Waterproof epoxy contains two components that provide a protective coating on numerous types of materials and structures when mixed properly. Thinner-consistency waterproof epoxies apply like latex paint but provide a strong coating in high-traffic areas and areas exposed to chemicals and high levels of moisture. Thicker-style waterproof epoxies include repair putty that fills cracks and defects in parts made from a material compatible with epoxy. Epoxy-based adhesives provide a waterproof bond between multiple pieces of material. Each type of waterproof epoxy has specific preparation needs before application to ensure it remains bonded to the base material.
Epoxy paints provide a durable waterproof coating for garage floors and walls prone to water intrusion. An epoxy paint requires a clean, dry surface to ensure the paint bonds completely to the walls surface. Moisture trapped below the surface of the epoxy will cause blisters to form between the surface of the material and the cured paint. Dust and debris sitting on a prepared surface will cause the paint to separate from the base material, and the debris will mix in with the paint, causing defects in the epoxy finish. Another type of waterproof epoxy requires less work only because it applies to smaller parts and materials.
Putty-type epoxies are thicker than epoxy paints and create a waterproof repair on damaged parts made from a material compatible with epoxy. When the mixed epoxy cures, the material often exceeds the hardness of the base material and keeps water from penetrating into the damaged area. Oil, grease and dirt will cause small gaps in the bond between the waterproof putty and the damaged section being repaired. Even small gaps allow water to penetrate a repair, causing pressure to build behind the epoxy, which can lead to the epoxy popping free from the repaired part.
Voids between pieces of building materials or gluing two materials together require a strong bonding adhesive that keeps moisture from penetrating the sealed area. Waterproof epoxy adhesives fill small voids or large voids using a backing rod. When the epoxy adhesive cures, it creates a permanent waterproof seal between connected parts as long as the adhesive contacts both sides of a gap. Sealing a bond between multiple pieces of material requires the waterproof epoxy to fill the edges of the bonded materials. Surfaces free of dirt, oil and moisture allow for the strongest bond with all waterproof epoxies.