Why Chemical Resistance Matters

Concrete may seem strong, but it is highly porous. When exposed to chemicals, unprotected concrete can:

  • Absorb spills, leading to permanent stains

  • Erode, spall, or dust over time

  • Allow contaminants to leach into the soil beneath the slab

  • Become slick or unsafe for workers

This isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a major safety, environmental, and compliance concern.

Industries Most at Risk

  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Alcohols, acids, and cleaning agents can break down flooring.

  • Food & Beverage: Sugars and acids attack concrete and create bacterial harborage points.

  • Automotive & Aerospace: Oils, fuels, and solvents require chemical-resistant coatings.

  • Chemical Processing: Strong acids/alkalis can eat through standard flooring systems.

  • Healthcare & Labs: Sanitizing agents used daily can degrade flooring if not protected.

Flooring Solutions for Chemical Resistance

Epoxy Coatings:

  • Excellent resistance to many acids, alkalis, and solvents

  • Can be installed with broadcast quartz for slip resistance

  • Seamless and easy to clean

Novolac Epoxy Systems:

  • Higher chemical resistance than standard epoxies

  • Ideal for secondary containment areas or strong acid environments

Cementitious Urethane:

  • Superior thermal-shock and chemical resistance

  • Excellent choice for food plants with hot water washdowns

Hybrid Systems:

  • Combining epoxy primer with urethane topcoat for maximum performance

  • Perfect for environments needing both chemical resistance and durability

Key Benefits of Chemical-Resistant Flooring

  • Protects the Slab: Prevents costly structural damage

  • Improves Safety: Reduces slip risk and exposure to harmful substances

  • Supports Compliance: Helps meet EPA, OSHA, FDA, and USDA regulations

  • Simplifies Cleaning: Allows for strong sanitizers without damaging floor

Surface Solutions’ Process

  1. Site Evaluation: Identify all chemical exposures (MSDS review)

  2. System Recommendation: Match resin chemistry to exposure profile

  3. Surface Preparation: Shot blasting or grinding for proper adhesion

  4. Installation: Multi-layer system designed for long-term protection

  5. Verification: Optional chemical-resistance testing on installed system

Case Example

We recently completed a project for a pharmaceutical manufacturer whose existing floor was failing due to constant exposure to alcohol-based cleaning agents. By installing a novolac epoxy system with chemical-resistant urethane topcoat, we:

  • Extended floor lifespan by over 10 years

  • Reduced maintenance downtime by 30%

  • Improved employee safety with slip-resistant finish

Protect Your Facility Before the Next Spill

Call 877-CSTM-FLR
 Email carolina@cstmflr.com Visit www.cstmflr.com

A single spill shouldn’t mean a costly floor replacement. Get a system designed for your chemicals — and your industry.

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