• The Ultimate Aviation Flooring Showdown: Thin-Mil vs. High-Build Epoxy – Discover the Best Protection for Your Hangars and Maintenance Facilities

    The Ultimate Aviation Flooring Showdown: Thin-Mil vs. High-Build Epoxy – Discover the Best Protection for Your Hangars and Maintenance Facilities

    Aviation facilities demand high-performance flooring that can withstand heavy loads, frequent traffic, and exposure to harsh chemicals like jet fuel and hydraulic fluids. Selecting the right epoxy coating—whether thin-mil or high-build—plays a crucial role in ensuring durability, safety, and long-term cost savings. This guide explores the differences between thin-mil and high-build epoxy to help you determine the best choice for your aviation flooring needs.

    What is Thin-Mil Epoxy?

    Thin-mil epoxy coatings are lightweight, durable solutions. They are composed of resin and hardener that cure into a seamless, glossy finish.

    Best Applications for Thin-Mil Epoxy:

    • Light-duty hangars and aircraft storage areas.
    • Office and administrative sections within aviation facilities.
    • Low-traffic zones where heavy impact resistance isn’t a top priority.

    Benefits of Thin-Mil Epoxy:

    • Cost-Effective: Requires fewer materials, making it a budget-friendly option.
    • Quick Installation: Cures faster, minimizing downtime.
    • Glossy Aesthetic: Provides a smooth, high-shine surface that enhances lighting.

    Limitations of Thin-Mil Epoxy:

    • Lower Durability: Less resistant to heavy aircraft loads and impact.
    • Limited Chemical Resistance: May degrade over time with exposure to aviation fluids.
    • Minimal Thickness: Offers less protection against cracks and wear.

    What is High-Build Epoxy?

    High-build epoxy coatings provide a thicker, more robust surface. These coatings are designed for heavy-duty use and can incorporate additives for enhanced strength, chemical resistance, and anti-slip properties.

    Best Applications for High-Build Epoxy:

    • Aircraft maintenance and repair hangars.
    • High-traffic zones with frequent equipment movement.
    • Areas exposed to fuels, oils, and corrosive substances.

    Benefits of High-Build Epoxy:

    • Superior Durability: Withstands heavy loads, dropped tools, and abrasions.
    • High Chemical Resistance: Protects against aviation fuel, oil, and cleaning agents.
    • Customizable Additives: Can include anti-slip textures and enhanced reflectivity.

    Limitations of High-Build Epoxy:

    • Longer Cure Time: Requires extended drying, increasing downtime.
    • Higher Cost: More material and labor-intensive than thin-mil options.

    Special Considerations for Aviation Flooring

    • Fuel and Chemical Resistance: Hangar floors must resist harsh aviation fluids without degrading.
    • Impact Resistance: High-build epoxy provides better protection against dropped tools and heavy equipment movement.
    • Reflectivity: A well-lit hangar improves visibility and safety—glossy epoxy enhances this effect.
    • Anti-Slip Solutions: While smooth epoxy is easy to clean, textured finishes help prevent slips and falls.

    Selecting between thin-mil and high-build epoxy depends on the specific needs of your aviation facility. Thin-mil epoxy works well for light-duty areas, while high-build epoxy offers long-lasting protection in high-traffic, high-impact environments. Investing in the right flooring solution will enhance safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure the longevity of your aviation facility.

    For expert guidance in choosing the best epoxy coating for your aviation flooring, consult with the professionals at Private Label Coating.

  • Why Stunning Terrazzo Floors Dominate Airports Around the World

    Why Stunning Terrazzo Floors Dominate Airports Around the World

    Airports are among the highest-traffic environments in the world, requiring flooring that can endure millions of footsteps, rolling luggage, cleaning machines, and even minor vehicle traffic. Terrazzo has become the flooring of choice for many airports due to its durability, hygiene, design flexibility, sustainability, and long-term cost efficiency. Most terrazzo installations are carried out by skilled union workers, who undergo specialized training to ensure high-quality craftsmanship, safety compliance, and efficient coordination on large-scale projects.

    Why Are Most Terrazzo Installers Union Workers?

    Most terrazzo installers are members of trade unions such as the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) or the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA). This trend is due to several critical factors:

    The Role of Unions in Terrazzo Installation

    1. Highly Specialized Skillset

    Terrazzo installation is a complex, labor-intensive process involving mixing, pouring, grinding, and polishing. The trade requires extensive training, typically acquired through union-led apprenticeship programs.

    2. Strict Safety & Quality Standards

    Union-trained workers adhere to OSHA regulations and rigorous quality standards, ensuring that airport flooring meets durability, safety, and aesthetic expectations.

    3. Government & Public Contracts

    Many airport projects are publicly funded and require union labor or prevailing wage workers per contractual agreements. This ensures fair wages and skilled labor for major infrastructure projects.

    4. Collective Bargaining Power

    Unions negotiate for higher wages, benefits, and job security, making unionized terrazzo installation an attractive and stable career choice.

    5. Large-Scale Project Coordination

    Airports often require large teams of workers operating on strict deadlines. Union labor ensures a qualified, well-coordinated workforce capable of completing massive projects efficiently and to a high standard.

    The Benefits of Terrazzo Flooring in Airports

    1. Unmatched Durability

    Terrazzo is incredibly resilient, often lasting over 50 years with minimal maintenance. It resists heavy wear, impact, and moisture, making it the ideal choice for constant foot traffic and heavy equipment use.

    2. Seamless & Hygienic Surface

    Unlike tile, terrazzo has no grout lines where dirt, bacteria, or moisture can accumulate. This makes it easy to clean and maintain, a crucial factor in high-traffic public spaces like airports.

    3. Custom Design Flexibility

    Terrazzo allows for intricate logos, wayfinding paths, and large-scale artistic designs, enhancing branding and navigation within an airport. Its ability to incorporate vibrant colors and detailed patterns makes it a practical yet visually striking flooring choice.

    4. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable

    Many terrazzo systems incorporate recycled materials such as glass, marble chips, or porcelain, aligning with modern airport sustainability initiatives. It can also contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious projects.

    5. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

    While terrazzo has a high initial installation cost, its durability and low maintenance make it a cost-effective investment over time. Airports benefit from reduced repair and replacement expenses, ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal for decades.

    The Alternative: Epoxy Flake Systems as a Cost-Effective Substitute

    While terrazzo is an excellent flooring solution, its labor-intensive and expensive nature has led many commercial clients to seek cost-effective alternatives. One popular option is epoxy flake flooring, which offers a terrazzo-inspired aesthetic with several advantages:

    • Lower installation costs – Epoxy flake systems are about one-third of the price of terrazzo.
    • Faster application – Installation takes 3–5 days compared to the several weeks required for terrazzo.
    • Increased flexibility – Unlike rigid cement-based terrazzo, epoxy flake floors are less prone to cracking.
    • Custom color & texture options – Businesses can achieve a terrazzo-like look while customizing the flooring to match their branding and design preferences.

    Epoxy flake systems offer a practical alternative for commercial spaces that want the durability and visual appeal of terrazzo without the high cost and extended installation time.

    Terrazzo remains the gold standard for airport flooring due to its durability, design versatility, and long-term value. However, for businesses seeking a more budget-friendly alternative, epoxy flake systems provide an excellent substitute. Whether prioritizing longevity or affordability, both options deliver high-performance, visually appealing flooring solutions for commercial spaces.

    PLC offers both terrazzo and epoxy flake flooring solutions, ensuring clients receive the best option to meet their budget, aesthetic, and performance needs.