• 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.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Polymer Flake Sizes: Elevate Your Flooring’s Look & Feel

    The Ultimate Guide to Polymer Flake Sizes: Elevate Your Flooring’s Look & Feel

    When it comes to decorative concrete coatings, polymer flakes play a crucial role in aesthetics, durability, and texture. While many people focus on color choices, the flake size can dramatically change the look, feel, and performance of a floor. At Private Label Coating (PLC), we specialize in both standard and hybrid polymer flake systems, giving customers the flexibility to achieve their desired finish.

    In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between standard and hybrid flake sizes, their impact on flooring texture and style, and which options work best for different applications.

    What Are Polymer Flakes in Flooring?

    Polymer flakes, also known as vinyl flakes or decorative chips, are used in epoxy, polyaspartic, and urethane floor coatings to create a durable, slip-resistant, and visually appealing surface. These flakes are broadcast into a base coat, then sealed with a clear topcoat to protect against wear and tear.

    The two main flake size options are: 

    Standard Polymer Flakes – Consist of one uniform size throughout the floor. 

    Hybrid Polymer Flakes – A blend of multiple flake sizes for a more dynamic and natural finish.

    Standard Polymer Flakes: Clean & Uniform

    • Size Options: Typically 1/4″, 1/8″, or 1/16” in diameter.
    • Best for: Customers who want a consistent and structured look.
    • Even, uniform coverage with a balanced texture.
    • Creates a clean, professional aesthetic—ideal for commercial or residential garages.
    • Offers a moderate level of texture for slip resistance.
    • Easier to repair since the flake distribution is predictable.

    Common Applications: Garages, warehouses, showrooms, and office spaces that need a professional, sleek look.
    Pro Tip: Larger flakes (1/4″) create a bold, more textured look, while smaller flakes (1/16″) result in a finer, more speckled appearance.

    Hybrid Polymer Flakes: Dynamic & Natural Aesthetic

    • Size Options: A mix of 1/4″, 1/8″, 1/16″, and even finer flakes.
    • Best for: Those who want a more organic, high-end appearance with enhanced texture.
    • Mimics the natural variation found in granite, quartz, and stone surfaces.
    • Provides a richer depth and more organic flow compared to standard flakes.
    • Increased texture and slip resistance, making it great for outdoor applications.
    • Hides imperfections in concrete better due to its multi-size flake blend.

    Common Applications: Patios, pool decks, high-end retail spaces, and custom-designed interiors.
    Pro Tip: Hybrid flakes create a more natural stone-like effect, making them a great alternative for luxury spaces.

    How Flake Size Impacts Texture & Performance

    Beyond just looks, flake size affects how a floor feels underfoot, its slip resistance, and how well it hides imperfections.

    For higher traction: Go with larger flakes or hybrid blends.
    For a sleeker, high-end look: Choose smaller flakes or fine hybrids.

    Choosing the Right Flake System for Your Project

    For garages & industrial spaces → 1/4” standard flakes offer a professional, durable finish.
    For retail & custom designs → Hybrid blends provide a more upscale, natural aesthetic.
    For pool decks & patios → Hybrid blends with larger flakes enhance grip and visual appeal.
    For seamless indoor surfaces → Smaller 1/8” or 1/16” flakes create a fine, speckled effect.

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing between standard and hybrid polymer flake sizes comes down to the style, texture, and durability needs of your project. At PLC, we help customers find the perfect flake system to match their vision—whether they need a clean, professional finish or a dynamic, natural aesthetic.

    Looking to upgrade your flooring? Contact PLC today for expert advice on the best polymer flake system for your space!