inches above the surface. Keep moving to avoid scorching.

Step 5: Finished Floor & Application

Curing Time: Surface dries in ~24 hours, but full cure takes ~5 days. Avoid heavy traffic or placing furniture before complete curing.
Design & Aesthetic Options:
- Base gray color can be mixed with pigments for solid or marble-like effects.
- Add metallic powders for shimmer or rock chips for texture.
- Test metallic or artistic effects on a sample board before applying to the floor.
- Clear resin layers can encapsulate coins, glitter, or 3D decals for custom designs.
Working in Sections: Use expansion joints as stopping points if the floor cannot be completed in one pour. Overlapping without joints may cause visible lines.

Maintenance Tip: Once cured, clean regularly with a neutral pH cleaner. Avoid dragging sharp or heavy objects across the surface.

The image showcases a stunning epoxy resin - finished hardwood floor, featuring vibrant, flowing color patterns that highlight the material’s design versatility—incorporating pigments for marble - like effects, metallic powders for shimmer, or encapsulated elements like decals. This glossy surface reflects epoxy resin’s properties: ~24 - hour surface drying, 5 - day full curing (with heavy traffic/furniture placement avoided until then), and the need for regular cleaning with a neutral pH cleaner to maintain its durable, custom - artistic finish.

Final Thoughts

Applying epoxy resin to hardwood floors is a project that can dramatically transform your space. With proper preparation, the right materials, and careful application, you can achieve a finish that is both stunning and long-lasting. If you are ready to start your project, explore our epoxy resin product range to find the perfect kit for your flooring needs.

For further reading on epoxy flooring maintenance and design trends, you can check this resource from Flooring Magazine.

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