An internal concrete floor coating is a complete system—not simply one product. The correct Dulux Avista combination depends on whether you want a coloured low-sheen floor, a full decorative flake finish, a heavy-duty clear coating or a fast return to service.
This guide explains the role of Dulux Avista Waterbased Epoxy, High Solids Epoxy, Decorative Flakes, 2 Pack Urethane and Polyaspartic Sealer so you can choose compatible components for the intended finish.
Quick Product Comparison
| Product | Role in the system | Finish and main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Waterbased Epoxy | Coloured base coat or stand-alone internal coating | Low sheen, low odour and longer working time |
| High Solids Epoxy | Heavy-duty clear coating, self-levelling layer or full-flake base | Thick, 95% solids coating with strong water and chemical resistance |
| Decorative Flakes | Broadcast into a wet epoxy base | Creates colour, texture and a decorative flake finish |
| 2 Pack Urethane | UV-resistant clear topcoat | Hard-wearing gloss finish with a long 2–3 hour pot life |
| Polyaspartic Sealer | Fast-curing UV-resistant clear topcoat | High gloss, rapid cure and fast return to service |
Option 1: Waterbased Epoxy for a Coloured Low-Sheen Floor
Dulux Avista Internal Flooring Waterbased Epoxy is a two-component coloured epoxy designed for concrete floors. It can be used as a stand-alone coating on internal surfaces or as part of a decorative flooring system.
The system requires both components:
Technical Summary
- Mix ratio: 1:1 by volume
- Kit yield: 10L
- Pot life: Approximately 2 hours
- Recommended spread rate: Approximately 8m² per litre
- Recoat window: 4–72 hours; actual timing varies with conditions
- Full cure: Approximately 7 days
- Finish: Coloured low sheen
This is the most straightforward option for internal garages, shops, offices, kitchens, laundries, warehouses and showrooms where a coloured low-sheen finish is preferred.
The epoxy can be tinted using Dulux Avista Waterbased Epoxy Colour Tint. Follow the current Technical Data Sheet for the correct tint quantity and do not exceed the stated maximum.
Important Limitation
Epoxy coatings can yellow or chalk under UV exposure. Waterbased Epoxy is intended as an internal floor coating unless it is incorporated into a correctly specified exterior system with a suitable UV-stable topcoat. A clear UV-resistant topcoat does not necessarily stop a non-UV-resistant epoxy underneath from changing colour, so exterior systems should be confirmed before application.
Option 2: High Solids Epoxy for Full-Flake and Heavy-Duty Floors
Dulux Avista Internal Flooring High Solids Epoxy is a clear two-pack system containing 95% solids by volume. It is used as a heavy-duty coating, a binder for decorative finishes and a base coat for full-flake flooring.
The system requires:
Technical Summary
- Mix ratio: 6 parts Part A to 4 parts Part B by volume
- Kit yield: 10L
- Pot life: Approximately 25 minutes at 25°C; warmer material shortens the working time
- Touch dry: Approximately 8 hours
- Recoat/cure time: Approximately 12 hours at 20°C and 65% relative humidity
- Full cure: Approximately 7 days
- Use: Interior only
High Solids Epoxy is the preferred base for a full decorative-flake floor because it provides a heavier wet coating for the flakes to bond into. It can also be applied as a self-levelling clear coating at a minimum thickness of 2mm, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Because the mixed product has a short working life and can heat rapidly in the container, organise labour and equipment before mixing. Mix only what can be placed within the available pot life, transfer the mixed epoxy out of the bucket promptly and never reseal mixed components.
Adding Dulux Avista Decorative Flakes
Dulux Avista Decorative Flakes are broadcast into the epoxy while the base coat is still wet. The flakes create the decorative colour blend and texture; they must then be sealed beneath a compatible clear topcoat.
For a complete step-by-step flake application and colour guide, read How to Apply Dulux Avista Decorative Flakes.
For a full-flake floor using High Solids Epoxy:
- Prepare and clean the concrete in accordance with the coating Technical Data Sheet.
- Mix and apply the High Solids Epoxy base coat.
- Broadcast the flakes while the coating is still wet. Spiked shoes may be needed to access the floor without disturbing the base.
- Allow the system to dry for approximately 10–12 hours.
- Sweep, scrape or sand away loose and raised flakes, then vacuum thoroughly.
- Apply the selected clear topcoat within the relevant recoat window.
Topcoat Choice 1: Dulux Avista 2 Pack Urethane
Dulux Avista 2 Pack Urethane is a clear, high-gloss sealer suitable over flake floors, epoxy flooring, resurfacing systems and suitably prepared concrete. It is UV resistant and non-yellowing, making it suitable for both interior and exterior surfaces when used in an appropriate system.
Both components are required:
Technical Summary
- Mix ratio: 7:1 by volume
- Kit yield: 10L
- Pot life: Approximately 2–3 hours
- Recoat window: 3–24 hours; approximately 6 hours is recommended
- Application temperature: 8–30°C
- Protection after coating: Keep dry for at least 6 hours, off foot traffic for at least 24 hours and off vehicle traffic for at least 72 hours
Choose 2 Pack Urethane when you want a hard-wearing gloss topcoat with a longer working time. It is useful on larger areas where a very fast-curing product may be difficult to place within its pot life.
If the recoat window is exceeded, the surface must be abraded and solvent wiped as directed before another coat is applied.
Topcoat Choice 2: Dulux Avista Polyaspartic Sealer
Dulux Avista Polyaspartic Sealer is a solvent-free, high-gloss clear coating designed for durability, UV resistance and rapid return to service. It is suited to epoxy and flake floors, high-traffic areas and jobs where downtime must be minimised.
Both components are required:
Technical Summary
- Mix ratio: 1:1 by volume
- Pot life: Approximately 40 minutes at 20–25°C
- Theoretical spread rate: Approximately 5–12.5m² per litre, depending on film thickness and substrate
- Second coat: After the first coat becomes tack-free—approximately 1 hour—but no later than 18 hours without abrasion
- Return to service at 20–30°C: Foot traffic may be possible after 1–2 hours; light vehicle traffic after approximately 24 hours
- Application temperature: 10–30°C
Choose Polyaspartic when rapid cure and faster return to service are the priority. Its shorter working time demands careful preparation, enough labour and prompt spreading. Once mixed, pour it onto the floor in ribbons and spread immediately; leaving mixed material in the container can cause an exothermic reaction and dramatically shorten its working life.
When used over Dulux Avista epoxy and flake flooring, the Polyaspartic topcoat should be applied within 48 hours of the epoxy base coat, subject to the surface being ready and the current Technical Data Sheet requirements.
Which System Should You Choose?
For a Simple Coloured Internal Floor
Use Waterbased Epoxy Parts A and B, tinted to the selected colour and applied in the required coats. This gives a low-sheen coloured finish without decorative flakes.
For a Full Decorative-Flake Internal Floor
Use High Solids Epoxy Parts A and B as the wet base, broadcast Dulux Avista Decorative Flakes, then seal with either 2 Pack Urethane or Polyaspartic Sealer.
For More Working Time
Choose 2 Pack Urethane as the clear topcoat. Its approximate 2–3 hour pot life allows more application time than Polyaspartic.
For Faster Return to Service
Choose Polyaspartic Sealer as the clear topcoat. At suitable temperatures, it can permit foot traffic after approximately 1–2 hours and light vehicle traffic after approximately 24 hours.
For Exterior Areas
Do not assume that adding a UV-resistant clear topcoat makes every epoxy base suitable outside. Epoxy beneath a clear coating may still fade or discolour. Confirm the complete exterior system, surface condition and slip-resistance requirement before starting.
Surface Preparation Matters
Coating failure is often caused by moisture, contamination or inadequate preparation rather than the coating itself. The floor must be sound, clean and free of oil, grease, paint, curing compounds, loose material and dust.
- Waterbased and High Solids Epoxy technical sheets recommend that new concrete cure for at least 14 days.
- The Polyaspartic technical sheet requires new concrete floors to cure for at least 28 days.
- Smooth, previously coated or contaminated floors may require grinding or abrasion.
- Polyaspartic must not be applied where rising damp is present or moisture exceeds the manufacturer's stated limit.
- Always complete the preparation specified for the exact base coat and topcoat being used.
Slip Resistance
Gloss coatings can become slippery when wet. The required slip rating depends on the location and how the floor will be used. Dulux Avista slip-reducing additives can be incorporated into compatible coatings according to their individual Technical Data Sheets. Confirm the required finish before application, particularly in wet, commercial or public areas.
Safety and Application Planning
These are professional two-component coating systems. Read the current Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet for every component before opening or mixing.
- Wear the specified gloves, eye protection, protective clothing and respiratory protection
- Provide adequate ventilation
- Measure Parts A and B accurately and never change the stated mix ratio
- Do not mix more material than can be applied within the pot life
- Keep mixed products out of closed containers where an exothermic reaction may occur
- Observe temperature, moisture and recoat limits
- Plan the work area, labour, rollers, squeegees and exit path before mixing
Technical Data Sheets
- Dulux Avista Waterbased Epoxy Low Sheen TDS
- Dulux Avista High Solids Epoxy Two Pack Clear TDS
- Dulux Avista 2 Pack Urethane Gloss TDS
- Dulux Avista Polyaspartic Two Pack High Gloss TDS
Build the Right Flooring System
Select the finish first, then work backwards through the compatible topcoat, decorative layer and base coat. Every two-pack product requires its matching Part A and Part B; neither component is a complete coating by itself.
Shop the Dulux Avista range or contact Gippsland Concreting Supplies for help checking the components required for your floor.
