Epoxy is sturdy; it can withstand years of heavy wear and tear. But even as one of the most reliable, high-strength flooring options out there, epoxy can still experience damage over time. A well-loved epoxy floor system can sustain cracks, peeling, or discoloration. Improperly installed DIY flooring is even more susceptible to damage. Luckily, most issues can be repaired.
How to Repair Chips or Cracks
The inevitable chip and crack can be annoying. But there are a handful of methods used to fix these issues. Smaller fissures can be filled in with mortar. Apply the compound directly over the cracks and chips and use a trowel to work it in completely in an even layer. Let the material cure for about 60 days. Once it’s fully cured, you can apply a new layer of epoxy.
A good epoxy patching kit can replace mortar to speed up this process.
If the damage is far more extensive than a handful of minor cracks and chips, you may need to take more extreme measures to repair the flooring. You’ll likely need to resurface the entire area before applying new epoxy.
How to Repair Bubbles
Bubbles can sometimes rise in fresh epoxy due to a natural process called outgassing. It’s caused by trapped air or gasses escaping from the concrete slab. A number of factors can increase the likelihood of outgassing including a poorly prepped floor, temperature changes, or improperly mixed epoxy solution. The result will be interspersed pinholes, blisters, or craters.
The best way to remedy this situation is to re-install the epoxy. Once the initial flooring attempt dries, buff down the epoxy with a rotary scrubber or diamond grinder. Use a shop vac to clean up the dust and thoroughly wipe down the area with a solvent solution. Now you can reattempt the epoxy install.
How to Repair Peeling
Another common issue you might encounter is peeling epoxy. This could be the result of hot tire pickup, installation failure, or simply old age. Regardless, it leads to an unappealing, weathered floor.
If you want to get your floor looking brand new, you’ll need to remove the existing coating. You can do this with a rotary scrubber or a 3-inch scraper. You can also use a high-strength paint stripper but more caution must be taken when working with this. Once you remove the coating, cleanse the floor with an acidic cleaner and follow with two scrub rinses. Now you can re-install the flooring.
How to Repair Discoloration
It’s not uncommon for aging epoxy to take on an odd color. This could also be an issue stemming from the beginning of the installation. Anything from exceeding the epoxy pot life to exposure to UV rays can create discoloration.
There are several ways to address discoloration. Minor blotches can be easily concealed by installing a tinted sealer. You can use it as a spot treatment or apply it to the entire floor. To darken up light patches, use a water-based stain or dye. Remember to leave your stain or sealer to dry for at least 4 hours.
When is it Time to Replace My Epoxy Flooring?
If there is major damage, you’ll likely need to replace your epoxy flooring. As we just went over, peeling, bubbles and chips could all require a brand-new coating of epoxy. Generally, if there are significant cosmetic issues with your floor, you might need to think about replacing the flooring system.
The lifespan of an epoxy flooring system will vary depending on the amount of traffic it supports. Most epoxy floors will last 5 to 10 years but can hold up a lot longer in residential settings. If you notice any of the above issues arising, it might not be a bad idea to plan a new installation.
Before you go spending money on any of this, check with your epoxy installer to better understand what’s covered under the epoxy installation warranty. Some repairs might be covered while others aren’t.
Call In Epoxy Colorado For Assistance
The best way to assure your epoxy repair goes smoothly is to call in the pros! Epoxy Colorado has specialized in flooring applications since 2004. If you’re getting repairs made to your epoxy floor, we are your premier choice for high-quality epoxy flooring. Quality, value, and excellent customer service are at the forefront of every project we take on. Schedule your appointment today!
FAQs
Can you touch up epoxy floors? ›
Recommendation was to scuff sand existing epoxy coating with 60 grit sand paper over the entire surface to aid with adhesion, clean, allow to dry and recoat. Basically, just treat it like painting over any other type of glossy paint.
How do you fix peeling epoxy flooring? ›It's not possible to simply cover over a worn epoxy coat with a new one. Once that epoxy coating has begun to peel and flake, you must remove the old layer completely before reapplying a fresh coat. Otherwise, the epoxy won't adhere, and your problem will just grow worse.
Can you resurface epoxy floor? ›You can recoat an epoxy finish that has lost its sheen or otherwise been damaged, but you have to properly prepare it or the new epoxy won't adhere. This preparation must include careful cleaning with a grease-cutting detergent to remove the thin, oily layer that has probably built up, but may be invisible.
Can you spot repair epoxy? ›Unfortunately, we don't recommend spot fixing for the simple reason that it's actually very difficult to sand out a small area where there might be an issue, such as a bubble, hair or even a bit of dust that settled into your wet resin.
Can you fix cracked epoxy? ›If it is just a surface crack (e.g. crack in the coating), repair can be done by removing loose/weak particles and coating from the cracks and joints, and then made sound. This is followed by grinding off the existing coating and then applying a primer and finishing coat.
Can you put new epoxy over old epoxy? ›Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.
How do you fix deep scratches in epoxy? ›To remove a scratch in the epoxy, you will need a drill, polishing pads, and Meguiars polishing paste. You will apply a small amount of the paste as directed on the packaging and then use the polishing pad attachment on your drill to buff the surface of the epoxy.
Can you fix scratches in epoxy? ›Most scratches can be sanded right out rather quickly using a variety of fine-grit sandpaper. *Directions are specific to white resin finishes only. Use warm water to remove dirt and dust from the surface. Use #800 grit sandpaper and rub in small, circular motions until the scratch is gone.
Can you recoat epoxy without sanding? ›Wait 3-5 Hours & Pour the Second Coat of Epoxy Resin
Instead of sanding, you'll pour the second coat on at that time: the stickiness of the resin will provide the tooth and the curing will happen simultaneously between the two layers, bonding them together very nicely.
When the floor is acid etched like with many DIY projects and the acid is not removed properly, there is a thin layer of loose concrete dust that sits on top of the concrete slab. When the epoxy is applied, it bonds to the concrete dust than to the concrete slab, resulting in peeling off shortly after application.
What is the lifespan of epoxy flooring? ›
Typically, epoxy flooring lasts 2 to 3 years in heavy traffic. Commercial properties—like garages, restaurants, or factory spaces—with lots of daily foot traffic can expect this experience. However, with proper care and maintenance, your epoxy flooring may last much longer.
What ruins a epoxy floor? ›When too much water is still in the cement before laying epoxy, it will continue to evaporate out of the concrete and up underneath the layer of epoxy. This can result in bubbles and blisters that ruin the smooth and attractive finish of your epoxy, destroying the beautiful look you were trying to achieve.
What should you not put on a epoxy floor? ›Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemicals like comet, they are too abrasive. Use soft-scrub and a moderately abrasive scrubbing pad or brush. Don't ever use any cleaning compounds with citrus or acid in them. Citrus cleaners and vinegar will break down the epoxy catalyst and must be avoided.
What is epoxy resurfacing? ›Epoxy Mortar Resurfacer (EMR) is a 100% solids concrete resurfacing system system that offers a high degree of impact and abrasion resistance. This highly durable material is designed to repair and replace existing commercial & industrial floors.
What happens if you pour epoxy over epoxy? ›If you have painted over an existing epoxy coating or applied any other type of floor sealant then a second coat will not work as it will not bond properly. In order to proceed in any of these cases just highlighted, you need to grind the entire coating away, and effectively apply a new first epoxy coating.
Will epoxy fill in imperfections? ›If you are worrying about imperfections in the concrete such as hairline cracks or pock-marks, an epoxy floor coating may be your best solution as it will hide all those imperfections.
Can you sand epoxy and recoat? ›A lot of first-time users ask, “Can you sand epoxy?” The answer is, YES! This is the primary way to prepare your epoxy for a second coat.
How much is epoxy crack repair? ›There are two ways to repair foundation cracks with epoxy: DIY epoxy repair kits or hiring a professional foundation contractor. Costs for repair DIY kits range from $75 – $225, while hiring a foundation contract will cost $500 – $2500, depending on the cracks.
Can epoxy bond to epoxy? ›Primary/Secondary Bonding with Epoxy
All the layers of epoxy cure together in a single fused layer. Epoxy applied over partially cured epoxy will chemically link with it and is a primary bond. The ability to chemically link diminishes as the epoxy cures and it becomes a secondary bond.
Clean the epoxy with warm or hot water, and Dawn Dish soap is one of the best cleaners for epoxy flooring. That's enough to keep the shiny epoxy floor looking awesome. If there are still spots left, you should consider purchasing an epoxy cleaning solution or an all-purpose surface cleaner.
Will epoxy crack in cold weather? ›
While epoxy coatings themselves do not crack in extreme heat or cold, concrete does. Epoxy coatings cannot withstand the stresses associated with concrete cracks due to settling, dry shrinkage or other factors.
Can deep scratches be buffed out? ›Buffing with the compound should be enough to erase most moderately deep scratches. If you can't completely remove the scratch with the buffing compound, you might still be able to ameliorate the scratch with some touch-up paint.
Can deep scratches Be Fixed? ›Most light scratches can be fixed by polishing the clear coat with a rubbing compound. It will remove the damaged layer and leave your paint looking good as new. If the scratch is deep, you may need to sand the area before polishing it. It will remove any rough edges and make it easier to apply the compound evenly.
Do epoxy floors scratch easily? ›Epoxy flooring is one of the most durable applications available. It is resistant to chemicals, stains, cracks, and scratches. Not only that, but it is the perfect choice where heavy equipment is used because along with everything else - it is impact resistant.
How do you refresh an epoxy floor? ›Clean the epoxy with warm or hot water, and Dawn Dish soap is one of the best cleaners for epoxy flooring. That's enough to keep the shiny epoxy floor looking awesome. If there are still spots left, you should consider purchasing an epoxy cleaning solution or an all-purpose surface cleaner.
How many years will epoxy floor last? ›For residential spaces that use epoxy flooring—like patios or garages—homeowners can expect to keep their epoxy flooring looking great for even longer. Typically, residential epoxy flooring can last up to 10 years with proper care!
Can I put new epoxy over old epoxy? ›Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.
What kind of paint will stick to epoxy? ›Latex paints are compatible with epoxy and they do an adequate job of protecting the epoxy barrier from UV radiation. In many architectural applications, latex paint may be the most suitable coating to use.
Does epoxy floor increase home value? ›Epoxy Garage Floors: The Most Cost Effective Way to Increase Your Homes Value. Epoxy garage flooring can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot! That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and comparatively inexpensive upgrade.
Why do epoxy floors fail? ›The most common reasons for a failure in your epoxy floor coating are, the floor was not properly prepared, the epoxy floor coating used was water based or other low grade type of epoxy, the epoxy was not rated for the type of traffic on it and or the floor has an issue such as moisture, oil stains, corrosion or ...
Does an epoxy floor need maintenance? ›
In terms of daily maintenance, epoxy floors are pretty low-key. They don't need much, but a daily sweep and mop should be part of the cleaning routine. By removing the presence of any small particles, you'll keep the floor free of scratches and reduce wear and tear.
What floor is better than epoxy? ›Polyurea has a higher resistance to chemicals than epoxy and is U.V. stable. It's better for garage floors and exterior spaces, and for protecting your floor against stains, damage, chemicals and wear. They are light reflective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
Does epoxy damage easily? ›Durability. Epoxy resin has become a popular choice for lab furniture designers and manufacturers primarily for its incredible strength and durability. Once dry, epoxy resin is virtually impossible to break and can withstand regular heavy impact and pressure without splitting, splintering, or cracking.
Why is my epoxy floor chipping? ›If your epoxy floor is not installed correctly, this will cause adhesion issues and lead to peeling and/or chipping. You must ensure that the surface is free of dirt and contaminants, then apply a consistent amount of adhesive as specified by your manufacturer.
Can you use vinegar on an epoxy floor? ›Avoid using cleaning products with vinegar and citric acid. Citrus cleaners or vinegar can slowly degloss the epoxy finish. You should also avoid soap-based cleaners that can leave a hazy build-up on the epoxy floors. This film can also make the floor more slippery when wet.
Can you pressure wash epoxy floor? ›If the garage epoxy floor becomes extremely dirty you can mix up some dish washing liquid or some Simple Green and wash the floor down with that and a garden hose. Pressure washing is now no longer necessary but OK to do if you want to. Just don't zero point the nozzle.