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Industrial epoxy flooring is only as good as the surface beneath it. While self-levelling epoxy coatings create a smooth, durable finish, they cannot compensate for uneven concrete, damaged floors or significant level differences. This is where epoxy screeds play a vital role.

An epoxy screed restores floor levels, repairs damaged concrete and creates a strong foundation for subsequent flooring layers. Choosing the right screed depends on the condition of the floor, the application method and the project’s time constraints.

When is an Epoxy Screed Required?

Epoxy screeds are typically used when concrete floors have:

• Uneven or undulating surfaces
• Surface damage and spalled concrete
• Potholes or worn-out sections
• Areas requiring floor level correction
• Heavy-duty service conditions demanding a robust underlayer

For levelling applications between 4 mm and 10 mm, tampable epoxy screeds provide excellent strength and stability. In certain applications, thicknesses up to 15 mm can also be achieved in a single installation.

Why Working Time Matters

One of the most overlooked aspects of selecting an epoxy screed is working time.

Large industrial floors cannot always be placed quickly. Contractors need adequate time to mix, spread, compact and accurately level the material before it begins to harden. A screed with a longer working time allows better control over the installation, resulting in improved floor flatness and reduced application stress.

This is where MR. JO Underlay – TMP excels.

Designed using proven polyamide technology, Underlay TMP offers an extended pot life of approximately 120–150 minutes, giving applicators the flexibility needed for larger floor areas and more demanding levelling work. The additional working time helps achieve consistent results, especially where accuracy and finish quality are priorities.

When Fast Cure Becomes More Important

Not every project has the luxury of time.

Maintenance shutdowns, production facilities and smaller repair jobs often demand a faster return to service. In these situations, a rapid-curing screed can significantly reduce project downtime.

For such applications, MR. JO Eco Underlay – iTMP offers an excellent alternative. With its phenalkamine-based curing technology, it provides a shorter working time of approximately 25–45 minutes, allows recoating in as little as 6–8 hours, and enables earlier return to service. It also performs well on slightly damp substrates, making it particularly useful during maintenance work and in less-than-ideal site conditions.

The choice between the two is not about which screed is better—it is about selecting the one that best matches the project’s application requirements.

The Importance of Surface Preparation

Even the highest-quality screed cannot compensate for poor substrate preparation.

Concrete should be clean, sound and properly prepared before any epoxy screed is applied. A suitable primer should always be selected based on the substrate condition, moisture levels and project requirements. Proper priming improves adhesion, reduces substrate porosity and helps the screed perform as intended over the long term.

Choosing the Right Screed

The table below provides a simple guideline for selecting between the two systems.

Final Thoughts

Every industrial floor presents a different challenge. Some projects demand long working times to achieve precise levels over large areas, while others require rapid repairs to minimise production downtime.

MR. JO Underlay – TMP has earned its reputation as a dependable tampable epoxy screed for contractors who value control, flexibility and consistent installation quality. For projects where speed is the overriding priority, Mr. Jo Eco Underlay iTMP offers a modern, fast-curing alternative.

Understanding the demands of your project before selecting a screed helps ensure a durable flooring system, improved productivity and long-term performance.