A peeling epoxy floor is a sign of a poorly prepared surface. Whether using a DIY kit or calling in the pros, the floor’s surface prep work is the key to a successful epoxy finish. If you have made a mistake, it may be best to resurface the whole floor; you should avoid patchy repairs.
It sounds scary; your recently epoxied floor is flaking or peeling off and so are your hopes of a contemporary and fresh new floor. Mostly, these are the results of accidental epoxy floor DIYs and inexperienced installers. See Ontario Specialty Coatings 5 Star Google reviews.
Floor surface preparation for epoxy – professional vs DIY:
There is nothing more important than prepping a surface. 70% of any resurfacing project, whether installing epoxy, rubber surfacing, stone coating, concrete polishing, concrete grinding (faux terrazzo), or pool coatings, is in the surface preparation. The final layer is the reward.
- A professional uses a diamond-toothed blade to open surface cracks and introduce surface dimension on 100% of the floor to promote adhesion.
- The surface is thoroughly vacuumed.
- Initial degreasing of the floor surface followed by acid etching is used to rasp the surface.
- A complete rinsing after each step is the only way to ensure epoxy adhesion.
- It must be dried thoroughly, possibly for days.
What makes an applied epoxy surface peel or flake?
Especially with an older concrete surface in your garage or an industrial setting, it is best to assume there are oil spots on the surface, everywhere. Preparation is key to a successful outcome, so clean and rinse exhaustively and allow your surface to dry for 3-4 days before your following procedure.
Inadequate removal of the acid etch:
- During the DIY floor prep, the remains of the acid etch (if used) may not be sufficiently removed. The epoxy attaches itself to the thin layer of concrete dust rather than the concrete floor, peeling off soon afterward.
Inadequate removal of surface oil:
- Oily substances are a barrier that prevents the epoxy from adhering to the concrete floor. When doing a DIY prep, clean it with a grease-cutting detergent. Thoroughly clean off the detergent with fresh water.
How to repair different types of damaged epoxy flooring:
A well-dropped sharp tool can chip or put a hole in a surface. In cases where damage is extensive and viewable in several places, resurfacing the whole floor makes the most sense.
Cracks and holes can be patched with a fast-acting compound, a patching crack-filler. First, prepare the repair surface by degreasing the spots before applying your crack filler; you must fully allow the surface to dry for a few days. Apply the crack-filler and allow it to cure for approximately 4 hours. Sand with toothy grit sandpaper (80-grit), vacuum, and resurface with your epoxy finish.
Peeling or flaking floors:
- The solution is professional blast-tracking the entire surface with a diamond-toothed blade and then epoxy resurfacing. Although professional surfacing costs more, you can feel assured the outcome will be perfect.
Cracks or holes in floors:
- Concrete is susceptible to movement and heaving due to its placement on the ground. The layering of substrates minimizes normal activity on the concrete; however, cracks, both hairline and larger, sometimes occur.
Chips in floors:
- Accidents happen, and chips can easily result. Repair using the same procedure as above. If you’ve noticed the chip when it happens, vacuum the area and add your epoxy solution to that immediate spot if it hasn’t removed any concrete base.
Call Ontario Specialty Coatings any time; we would love to be part of your project’s vision.