As China’s leading epoxy floor paint manufacturer, Shanghai Danshang Technology Co., Ltd frequently receives inquiries about epoxy color sand construction and acceptance standards from clients across Asia and Africa. This comprehensive guide covers essential specifications and best practices.
At present, the construction and acceptance specifications for epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring have not yet been included in the national mandatory standards (GB), but there are existing group standards available for reference:
T/FJFA 003-2022 “Construction and Acceptance Specifications for Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring”
Issued by the Fujian Flooring Industry Association, this standard applies to the design, construction, quality inspection, and acceptance of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring projects in new construction, renovation, and expansion works.
In addition, the Shandong Flooring Association has issued another group standard:
T/SDDP 4-2021 “Construction Specifications for Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring.”
Recommendation
In actual engineering projects, in addition to referring to the above group standards, the following general national standards should also be followed:
- GB 50209 Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Building Floor Engineering
- GB/T 22374 Floor Coating Materials
- JGJ/T 175 Technical Specification for Self-Leveling Floor Engineering
- CECS 328 Technical Specification for Monolithic Flooring Engineering
If the specifications are to be used for project acceptance, bidding, or as a contractual basis, it is recommended to prioritize the current group standard T/FJFA 003-2022 and clearly indicate it as the technical basis for the project.
Below is an English version for Fujian group standard T/FJFA 003-2022:
Preface
In accordance with the compilation management requirements and regulations of the Fujian Flooring Industry Association, this standard was jointly drafted under the leadership of Fujian Xingyi Machinery Co., Ltd., Fujian Benica New Building Materials Co., Ltd., Fuzhou Yangjia Flooring Co., Ltd., and Xiamen Xilian Hengye Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., together with other relevant organizations.
During its preparation, the association conducted in-depth research and surveys, carefully summarized practical experience, absorbed relevant standards and advanced technical expertise within the industry, and carried out repeated discussions, revisions, and improvements before finalizing the document after expert review and approval.
This standard is composed of 10 chapters, covering the following main content:
- Scope
- Terms and Definitions
- Normative References
- Marking
- General Provisions
- Technical Requirements
- Structure of Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring
- Substrate Requirements and Treatment
- Construction Process of Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring Systems
- Quality Inspection and Acceptance
1 Scope
- 1.1 This document specifies the design and construction quality requirements of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring systems, standardizes the construction process, and establishes this specification.
- 1.2 This document applies to the design, construction, quality inspection, and acceptance of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring projects in new construction, renovation, and expansion works.
- 1.3 For the design, construction, and quality inspection & acceptance of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring projects, in addition to complying with this specification, the relevant current standards shall also be observed.
2 Terms and Definitions
2.1 Solvent-Free Epoxy Resin Flooring Material
A resin flooring material that uses non-volatile organic compounds or volatile organic compounds that participate in chemical reactions as the dispersion medium.
2.2 Waterborne Resin Flooring Material
A resin flooring material that uses water as the primary dispersion medium.
2.3 Graded Aggregate for Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring
Artificial polymer graded aggregate.
3 Normative References
- Technical Specification for Monolithic Flooring Engineering CECS 328-2012
- Terminology and Definitions for Flooring Materials JC/T 2540-2019
- Colored Sand Flooring Materials JC/T 2570-2020
- Waterborne Polyurethane Flooring JC/T 2327-2015
- Floor Coating Materials GB/T 22374
- Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Building Floor Engineering GB 50209
- Code for Indoor Environmental Pollution Control of Civil Building Engineering GB 50325
- Technical Specification for Self-Leveling Floor Engineering JGJ/T 175
4 Marking
Products shall be marked in the following order: product name, standard number, and category.Example: The marking for the Construction Technical Specification for Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring shall be: T/FJDP 003-2022
5 General Provisions
- 5.1 Before construction of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring systems, the substrate shall be inspected, and a construction organization plan shall be prepared based on the substrate acceptance report. The plan must be reviewed and approved by relevant parties, and technical briefings shall be conducted before organizing construction according to the plan.
- 5.2 All materials used in the project shall have product quality certification documents, and their quality shall not be lower than the requirements of current national standards. Where no current national standard exists, the materials shall comply with the requirements of this specification.
- 5.3 Product quality certification documents shall include the following:
- 5.3.1 Product quality certificate and material test report.
- 5.3.2 Quality technical indicators and testing methods.
- 5.3.3 Re-inspection report or technical appraisal documents.
- 5.4 Epoxy resin flooring materials shall be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from fire and heat sources. Outdoor storage and direct sunlight are prohibited. Recommended storage temperature: 10°C to 25°C.
- 5.5 The construction unit shall establish systems for self-inspection, mutual inspection, and dedicated personnel inspection for each process, and maintain complete construction inspection records. For concealed works, the inspection records must be signed and confirmed by the owner’s representative or the supervising engineer before proceeding to the next process.
- 5.6 The construction site shall be enclosed, and cross operations are strictly prohibited.
- 5.7 During the construction of monolithic flooring systems, safety protection devices for both construction personnel and equipment shall be provided.
6 Technical Requirements
6.1 Basic Physical Properties
The basic physical properties of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring materials shall comply with the requirements specified in Table 1.
Table 1 Basic Physical Property Requirements (Test Method per GB/T 22374-2018)
| No. | Item | Technical Index |
| 1 | Appearance | Liquid components shall be in a uniform state after mixing; colored sand components shall be free from agglomeration |
| 2 | Initial Fluidity / mm ≥ | 140 |
| 3 | Shore D Hardness ≥ | 70 |
| 4 | Tensile Bond Strength / MPa ≥ | 2.0 |
| 5 | Compressive Strength / MPa ≥ | 45 |
| 6 | Flexural Strength / MPa ≥ | 20 |
| 7 | Abrasion Resistance (750g/500r) / g | 0.025 |
| 8 | Slip Resistance (Dry Friction Coefficient) | 0.50 |
| 9 | Impact Resistance (1000g, 100cm) | No cracking, no peeling |
| 10 | Water Resistance (168h) | No blistering, peeling, cracking, and no discoloration |
6.2 Special Properties
For polyurethane topcoat flooring materials used in special applications, the performance shall comply not only with the requirements of Table 1 but also with those specified in Table 2.
Table 2 Special Property Requirements
| No. | Item | Technical Index |
| 1 | High Slip Resistance a (Wet Friction Coefficient) ≥ | 0.70 |
| 2 | Chemical Corrosion Resistance b | No blistering, peeling, or cracking |
| 3 | Artificial Weathering Resistance c (400h) | No blistering, peeling, or cracking; chalking ≤ Grade 1; discoloration ≤ Grade 2 |
| 4 | Stain Resistance d ≤ | Grade 2 |
a Applicable to areas with high safety requirements for slip resistance.
b Applicable to environments exposed to corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, and salts.
c Applicable to outdoor use.
d Applicable to commercial and office spaces.
6.3 Limits of Toxic Substances
Shall comply with the requirements for solvent-free products specified in GB/T 22374-2018.
7 Structure of Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring
7.1 System Structure of Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring
See Figure 1 for details.
1 — Concrete Substrate
2 — Epoxy Primer Layer
3 — Epoxy Mortar Intermediate Layer
4 — Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Surface Layer
5 — Waterborne Polyurethane Topcoat
8 Substrate Requirements and Treatment
8.1 Substrate Requirements
8.1.1 For epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring systems, the concrete substrate shall be solid and dense, with a compressive strength not less than 25 MPa, an average pull-off strength not less than 1.5 MPa, and a minimum value not less than 1.2 MPa. The substrate moisture content shall not exceed 4%.
8.1.2 In addition to meeting the requirements of this specification, the substrate for epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring shall also comply with the current national standard Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Building Floor Engineering GB 50209.
8.2 Substrate Treatment
- 8.2.1 If the concrete substrate compressive strength is less than 25 MPa, reinforcement treatment or re-construction shall be carried out.
- 8.2.2 Except for ongoing, unstable active cracks and water seepage cracks, when the crack width exceeds 0.5 mm, the filling and sealing method should be used. Mechanically cut the crack into a V-shaped groove 20 mm deep and 20 mm wide, and fill it with solvent-free epoxy resin material.
- 8.2.3 If debonding occurs between the leveling layer and the concrete substrate, and the debonded area is no larger than 1㎡, grouting treatment may be used. If the area is larger than 1㎡, the leveling layer shall be removed and reconstructed.
- 8.2.4 If the substrate shows surface dusting or spalling, it shall be removed by milling until the required substrate strength is achieved.
- 8.2.5 When checking substrate flatness with a 2 m straightedge, if gaps exceed 3 mm, leveling treatment shall be performed.
- 8.2.6 If the substrate has an old coating layer, it shall be completely removed by milling, grinding, or sawing, followed by grinding with a floor grinder to meet flatness requirements.
- 8.2.7 New concrete substrates shall be shot blasted and ground using a CNC shot blasting machine to completely remove laitance, achieving a 100% treatment rate and a surface roughness grade approved by both parties. Concrete surface capillary pores shall be fully opened. For construction on existing polished concrete surfaces, a CNC shot blasting machine must be used for surface roughening.
- 8.2.8 When substrate moisture content is between 4% and 8%, ventilation or heating can be used to reduce the moisture level, or a moisture-proof primer can be applied for sealing. If the moisture content exceeds 8%, a moisture-proof layer shall be applied.
9 Construction Process of Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring Systems
9.1 The epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring system shall be constructed in the following sequence:
- 9.1.1 Apply epoxy primer
- 9.1.2 Trowel-apply the epoxy mortar intermediate coat
- 9.1.3 Apply the epoxy colored sand self-leveling surface coat by scraping
- 9.1.4 Roll-coat the waterborne polyurethane topcoat
- 9.1.5 Curing
- 9.1.6 Finished product protection
9.2 The construction process shall meet the following requirements:
- 9.2.1 The primer shall be applied evenly, with no missed spots or excessive build-up.
- 9.2.2 The epoxy resin mortar intermediate coat should be applied using a trowel. Local depressions may be leveled and repaired with resin mortar. Epoxy resin grouting material should be poured onto the mortar layer and spread to allow full penetration until the mortar layer is fully saturated; remove any excess material from the surface. Curing for approximately 12 hours is recommended before proceeding to the next step.
- 9.2.3 The epoxy colored sand self-leveling surface coat can be applied using the standard self-leveling flooring process.
- 9.2.4 The waterborne polyurethane topcoat should be applied using a thin-coat process.
- 9.2.5 After completion, the floor shall be cured in accordance with the product manual before being put into use.
- 9.2.6 After completion, appropriate measures shall be taken to protect the finished floor surface.
10 Quality Inspection and Acceptance
10.1 General Provisions
- 10.1.1 For acceptance of epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring projects, a qualified re-inspection report from sampling upon material delivery shall be provided.
- 10.1.2 Quality inspection and acceptance of epoxy resin colored sand self-leveling flooring projects shall comply with the current national standard Code for Construction Quality Acceptance of Building Floor Engineering GB 50209.
- 10.1.3 The materials used in epoxy resin colored sand self-leveling flooring projects, as well as the indoor air quality after construction completion, shall comply with the current national standard Code for Indoor Environmental Pollution Control of Civil Building Engineering GB 50325.
- 10.1.4 The batch division for quality inspection and acceptance of monolithic flooring systems shall meet the following requirements:
- a) Each floor, construction section, or deformation joint shall be regarded as one inspection batch. For high-rise buildings, one standard floor per three floors may be considered as one inspection batch; if fewer than three floors, they shall be calculated as three floors.
- b) For each inspection batch, random inspection shall be carried out in natural rooms or standard rooms, with no fewer than three rooms checked; if fewer than three rooms, all rooms shall be inspected. Corridors (passages) shall be counted as one room per 10 linear meters, and in industrial workshops (calculated per single span), auditoriums, and lobbies, two grid axes shall be counted as one room.
10.2 Critical Inspection Items
Table 10.2 Critical Inspection Items for Epoxy Resin Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring System
| Item | Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling + Polyurethane Thin-Coat Top Layer | Inspection Method |
| Appearance | Surface shall be flat and smooth, free of visible cracks, color variation, pinholes, blistering, missed coating, and other defects | Visually inspect vertically from a distance of 1 m; at least 90% of the surface shall show no visible differences |
| Surface Flatness (mm) | 3 | Check with a 2 m straightedge and wedge feeler gauge |
| Hollow Areas | No more than 2 hollow spots per 20 m², each spot not exceeding 400 cm² | Tap lightly with a small hammer |
10.3 General Inspection Items
Table 10.3 General Inspection Items for Epoxy Resin Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring System
| Item | Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling | Inspection Method |
| Slope | Must meet design requirements | Water spreading method or slope gauge |
| Impact Resistance | No cracks or peeling | Drop a 50 mm diameter steel ball from a height of 500 mm onto the surface layer |
10.4 Acceptance
10.4.1 Inspection and acceptance of epoxy resin colored sand self-leveling flooring systems shall only be carried out after confirming that each inspection batch has passed quality inspection and meets acceptance conditions.
10.4.2 For the acceptance of epoxy resin colored sand self-leveling flooring systems, the following requirements shall be met:
a) Inspection batches shall be accepted based on both critical and general inspection items;
b) All critical inspection items must be qualified;
c) At least 80% of the general inspection items shall be qualified, and any unqualified points shall not affect usability;
d) For monolithic flooring systems with special requirements, additional tests such as flatness, slip resistance, wear resistance, bond strength, stain resistance, chemical resistance, tensile strength, and hardness may be performed during final acceptance according to contractual agreements;
e) A qualified re-inspection report from sampling upon material delivery shall be provided;
f) The construction plan and quality acceptance records shall be complete;
g) Quality records for concealed works shall be complete.
Explanation of Terminology Used in This Specification
- To facilitate differentiated requirements when implementing the clauses of this specification, the degree of strictness implied by the wording is explained as follows:
- Indicates a very strict requirement—must be done this way:
- Positive wording: must
- Negative wording: prohibited - Indicates a strict requirement—should normally be done this way:
- Positive wording: shall / should
- Negative wording: shall not / should not - Indicates a preferred option—should be done this way whenever conditions permit:
- Positive wording: recommended / preferably
- Negative wording: not recommended - Indicates an optional requirement—may be done under certain conditions:
- Wording: may - Where the text specifies compliance with other relevant standards, the wording used shall be: “shall comply with …” or “shall be carried out in accordance with …”.
Summary
This article summarizes the T/FJFA 003-2022 Construction and Acceptance Specifications for Epoxy Colored Sand Self-Leveling Flooring, a group standard by the Fujian Flooring Industry Association. It details the design, construction, inspection, and acceptance requirements for epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring in new builds, renovations, and expansions.
The standard covers scope, definitions, and references, along with technical requirements for epoxy colored sand materials—such as hardness, bond strength, compressive strength, wear resistance, slip resistance, and special performance for polyurethane topcoats in high-slip, chemical-resistant, and outdoor applications. It outlines the floor system structure (concrete substrate, primer, mortar layer, self-leveling surface, and polyurethane topcoat), substrate preparation, and step-by-step construction processes.
It also specifies quality inspection and acceptance criteria, including critical and general items, inspection methods, batch rules, and acceptance conditions, ensuring consistent quality, durability, and compliance with standards like GB 50209 and GB 50325.
If you have any questions about epoxy coating materials, epoxy colored sand self-leveling flooring systems, or need technical support in applying this standard to your project, please feel free to contact Shanghai Danshang Technology Co., Ltd. As a leading epoxy floor paint manufacturer in China, we provide high-performance epoxy flooring materials, technical consultation, and professional training for domestic and overseas projects, ensuring your flooring installations meet the highest industry standards.
