FAQ

Frequently asked questions

All information on the resin and its applications


Find out more about our industry with our insights and studies.

1 WHAT IS RESIN?
It is a viscous material, capable of hardening cold or hot. It is generally a large class of different and complex polymers, which can be obtained with a great variety of methods and raw materials. Resin is a synthetic binder used for flooring, cladding, structural consolidation, construction of furniture components, etc.
2WHO USES SYNTHETIC RESIN?
Virtually every production sector uses resins of synthetic origin, from mechanics to the hospital sector, passing through the food sector, up to the construction sector.
3 WHO PRODUCES THE SYNTHETIC RESIN?
The raw material is produced in large chemical factories. This material cannot be used directly on site because it does not guarantee the minimum physical and chemical resistance required. The raw materials must be reformulated and added to achieve the technical / aesthetic performance that the customer requires. The formulation and production of these products, as well as the tests and related certifications, are the work of the so-called 'formulators', chemical companies specializing in the production of "resin formulations".
4IS THE RESIN ECOLOGICAL?
Find out in our in-depth analysis!
5CAN THE RESINS FOR FLOORS AND COVERINGS BE APPLIED DIRECTLY BY THE END CUSTOMER?
No, as the correct evaluation of the existing support, the suitable design of the resin system and the correct application of the cycle require professionally trained personnel, able to have professional tools and specific skills capable of minimizing the problems that may arise in any situation. of construction site. Inexperienced applicators are unable to manage all the design and environmental variables present on site, producing coatings with defects and / or imperfections.
6HOW ARE THE RESINS APPLIED?
Usually by roller, brush or trowel (smooth or notched), depending on the resin material used.
7 WHAT THICKNESS IS A RESIN FLOOR?
It depends on the chosen cycle. The range varies from a few tenths of a millimeter (film) up to screeds over 1 centimeter. In most situations, the thickness is about 2-3 mm, which is useful for avoiding problems with heights and interventions on thresholds, doors and entrance doors.
Discover Sivit application cycles.
8HOW MUCH DOES A FINISHED RESIN FLOOR COST?
It really depends on the chosen cycle. They range from 8-10 €/m 2 for a painting, up to 100 €/m 2 for vitrified artistic decorative solutions. In the industrial sector, given the large sizes and the lower aesthetic requirements, the costs hardly exceed 30-35 €/m 2, while in the civil-commercial sector the threshold moves higher and a classic trowel-covered resin floor can cost around 80 €/m 2. The correct price can be communicated to the client after inspection and definition of the suitable cycle.
9WHERE CAN A RESIN SYSTEM BE APPLIED?
On flat surfaces in general. It is necessary that the support has the necessary compressive strength requirements, as the resinous layer is not able, on its own, to make up for this deficiency. If the substrate is made of concrete, it must be mature, i.e. it must have completed the shrinkage phase due to the drying process: coating a screed that has not yet cured leads to the formation of cracks in the resin resulting from the movement of the substrate. Finally, the cohesion of the support is important since the resin, hardening, tends to shrink and 'tear' the non-aggregated areas of the surface.
10CAN RESIN BE APPLIED VERTICAL?
Yes, with reduced thicknesses. For vertical application, additives are often added to the normal formulation for floors, which have the task of thickening the product.
11CAN CONTINUITY BE MADE BETWEEN WALL AND FLOOR?
Yes. It is possible to create coves of varying sizes between the floor and the wall, in order to ensure surface continuity. The material to be used to make them must be more elastic, since it must absorb the movements that occur between the horizontal and vertical planes.
12I HAVE CHOSEN THE SAME COLOR FOR THE FLOOR AND WALL. THE APPLICATOR ASSURED ME THAT HE USED THE SAME PRODUCT, BUT I SEE THEM SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. WHAT HAPPENED?
Most likely it is an effect of light, or rather of the reflection of the rays of light that strike the two surfaces. The different reflection of the walls and floor with respect to the customer's point of observation easily generates this slight difference in perceived color.
13THE SURFACE OF THE FLOOR, IN BACKLIGHT, IS COMPLETELY SMOOTH. THE ONE ON THE WALLS SEEMS TO 'ORANGE PEEL'. BECAUSE?
Because on the floor the transparent protective layer has had the opportunity to stretch, self-level, and thus give a smooth appearance. On the wall this process cannot take place due to the force of gravity: the applicator must put less material (otherwise it would run) and the roller can leave hairs visible against the light. To overcome this problem, the clear coat can be applied.
14CAN THE STAIRS BE COVERED IN RESIN?
Yes. Always keeping in mind the type of resin chosen, it is possible to cover stair treads and risers. The edges of the steps are areas at risk, so it is correct to evaluate the installation of suitable edge protectors.
15CAN FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS BE COVERED?
Yes. Based on the type of substrate (wood, glass, plastic, ceramic, etc.), the suitable cycle is established to obtain the desired aesthetic effects.
16CAN THE WALLS OF SHOWERS AND BATHROOMS BE COVERED IN RESIN? AND THE SHOWER TRAYS
Yes, without problems, choosing the right cycle. Once the application of the resinous layers is finished, the surfaces are non-permeable and resistant to the action of personal hygiene products. But be careful: a guaranteed waterproofing of the shower area is required, to be carried out under the cement substrate (screed or smoothing). The final resinous layer alone cannot guarantee waterproofing (unless specifically studied in the design phase of the application cycle).
17CAN AN EXISTING FLOOR BE COVERED IN RESIN?
Absolutely yes, it is one of the strengths of resin floors. The low thickness applied, the strong adhesion to the support, the elimination of pre-existing joints, make it very often cheaper not to dismantle the old floor and coat it with resin. In the case of tiled floors, it is necessary to correctly evaluate the adhesion of the tiles to the substrate: large areas of low adhesion (vacuum sound) require adequate treatment before applying the resin.
18WHICH MATERIALS CAN BE COATED WITH RESIN?
Sand/cement screeds, concrete, ceramic, natural stone, wood, glass, plasterboard, etc.
Conversely, elastic materials (rubber or linoleum) and substrates that are not sufficiently consistent (polystyrene, earth, etc.) can be coated in resin.
19CAN THE RESIN BE APPLIED ON A DAMP SUPPORT OR IN THE PRESENCE OF RISING HUMIDITY?
It is necessary to choose suitable application cycles in the presence of humidity. A correct assessment of rising damp and support is a necessary condition to avoid bubbles, swelling and detachment of the resin. During the laying phase, it is also necessary to keep the temperature and ambient humidity monitored: after the resin has hardened, humidity and deposit water no longer represent any problem.
20CAN THE RESIN BE APPLIED ON A SCREED WITH THE FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM?
Absolutely yes. The resin, due to its low thickness and high thermal conductivity, is one of the best solutions to conduct the greatest amount of color from the floor to the living environment. Discover our in-depth analysis.
21DETERIORATED AND UNCONNECTED FLOORS CAN BE REPAIRED WITH RESIN?
Yes, there are several resin based solutions. There is the correct cycle for each thickness to be made. The typical intervention range for resin solutions varies from a few millimeters to 2-3 centimeters. Higher thicknesses lead to excessive costs and the use of concrete is more effective.
22HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE A RESIN FLOOR?
It depends on the cycle used and on the environmental and substrate conditions. With specific products it is difficult to exceed 5-6 days.
23HOW MANY DAYS MUST PASS BEFORE YOU CAN TRAD ON A RESIN FLOOR?
Resin floors can usually be walked on the next day, while the maximum resistance to compression and scratching is reached between 3 and 7 days.
24THE RESIN FLOOR IS FINISHED AND THE DECORATOR OR THE HYDRAULIC MUST ENTER. WHEN CAN THEY DO IT?
Normally the next day. Only if the temperature is particularly low it may be necessary to wait 48 hours.
25DOES THE RESIN FLOOR SCRATCH?
Like all floors, even those in resin are subject to wear, the more pronounced the more important is the mechanical aggression to which the floor is subjected. Usually, in resin floors it is the final protective transparent layer that is eroded: the harder this layer, the less scratched the floor will be. Today, research provides resin products with performances comparable to the hardest natural stones and superior to any parquet available. However, it is true that the performance provided by normal porcelain stoneware is today even higher than that of resin.
26DOES THE RESIN FLOOR GET STAINED?
The resin floor is not absorbent, but it can be stained on the surface. Just warm water and a rag to remove most of the dirt problems. With a little neutral detergent you should solve all the problems.
27HOW LONG DOES A RESIN FLOOR LAST?
The actions of external pollutants lead to deterioration of the resin floor, the faster the heavier they are. Indicatively, and based on the resin cycle chosen, a resin floor lasts several years, during which it tends to lose more of its aesthetic characteristics than its performance (opacification, scratches, etc.). Regenerating the resin floor is however a fairly simple, fast and inexpensive process: it is sufficient to apply a new coat of transparent protective and the floor returns to its former glory. It is a bit like smoothing parquet, except that in the long run the thickness of the wood runs out, while the resin floor remains unchanged.
28CAN A RESIN FLOOR BE REPAIRED?
Sure. For every "problem" there is a "solution". It is up to the applicator, having verified the damage, to suggest which product to apply, based on the type of resin present and the required aesthetic appearance. Normally repairing a resin floor takes little time, resulting in a cost-effective intervention.
29CAN A RESIN FLOOR BE RENEWED?
Yes. Normally it is sufficient to apply the last layer of transparent or colored protective to restore a resin floor to its former glory. The intervention involves sanding the floor with medium-fine grain, suction and roller application of the resinous protective. The intervention is cheap and fast: it is enough to free the intervention areas from all the furniture, to avoid leaving untreated areas that could, in the future, be exposed with the variation of the furniture arrangement.
30CAN I MAKE A RESIN FLOOR WITHOUT MOVING HEAVY FURNITURE OR MACHINERY?
Yes, that's not a problem. Obviously, when the furniture or machinery is moved, an uncoated part of the floor will be discovered.
31HOW DO YOU CLEAN A RESIN FLOOR?
The continuous and non-absorbent surface of a resin floor allows easy cleaning, using simple warm water and a cloth. In case of persistent dirt, a non-foaming neutral detergent can be used. In general, all parquet cleaning products are good for a resin floor. Ammonia (and the like) should be avoided since, if left to act for a long time, it can cause halos in the transparent protective.
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32DO RESIN FLOORS HAVE A FIRE REACTION CLASS?
The fire reaction characteristics vary according to the cycle and the products used. From this point of view, the performance products refer to the European standard UNI EN 13501-1: 2009.
33ARE RESIN FLOORS NON-SLIP?
Yes. Anti-slip is a feature that may be requested when defining the application cycle. Some resin products are non-slip due to their own characteristics, others can be made non-slip by adding quartz or glass beads in the quantity appropriate to the customer's needs.
34IS THE RESIN FLOOR WATERPROOF?
Waterproofing is one of the intrinsic characteristics of resins, however it should not be confused with the waterproofing action. If a real waterproofing (watertight seal) is required, it is necessary to use a resin cycle designed for this purpose. If only non-absorbency is required, then any quality resinous product is adequate.
35ARE RESIN FLOORS ANTISTATIC AND CONDUCTIVE?
Yes, there are specific cycles that are used in those situations in which it is necessary to make an antistatic floor: electronics industry, hospitals, laboratories, etc.
36ARE RESIN FLOORS CHEMICAL RESISTANT?
Yes, there are precise cycles that are used in those situations in which the resistance to chemical aggression of the floor/covering is held in high regard.
37CAN RESIN BE IN CONTACT WITH FOOD?
Yes, there are precise cycles that are used to make coatings suitable for contact with food, in accordance with circular no. 102/78 of the Ministry of Health.
38WHAT TEMPERATURES DO RESIN FLOORING RESIST?
The resins can be used from -30 ° C up to be sterilized with steam. For each scenario there are specific products and the definition of the cycle must be made on the basis of the operating temperatures.
39DO RESIN FURNITURE AND COVERINGS RELEASE ODORS IN THE ROOMS?
Once applied and hardened, the resin is an inert system free from any kind of odor. During the application phase there are formulations that do not release odors (water and solvent-free) and others with solvent that release odors. Avoiding the use of the latter, in industrial plants it is possible to create resinous flooring with the production activity in progress.
40IS THE RESIN TOXIC?
During the installation phase, the instructions on the Technical and Safety Data Sheets of the individual product must be followed. Once applied and hardened, the resin is an inert system and therefore has no toxicity. Among our customers we include floors for hospitals, medical / dental offices, meat / food processing, and the like.
41CAN THE RESIN BE APPLIED OUTSIDE?
Only some types of resins (for example polyurethane ones) have characteristics capable of resisting freezing and atmospheric agents and therefore are suitable for outdoor application.
42IS IT POSSIBLE TO COLOR THE RESIN?
The resins "are born" transparent or neutral and then all can be colored without problems. Each type of resin has its own specific dyes (available at color stores). This feature allows for unlimited color possibilities, essentially linked to the aesthetic aspect that the customer wishes to obtain (monochrome, brushing, glazing, vitrification, etc.).
43CAN OBJECTS BE ENGAGED IN THE RESIN FLOOR?
Yes, it is possible. The foresight is to choose thin objects, since more thickness means more resin and more resin means higher costs. It is necessary to clean the objects well and, if you choose to incorporate a large print, we recommend using micro-perforated formats, which allow the resin to penetrate the printed layer and "glue" it to the support (avoiding the "sheet").
44WHAT AESTHETIC EFFECTS CAN BE OBTAINED WITH RESINS?
The variety of products and application cycles guarantees a multiplicity of achievable effects, which is unmatched compared to other finishing solutions: from textured trowels, to smooth monochromatic self-leveling products, from the mix of resin and marble, up to the inserts of every type (leaves gold, optical fibers, metallizations, rosettes, mosaics, etc.).
45WHY USE FLOOR RESIN IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR?
To create, protect and restore floors that must be equipped with adequate mechanical or chemical resistance. In the industrial sector, resin floors have characteristics, application times and costs that are absolutely competitive with all other types of flooring.
46WHAT ADVANTAGES DO RESIN FLOORS GIVE IN THE INDUSTRY?
They have performances and resistance to chemical-physical aggressions that are decidedly superior to normal concrete floors. Furthermore, they also allow you to act on the aesthetic level of the flooring, always and in any case at a decidedly affordable price.
47WHAT CHARACTERISTICS AND RESISTANCE DO I GET WITH AN INDUSTRIAL RESIN FLOOR?
There are several types of resin cycles, each with its own performance characteristics. There are cycles capable of withstanding high mechanical stresses, cycles capable of resisting all the main disintegrating agents (acids, alkalis, oils, etc.), cycles capable of withstanding washing with steam jets and contact with hot oils, cycles achievable on damp surfaces without compromising adhesion to the substrate, cycles designed to restore full usability of the floor within a few hours.
48CAN I COVER AN OLD INDUSTRIAL FLOOR WITH RESINS?
Yes, it is one of the advantages of resin floors. It is necessary to correctly evaluate the existing floor, check that it is cohesive (there must be no parts that are detaching), stable and clean (free from oils and dirt). Pre-treatment of existing floors with mechanical tools is necessary to ensure optimal adhesion to the resinous layer that will be applied.
49HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CREATE AN INDUSTRIAL RESIN FLOORING?
It depends on which type of cycle is to be carried out, on the complexity of the lay-out (eg presence of machinery) and on the m 2 of surface to be coated. Methacrylate floors can be made in a few hours, painting or multilayer requires from 1 to 3 days, self-leveling and screeds can take 4-5 days.
50HOW LONG DOES IT HAVE TO PASS BEFORE I CAN USE A RESIN FLOOR?
It depends on the cycle applied and the laying and hardening temperatures. With epoxy and polyurethane resins, the floor can usually be walked on after 1 day, while it is necessary to wait from 3 to 7 days to obtain the maximum mechanical and chemical-physical resistance.
51DO TIRS AND MULETS DAMAGE A RESIN FLOOR?
No, if a resin floor has been designed and applied that satisfies this requirement. In general, it is good to know that resinous cycles can guarantee a resistance to compression much higher than that of the underlying concrete: for this reason the resistance limit of the finished floor is given more by the performance of the base screed than that of the resin.
52 I MANAGE A WAREHOUSE OF THE LARGE DISTRIBUTION AND I HAVE TO REDO THE FLOOR. HOW CAN I DO NOT TO BLOCK THE ACTIVITY?
With an adequate application project, it is possible to optimize downtime, operating on weekends, holidays, at night and on partial and predetermined areas.
53I HAVE MACHINERY THAT REQUIRES A CONDUCTIVE OR ANTISTATIC FLOOR. CAN I USE RESIN?
Certainly. There are cycles designed to create continuous conductive and antistatic flooring, with relative certifications.
54ARE RESIN FLOORS SUITABLE IN THE MEAT AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES?
Yes, they are often the best solution, as they guarantee excellent chemical-physical resistance, surface continuity and anti-slip. Find out more about the specific sector on the dedicated landing page!
55CAN I CREATE A SURFACE RESISTANT TO CHEMICAL AGGRESSIONS?
Yes, even if the types of chemical aggressions must be evaluated. Based on the needs it will be possible to design a resistant chemical cycle capable of satisfying the customer's requests.
Here you will find the Sivit cycles specially designed with anticorrosive properties.
56IN MY SHED I HAVE RISING HUMIDITY. CAN RESIN HELP ME?
Yes. It is necessary to evaluate the amount of rising damp present with appropriate technical tools. Up to a certain limit, it is possible to apply a particular resinous layer called "vapor barrier", capable of keeping humidity at bay. Beyond this limit it is necessary to apply a breathable resin floor, that is, capable of letting rising humidity pass and still remain perfectly anchored to the substrate, while maintaining surface impermeability. Contact us for a specific study of your case.
57THE CONCRETE FLOOR HAS WORN AND GENERATES A LOT OF DUST. HOW CAN I DO?
It is necessary to impregnate it with resinous solutions that compact the surface and bind the parts in the detachment phase. Furthermore, the concrete will be made oil-resistant and stain-resistant.
58HOW LONG CAN A WELL INSTALLED EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM LAST?
Like most things, the better you take care of it the longer it will last. While maintenance is minimal with this flooring system, it is imperative that it is done daily and correctly.
Another important factor is how epoxy flooring is used. For example, a residential epoxy resin can last longer than an industrial epoxy floor, as a residential floor is not subject to forklift traffic and is not exposed to harsh chemicals. An epoxy flooring system can safely last 10 years and with proper maintenance even more than double.
59HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE A FLOOR IN A CAR PARK?
The most time-consuming phase of the entire process is the design of the flooring, as it is necessary to carefully choose colors and layouts. Once the project has been defined, for an area of ​​about 1000 m 2 and with a team of 4 applicators, the construction time is about 5 days.
60IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE HORIZONTAL SIGNALS?
Sure. Resinous coatings make it possible to create and define lay-outs within the production plants. Stripes, pedestrian crossings, arrows, men, stops, preferential routes, freight parking areas and escape routes, can be reproduced in the desired dimensions and colors.
Sivit technicians are at your complete disposal for any specific request and inspection. Do not hesitate to contact us.
61HOW RESISTANT IS A RESIN FLOOR?
It depends on the type of resin and the chosen application cycle. There are solutions so resistant that they are used in the most demanding industrial scenarios, while there are poor quality resins (with too simplified formulation) that do not guarantee good performance. On average, quality resinous cycles have excellent resistance to shocks and wear and do not require special attention from the customer.
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