The main resin systems used to coat floors in Australia, with typical installed prices per square metre and where each works best.
Resin systems
"Epoxy" is a broad term — in practice, several different resin chemistries are used to coat concrete floors. They differ in cure time, hardness, UV stability, slip resistance and price. The right choice depends on the use of the room, the condition of your slab, and the look you're after.
The most affordable option. Two-part epoxy thinned with water, applied in 2–3 coats. Lower odour and easier to work with than solvent systems, but less abrasion-resistant than 100% solids. Good for light residential garages and storage areas.
Tougher than water-borne, with better penetration into concrete. Strong solvent smell during install — needs good ventilation. Becoming less common in residential work due to VOC regulations.
The workhorse of commercial epoxy flooring. No solvents, builds a thick (300–500 micron) film in one or two coats. Excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. The base layer for most flake and metallic systems.
A 100% solids base coat with decorative vinyl flakes broadcast into the wet film, then sealed with clear topcoat. The most popular residential garage finish in Australia. Hides imperfections, adds slip resistance.
Metallic pigments suspended in clear epoxy create swirling, three-dimensional marble-like effects. Each floor is unique. A premium finish for showrooms, retail, restaurants and feature residential spaces.
Not technically epoxy, but the most common topcoat over epoxy in modern systems. Cures in 1–2 hours (vs 24h for epoxy), so floors can be back in service the next day. UV-stable — won't yellow outdoors.
A thicker, flowable 100% solids epoxy poured at 2–3 mm and allowed to find its own level. Hides minor slab defects and creates a glass-flat surface. Used in commercial kitchens and high-end residential floors.
Coloured quartz aggregate broadcast into wet epoxy then sealed. Extremely hard-wearing, naturally slip-resistant and hygienic. The standard for commercial kitchens, breweries, abattoirs and wet areas.
At a glance
Prices below are typical for professional installation in Brisbane and include diamond grinding, primer, build coats and topcoat. Final pricing depends on slab condition, access, total area and finish selection. Small jobs (under 30 m²) usually attract a minimum call-out.
| System | Best for | Typical life | Installed cost / m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-borne epoxy | Light residential | 5–8 years | $40 – $55 |
| Solvent-borne epoxy | Light industrial | 7–10 years | $50 – $70 |
| 100% solids epoxy | Commercial / industrial | 10–20 years | $70 – $95 |
| Flake epoxy | Residential garages | 15–20 years | $80 – $110 |
| Polyaspartic topcoat | Fast turnaround / outdoor | 15–20 years | $100 – $140 |
| Self-levelling epoxy | Premium residential / commercial | 15–25 years | $120 – $170 |
| Metallic epoxy | Showrooms / retail | 15–20 years | $130 – $180 |
| Quartz-broadcast epoxy | Commercial kitchens / wet areas | 20+ years | $150 – $220 |
What affects the price
Larger jobs cost less per m² — you're spreading the same mobilisation and prep time across more area.
Heavily contaminated or cracked slabs need extra prep, repair fillers and sometimes moisture barriers.
Restricted access, multiple stories, stairs and weekend work add to labour costs.
Full-density flake, premium pigments and matte topcoats all add small premiums over the standard system.