There are many different variables when it comes to determining how long it takes an epoxy coating to reach full cure and therefore full trafficability, however several insights can be provided here to explain what is to be expected.
Firstly, it is important to note that curing is not the same as drying. Curing is a chemical process that occurs as the epoxy resin and hardener react with each other to form a strong, durable bond. Drying, on the other hand, simply refers to the evaporation of solvent or water from the epoxy mixture.
Typically, most epoxy coatings will be dry in 12 – 24 hours and fully cured in 7 – 14 days at 25°C. The variable is largely temperature and airflow. The more airflow the faster the epoxy will dry and the higher the temperature the faster the epoxy will cure. In cooler temperatures especially sub-10°C, epoxy coatings will take significantly longer to dry and cure. Where a faster turnaround time is required one of the best ways to speed up the cure of epoxy is by heating the area to be coated.
All epoxy coatings reach full serviceability once they reach full cure. While most epoxy coatings seem hard and ready for full traffic within 24 hours the reality is there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. Although the epoxy is dry, it is still busy cross linking, creating the toughness and resilience required for full service.
If a floor is placed back into service prior to full cure the epoxy is at risk of permanent damage from scratching, impact damage, staining and if moisture is involved e.g. cool rooms, it will permanently retard the cure, greatly lessening the life of your floor coating.
As a rule of thumb light traffic is acceptable after a minimum of 48 hours curing time and full traffic after 7 days curing time. When using the floor after 48 hours it is important to minimize any possible damage by wearing socks if possible and putting down soft mats when using trolleys to move furniture or appliances.
