Client:
Wusthof Retail Outlet Store
Norwalk, CT 06854
Installer:
N/A
Products Used:
The Challenge
Wüsthof Cutlery wanted to renew the look of their flagship outlet retail store in Norwalk, CT with a contemporary designer metallic epoxy concrete floor. The challenge was installing a beautiful, deep-gloss, metallic epoxy over vinyl commercial tile (VCT).
The Outcome
A beautiful, metallic epoxy floor was installed that looks much more modern than their previous VCT floor.
Overview
Wüsthof is a high-end German manufacturer of cutlery. Their U.S. flagship outlet store in Norwalk, CT needed a flooring update to bring the appearance of the store into the 21st century. The store had vinyl commercial tile (VCT) installed and they did not want to remove it if possible.
Wüsthof wanted a designer metallic floor, also known as seamless resin metallic flooring. Duraamen’s Lumiere Designer Metallic Epoxy Flooring System provides a modern look and a deep, three-dimensional (3D) shine. Lumiere utilizes colored pigments made with real metallic particles suspended in a clear epoxy resin that is spread onto the floor. Once installed, Lumiere is nearly maintenance-free and resists scratches, scuffing, abrasions, impacts, moisture, chemicals, and high foot traffic. This makes it ideal for any commercial retail store. In this case, it’s ideal for the Flagship Wüsthof Outlet Retail Store.
The only issue with the installation was the current VCT flooring. This became a non-issue with the use of Duraamen’s Param SSL—a self-smoothing concrete overlay. Param SSL can be applied to any hard surface like concrete, ceramic, gypsum, tile, and of course, VCT. The Param SSL will provide a concrete-like surface for the Lumiere Metallic Epoxy to adhere to.
Finally, the floor was sealed with our Perdure U46—a polyurethane, UV-resistant topcoat that provides a high-gloss, protective finish. Had the client wanted a matte appearance they could have selected Perdure U45 which provides the same protection, but in a matte finish. Metallic epoxy with a matte finish is not often used but provides a unique look when appropriate.
Retail stores often look for flooring systems that combine durability with strong visual appeal, and metallic epoxy flooring has become a popular choice for modern retail interiors. Metallic epoxy floors are created by blending metallic pigments into epoxy resin, producing flowing patterns and reflective effects that resemble polished stone or liquid metal.
These decorative floors create a unique, high-end appearance that helps retail environments stand out while enhancing lighting and product displays. Because the pigments move within the coating during installation, every metallic epoxy floor develops a one-of-a-kind design that cannot be duplicated.
Beyond aesthetics, metallic epoxy floors provide excellent durability for retail spaces that experience constant foot traffic. Epoxy coatings bond strongly to concrete and resist scratches, stains, and everyday wear, helping the floor maintain its appearance for many years.
Another advantage is the seamless, non-porous surface created by epoxy flooring systems. Without grout lines or joints, the floor is easier to clean and maintain, which is especially important for busy retail environments.
Metallic epoxy flooring also offers design flexibility because a wide variety of colors and visual effects can be created to match the branding or interior design of a store. From subtle metallic tones to dramatic marble-like patterns, designers can customize the floor to complement the overall retail space.
When properly installed with protective topcoats, metallic epoxy flooring provides a durable and visually striking surface that transforms ordinary concrete floors into memorable design features. For retail stores, boutiques, and showrooms looking to create a modern and engaging environment, metallic epoxy flooring can be an excellent long-term flooring solution.
Benefits
- High wear, impact, and abrasion resistance
- Very low maintenance
- Modern, trendy, beautiful
- Many metallic colors available and nearly any color may be created by mixing them
- Zero to Very Low VOC
- Various protective topcoats available for Light, Medium, and Heavy traffic
- Slip-resistant finish available though it may diminish the shine somewhat.
The Success:
The Wüsthof Outlet Retail Store now has a floor they can be proud of. A floor that truly reflects the quality of their products. The world’s greatest knife maker deserves the world’s greatest floor to display their wares.
