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When choosing an epoxy floor for an area exposed to chemicals, the most important question is not “is epoxy chemical-resistant”, but “resistant to which chemical, at what concentration, for how long, and at what temperature”. The same coating system may perform well against a dilute solution at room temperature but degrade quickly when it meets the same substance at a high concentration, at a high temperature, or under continuous immersion.
This article explains how to read a chemical resistance table, why acid concentration matters, and why the table below stays at a qualitative level only. No product-specific Kadier figures are published in a confirmed technical data sheet (TDS) yet, so this article does not record any specific chemical resistance value as a Kadier specification. Any figure applied to a specific project must be checked against the TDS of the specific product and, where needed, verified by sample testing.
What does chemical resistance mean?
Chemical resistance of a coating is usually assessed by what happens after contact: whether the surface discolours, softens, blisters, cracks or peels; whether gloss and hardness change; and whether, after cleaning, the surface returns to a usable state. A coating that “withstands a spill wiped up immediately” is very different from a coating that “withstands continuous immersion”. When reading any reference table, distinguish three exposure levels: brief spill contact, frequent contact without immersion, and continuous immersion.
Besides the chemical itself, four factors change the result: concentration, temperature, contact time, and the condition of the coating (thickness, continuity, joints, wall bases). A small crack or an unsealed joint can become a path for chemicals to reach the substrate, even while the main surface still looks sound.
Why does acid concentration matter?
Concentration determines the “dose” acting on the coating film in a given time. At low concentrations, many epoxy systems in general remain stable under normal use; as concentration rises, the rate of chemical attack increases, especially with strongly oxidising acids or solvents able to soften the film. A reference table that names a chemical without stating concentration, temperature and time is therefore not enough to select a product.
Acids must also be distinguished from alkalis and solvents. Epoxy in general is often known to tolerate many alkalis and common cleaning solutions better than some strong organic solvents, but that is only a general material framework, not a commitment for a specific product. Each epoxy formulation differs, so the general properties of the material cannot substitute for the TDS of the product to be applied.
Qualitative reference table by chemical group
The table below only describes general trends, so readers know what to ask a supplier. The last column is the most important: for any cell, the final decision is still to check against the TDS of the specific product.
| Chemical group | General trend for epoxy floors | Confirm before selecting |
|---|---|---|
| Dilute inorganic acids, brief contact | Usually little surface damage if wiped and rinsed promptly | Concentration, temperature, dwell time on the floor; check against the TDS of the specific product |
| High-concentration inorganic acids or prolonged immersion | Risk of corrosion, discolouration and surface softening rises markedly | Whether an acid-resistant system is available; check against the TDS of the specific product |
| Organic acids (for example in food processing) | Impact depends heavily on the individual acid and its concentration | Acid name, concentration, spill frequency; check against the TDS of the specific product |
| Alkalis and common cleaning solutions | Usually tolerated better than many strong solvents | Cleaner concentration, wash-water temperature; check against the TDS of the specific product |
| Organic solvents | Some solvents can soften or blister the film | Solvent name, contact time; check against the TDS of the specific product |
| Oils and greases | Usually little direct chemical attack, but they cause slipperiness and cleaning difficulty if not dealt with | Anti-slip and cleaning approach; check against the TDS of the specific product |
If a supplier cannot provide a chemical resistance table for the exact chemical name, concentration and conditions of the project, that is a sign to stop and ask for more information, rather than choosing by feel.
Using the reference table in practice
Before asking for a quotation, list the plant’s actual chemicals: chemical name, concentration in use, temperature, locations of frequent spills, cleaning frequency, and the cleaning agents in use. Send this list to the supplier and ask for a written answer line by line, with test conditions. For immersion or continuous-contact areas, request sample testing: expose a coated sample to the actual chemical under simulated conditions, then assess it visually and by measuring hardness and gloss before and after.
In application, chemical resistance also depends on substrate preparation and correct system application: a clean substrate, moisture within the permitted level, good primer adhesion, and no missed wall bases or joints. A good system applied carelessly can still fail early at exactly those weak points.
Common misunderstandings
First, “epoxy is chemical-resistant” does not mean it resists every chemical. Second, a product that withstands one acid does not automatically withstand another acid, even if the names sound similar. Third, a stain is not necessarily structural damage, but it should not be dismissed either: discolouration can be the first sign that the surface is under attack and needs checking, rather than waiting until peeling occurs.
See Kadier’s coating systems to compare system build-up and general scope of application: LevelFlow and RollCoat. Note: product pages describe the system; they do not replace the TDS for a chemical resistance decision on an individual project.
Request a consultation — send the plant’s actual chemical and concentration list so it can be checked against the TDS of a suitable product before the system is finalised.
Illustration photo: Pexels, photographer Kindel Media. General reference framework: TCVN 9014:2011 and TCVN 12574-2018 on paints and coatings; product-specific figures are to be checked against the TDS of the specific product.
