Epoxy Resin Flooring Finishes Explained: Gloss, Satin, Metallic, and Flake

Choose the right epoxy finish for your space. From high-gloss showrooms to textured anti-slip coatings – understand the options and their ideal applications.

Understanding Epoxy Finish Options

The finish you choose for your epoxy floor affects both aesthetics and functionality. Gloss levels determine appearance and cleanability, while texture choices impact slip resistance and durability. Selecting the right combination ensures your floor looks great and performs optimally for its intended use.

Different environments have different priorities. A retail showroom might prioritize high gloss for visual impact, while an industrial kitchen needs texture for slip resistance regardless of gloss level. Understanding your options helps you make the right specification.

Finish Types and Their Applications

High Gloss Finishes

High gloss epoxy creates a mirror-like finish that enhances colours and makes spaces feel larger and brighter. It's perfect for retail environments, showrooms, and galleries where visual impact matters.

The downside is that high gloss shows every mark, footprint, and dust particle. It requires frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance. In wet conditions without anti-slip additives, it can also be slippery.

For showrooms and retail spaces where appearance is paramount but slip resistance is also needed, we often use a high gloss base with fine anti-slip aggregate in the topcoat – providing shine with safety.

Satin and Semi-Gloss Finishes

Satin finishes offer a subtle sheen that looks professional without the maintenance demands of high gloss. This is often the best choice for offices, healthcare facilities, and educational buildings.

The lower reflectivity means the floor doesn't show every footprint or minor scuff. It still looks smart and clean but is more forgiving in high-traffic areas. Satin finishes also reduce glare from overhead lighting, creating a more comfortable visual environment.

Matte and Low-Sheen Finishes

Matte epoxy has minimal shine and is ideal for industrial environments where function trumps aesthetics. It hides wear patterns better than gloss finishes and provides better natural slip resistance.

Warehouses and manufacturing facilities often specify matte finishes because they don't show forklift traffic marks as readily. The surface ages more gracefully, maintaining a consistent appearance even under heavy use.

Decorative Finishes: Metallic Effects

Metallic epoxy creates unique three-dimensional effects that mimic flowing water, clouds, or marble. The appearance is created by adding metallic pigments that move and settle in patterns as the epoxy cures.

These finishes work beautifully in feature areas – reception desks, restaurant interiors, and residential spaces. Each installation is unique, and the final appearance depends on application technique and how the pigments interact.

Metallic finishes typically cost 50-80% more than standard epoxy due to specialized materials and skilled application requirements. They're usually sealed with a clear topcoat for protection and enhanced depth.

Flake and Chip Systems

Flake epoxy systems involve broadcasting coloured vinyl or acrylic flakes onto wet base coat. Once sealed with clear topcoat, this creates an attractive, textured finish with excellent slip resistance and the ability to hide substrate imperfections.

Popular in garages, car showrooms, and commercial buildings, flake systems offer nearly unlimited colour combinations. Flake density can vary from light (10-20% coverage) to full broadcast (100% coverage) depending on aesthetic preference and slip resistance requirements.

The texture from flakes provides natural anti-slip properties without appearing industrial. This makes flake systems ideal for areas where safety and appearance both matter.

Anti-Slip and Textured Finishes

Where slip resistance is critical – wet rooms, ramps, commercial kitchens, and vehicle access areas – anti-slip aggregates are broadcast into the topcoat. These create measurable slip resistance that meets HSE guidelines.

Slip-resistant coatings for gym flooring prevent accidents in environments where sweat and moisture are constant. The texture needs to be sufficient for safety but not so aggressive that it's uncomfortable for barefoot use or difficult to clean.

Hygienic, food-grade finishes for commercial kitchens require careful texture selection. The surface needs slip resistance when wet but must also be cleanable to food safety standards. Fine-grade aggregates or light flake systems often provide the best balance.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Application

Consider three factors when selecting a finish: safety requirements (slip resistance needs), aesthetic goals (appearance and brand alignment), and maintenance capacity (how much cleaning you can commit to).

In many cases, multiple finishes work. A healthcare facility might use high gloss in reception areas for impact, satin in corridors for practicality, and textured finishes in wet rooms for safety. Discussing your specific requirements with experienced contractors ensures you specify the optimal system.

Finish Selection Quick Guide