Epoxy floors and countertops are frequently used to give your home, garage, or business an extra shine and a polished, finished look, but the material can also be useful in outdoor applications. Exterior epoxy can increase durability and add to the appearance of a variety of surfaces, but with the different demands of weather and use, it’s best to think carefully about what you need and how epoxy works before getting started.
Exterior Epoxy Uses
Epoxy is waterproof and weather resistant, making it an excellent material for protecting your outdoor tabletops and patio or deck floors that will be exposed to the elements. Epoxy is also resistant to many chemicals, so it is also useful for coating the floor of your garage or workshop. Whether it’s a wood tabletop, a concrete floor, or outdoor furniture, exterior epoxy can add a glossy, clear finish that protects and beautifies your surfaces.
What to Avoid
While exterior epoxy can be a great choice, it’s important to understand how epoxy works to ensure you have the best results.
- Block the sun. While epoxy is usually clear when applied, continual exposure to UV rays from sunlight can cause yellowing. Exterior epoxy is exposed to more sunlight than epoxy used for indoor purposes, so it’s important to use a type of UV-resistant epoxy when using it outdoors. You may also choose to use colored epoxy to give your surfaces a brighter pop and make any yellowing effects less noticeable.
- Avoid slip hazards. Epoxy is very smooth, but this can also make it slick when wet. If you’re using epoxy in your pool or deck area, use caution to avoid accidents, and consider adding slip-resistant materials to the coating when having it poured.
- Consider the curing environment. Once your exterior epoxy has had time to harden, upkeep is overall very simple. But when it is still soft, it’s important not to expose the epoxy to extreme or changing temperatures. If you’re applying the epoxy outdoors, choose a day when rain isn’t in the forecast, and when the temperature won’t drop too much overnight. Remember leaves and debris can stick in the soft epoxy and cause imperfections, so avoid applying it near areas with trees or shrubs. After the first 24 hours, your epoxy will have hardened, and you’ll be able to enjoy the shiny, durable coating without any further worry.