Transforming a Commercial Space with High Build Resin Flooring in Manchester
When it comes to commercial epoxy resin flooring, every project brings its own unique set of challenges. Recently, our team completed a 250m² resinous floor installation for a business in Manchester, UK. This wasn’t just any flooring job—it required stripping out the old tiled surface, making major concrete repairs, and applying a durable high build epoxy flooring system finished in a sleek anthracite grey. The result? A seamless, hard-wearing, and attractive floor built to withstand the demands of a busy commercial environment.
In this blog, we’ll take you behind the scenes of this project, from the initial condition of the space to the final installation. Along the way, we’ll highlight why resin flooring is such a popular choice for businesses across the UK, and how industrial epoxy resin flooring with waterproof coating offers unbeatable performance and aesthetics.
The Challenge: Stripping Back to the Base
Every successful installation begins with proper preparation, and this project was no exception. The existing floor was covered in old tiles that had started to fail, creating uneven patches and weak spots across the surface. Tiles in commercial environments often suffer over time—they crack, lift, and create trip hazards, not to mention making maintenance a nightmare.
Our first task was to strip all these tiles back to the bare concrete slab. This step is crucial because epoxy flooring systems require a strong, sound base to bond properly. Skipping or rushing this process can lead to premature failures later on. By carefully removing the tiles and grinding back the adhesive residues, we ensured the substrate was fully exposed and ready for repair.
Tired vinyl flooring
Major Repairs: Restoring the Concrete
Once the tiles were removed, we uncovered the real state of the concrete beneath. There were significant cracks, holes, and areas of spalling (where the surface had broken away). Left untreated, these imperfections would compromise the integrity of the new resinous floor.
Our team carried out a series of repairs using specialist mortars designed to integrate seamlessly with epoxy resin systems. This included:
Crack chasing and filling – opening up damaged cracks to properly clean and infill with epoxy repair resin.
Patching large voids – rebuilding broken or missing sections of concrete with high-strength repair materials.
Leveling uneven areas – ensuring the floor was flat and ready for a uniform resin coating.
These steps are vital for ensuring long-term durability. A resin floor is only as strong as the surface beneath it, so investing time in preparation pays off.
Damaged concrete
Channel in the concrete left from previous contractors
The Resin System: High Build Epoxy Flooring
For this project, the client chose a high build commercial epoxy resin flooring system. This type of flooring is designed for environments where strength, resilience, and hygiene are top priorities. Unlike standard paints or thin coatings, high build systems create a thick, seamless, and chemically resistant layer that can endure heavy traffic, machinery, and spills.
Key Features of High Build Epoxy Flooring:
Durability: Resistant to impact, abrasion, and wear from foot traffic or vehicles.
Chemical resistance: Protects against oils, fuels, and cleaning agents often present in commercial garages and industrial spaces.
Hygienic: Seamless finish leaves no joints or grout lines for dirt and bacteria to hide.
Waterproof coating: Provides protection against moisture ingress, extending the lifespan of the underlying substrate.
Aesthetics: Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, including the anthracite grey selected here.
This makes industrial epoxy resin flooring the perfect choice for garages, warehouses, workshops, and commercial units.
The Application Process: Step by Step
The entire project spanned five days from start to finish, and every stage was carefully planned to achieve the best possible outcome.
Preparation & Grinding
After repairs, we mechanically ground the surface to create a rough profile. This step is critical as it allows the epoxy to penetrate and bond securely with the concrete.Priming the Surface
An epoxy primer was applied to seal the substrate and provide excellent adhesion for subsequent coats. This also helps to lock in dust and prevent outgassing (air bubbles rising from the concrete).Applying the High Build Resin
Multiple layers of commercial epoxy resin flooring were installed using rollers and squeegees. Each coat was allowed to cure before the next application, ensuring maximum strength and longevity.Finishing in Anthracite Grey
The client chose a smooth, anthracite grey finish for a modern and professional look. This shade works particularly well in commercial spaces, offering a clean aesthetic that hides dirt and scuffs better than lighter colours.Final Checks and Handover
Before completing the job, our team inspected the entire surface to make sure it was smooth, seamless, and free from imperfections. The finished floor transformed the space, delivering both functionality and style.
high build epoxy resin coating — anthracite grey
Why Resin Flooring Was the Right Choice
Choosing the right floor for a commercial space isn’t just about looks—it’s about long-term performance and cost-effectiveness. Here’s why resin flooring was the ideal solution for this Manchester project:
Strength & Durability: Perfect for high-traffic areas and heavy-duty use, such as commercial garage epoxy flooring.
Low Maintenance: Unlike tiles or vinyl, resin floors are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only routine sweeping and mopping.
Safety: Can be finished with anti-slip additives to improve grip in wet or oily conditions.
Cost-Effective: While the upfront investment is higher than some alternatives, the lifespan and reduced maintenance costs make resin flooring highly economical in the long run.
Waterproof Coating Protection: Prevents moisture from penetrating and damaging the concrete base.
The Result: A Seamless Anthracite Grey Finish
The transformation was remarkable. What started as a tired, uneven tiled floor is now a sleek, high-performance industrial epoxy resin floor. The anthracite grey finish gave the entire space a modern and professional feel, while the waterproof, seamless coating ensures the floor is ready for years of demanding use.
[Insert final after photos of completed floor]
Resinous Floors in Commercial & Industrial Spaces
This project is a great example of why resinous floors are increasingly popular across the UK. Whether for workshops, warehouses, garages, or commercial units, they offer a combination of durability, hygiene, and aesthetic appeal that few other flooring systems can match.
Here are just a few environments where epoxy flooring excels:
Commercial Garages: With resistance to oil, fuel, and tyre marks, resin flooring is ideal for vehicle workshops and showrooms.
Industrial Units: Heavy-duty protection against machinery, pallet trucks, and constant foot traffic.
Warehouses: Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
Food & Beverage Facilities: Seamless, hygienic surfaces that can be easily sanitised.
Retail & Commercial Spaces: Sleek finishes that combine style with practicality.
Project Summary
Location: Manchester, UK
Area: 250m²
Duration: 5 days
Process: Stripped tiles → Major concrete repairs → Grinding & priming → High build epoxy system → Anthracite grey finish
Result: Seamless, durable, waterproof, and attractive commercial epoxy resin flooring
Final Thoughts
Every floor tells a story, and this project in Manchester was no different. By stripping away the old tiles, repairing the damaged substrate, and applying a high build resin flooring system, we delivered a surface that’s not only functional and durable but also visually impressive.
If you’re looking for commercial epoxy resin flooring or industrial epoxy resin flooring with waterproof coating, our team has the expertise to handle projects of all sizes. From initial preparation to the final finish, we ensure every installation meets the highest standards.
Whether you need commercial garage epoxy flooring or a bespoke resin solution for a warehouse, workshop, or retail space, we’d be delighted to help transform your floor.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next resin flooring project