In short
Self-leveling epoxy is a system in which a low-viscosity epoxy mix is poured onto the slab and settles under its own weight into a flat, seamless layer 2–3 mm thick. It is the best choice for spaces that need a smooth, hygienic and easily cleaned floor: hospitals, laboratories, food production areas, offices, retail spaces and light-to-medium duty production facilities.
Also known as: self-levelling epoxy · self-smoothing epoxy · poured epoxy floor · epoxy screed
What is it?
What is Self-Leveling Epoxy Flooring?
Self-leveling epoxy flooring is the most widely specified industrial and commercial system: a low-viscosity epoxy resin that, once poured, settles under its own weight into a perfectly level surface.
Self-leveling epoxy systems use a far more fluid formulation than conventional epoxy, so that after pouring they form a truly horizontal plane across the floor. Because they leave no trowel marks, the result is exceptionally homogeneous and smooth. Zeminsan Epoksi applies these systems at 2 to 3 mm using European resins, for results that are both long-lasting and attractive. They are available in smooth gloss or matt finishes, in a single colour or in colour combinations.
This system is part of the Epoxy Floor Coating family; you can compare it with the others in the table below.
System Types and Variants
- Two-coat self-leveling (1.5–2 mm)
- Offices, retail and light commercial spaces.
- Three-coat quartz-reinforced self-leveling (2–3 mm)
- Hospitals, food production, manufacturing, heavy foot and pallet-truck traffic.
- Antibacterial self-leveling
- Silver-ion additive; operating theatres, clinics, food packing halls.
- Slip-resistant self-leveling
- Fine quartz or aluminium oxide broadcast, R10–R11; for wet working areas.
- Matt or gloss finish
- Gloss for showrooms and offices; matt where reflection is unwanted, in production and healthcare areas.
How Is It Applied? The Stages
- 1. Surface preparationDiamond grinding or shot-blasting; oil, dust and laitance removed, cracks filled with epoxy mortar, moisture measured (< 4%).
- 2. Epoxy primerA primer that saturates the pores; on damp slabs a moisture-barrier primer is used. Cures in 12–24 hours.
- 3. Quartz-broadcast build coat (optional)A textured, hard-wearing carrier layer that adds thickness and strength in high-traffic areas.
- 4. Self-leveling pourComponents A and B are mixed, poured, spread with a notched trowel and squeegee, then de-aerated with a spiked roller; 1.5–3 mm.
- 5. Top coat (optional)Matt or gloss polyurethane seal: improves scratch, UV and chemical resistance.
- 6. CuringFoot traffic after 24 hours, light vehicles after 72 hours, full strength after 7 days.
Technical Specifications
Where It Is Used
- Hospital and clinic floors
- Commercial kitchens and restaurants
- Pharmacies and healthcare facilities
- Offices and corporate buildings
- Retail stores and shopping centres
- Logistics warehouses and distribution centres
Advantages
- 01 Perfectly flat, smooth surface
- 02 Fast and straightforward application
- 03 Wide choice of colours and effects
- 04 Seamless, hygienic finish
- 05 Easy cleaning and low maintenance cost
Drawbacks and Limitations
- It is the system most sensitive to moisture and poor preparation; this is the main cause of blistering.
- A smooth gloss surface can be slippery when wet; a slip-resistant additive can be added where needed.
- Under heavy point loads and constant forklift traffic 2–3 mm may not be enough; textured epoxy or mortar is recommended.
- It does not create falls: if the slab has no gradient, drainage must be resolved separately.
When Should You Choose It?
Choose it when
- Where hygiene and a joint-free surface come first (hospitals, pharmaceutical, food, laboratories).
- Where a clean, corporate and smooth appearance is wanted (offices, showrooms, retail).
- Where foot and pallet-truck traffic is moderate.
Consider another system
- Heavy forklift and impact loads → textured epoxy or epoxy mortar.
- Permanently wet or oily floors where slip resistance comes first → textured epoxy (R11–R12).
- Outdoors → stone carpet or a polyurethane system.
Epoxy Flooring Systems Compared
| System | Thickness | Service life | Traffic | Slip resistance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Paint / Coating | 0.3 – 0.6 mm | 5 – 8 years | Light – medium | Smooth (R9–R10 with additive) | Garages, warehouses, workshops, dust-proofing |
| Self-Leveling Epoxy | 2 – 3 mm | 10 – 15 years | Medium – heavy foot, light vehicle | Smooth (R9–R10 with additive) | Hospitals, offices, food plants, retail |
| Textured (Multilayer) | 4 – 8 mm | 15 – 20 years | Heavy — forklift, truck | R11 – R12 | Factories, warehouses, ramps, wet areas |
| Epoxy Mortar | 4 – 9+ mm | 15 – 25 years | Very heavy, impact | R10 – R12 (texture dependent) | Food/chemical plants, concrete repair |
| Anti-Static / ESD Epoxy | 2 – 3 mm | 10 – 15 years | Medium | Smooth | Electronics, data centres, operating theatres |
| Metallic Epoxy | 2 – 3 mm | 8 – 12 years | Foot, light commercial | Smooth (gloss) | Showrooms, lobbies, villas, cafés |
| Stone Carpet | 8 – 15 mm | 8 – 12 years | Foot, light vehicle | R11 – R12 | Outdoors: gardens, terraces, poolsides |
Alternative Systems
- Textured epoxy
- Where heavy traffic and slip resistance come first.
- Epoxy paint / coating
- Where the budget is limited and traffic is light.
- Self-leveling polyurethane
- Where flexibility, sound damping and thermal shock resistance are needed.
What Drives the Price
- Number of coats and total thickness (two coats, or three with a quartz carrier)
- Surface preparation (grinding, repair, moisture barrier)
- Size of the area
- Type of top coat (polyurethane seal, matt or gloss)
- Antibacterial or slip-resistant additives
- Colour and line-marking work
Self-Leveling Epoxy: 750 – 1.600 ₺/m²
Epoxy Floor Coating Prices →
A firm price per m² is given only after a free site survey, based on the condition of the slab and the system chosen.
Relevant Standards and Technical References
- EN 13813 (SR — synthetic resin screed)
- EN 1504-2 (surface protection)
- ISO 2409 / ASTM D4541 (adhesion)
- DIN 51130 (slip resistance, on systems with additive)
Technical data sheets (TDS) and certificates of conformity for the products used are provided at quotation stage.
Warranty
Zeminsan Epoksi provides a 5-year written warranty covering both labour and materials on Self-Leveling Epoxy Flooring. The scope of the warranty (blistering, delamination, loss of adhesion) and the maintenance conditions are set out explicitly in the contract.
