Table of Contents
Epoxy Flooring
One of the most common reasons for an epoxy coating to peel or bubble is not allowing it to fully dry before applying it. This creates a weak bond and increases the chances of peeling. However, there are a few ways to prevent peeling and bubbles. Below are some helpful tips to help prevent your epoxy from peeling. These tips are not a substitute for professional advice. Let us examine each method.
Using a Primer
When attempting to apply epoxy, using a primer is the best way to prevent peeling. The best primers have a zinc phosphate component, which boosts corrosion-inhibiting properties. They also adhere mechanically to most surfaces. Whether the surface is rough or smooth, the primer will help the epoxy adhere to it. Once the primer is applied, it is recommended that you wet sand the surface to remove any loose or bumpy areas.
When using an epoxy primer, the product should be a two-part mixture. The two-part primer contains zinc phosphate, which improves the corrosion-inhibiting properties of the epoxy. It will protect the bare metal and waterproof materials while also providing a good degree of oxidation resistance. As a result, an epoxy primer should be applied before a top coat to prevent peeling.
While a waterborne coating can be applied over most older surfaces, it is important to test the floor to make sure that the surface is free of existing paint before installing the epoxy. If the paint is peeling off, it’s likely due to inadequately prepared concrete. If the floor is not free of all residue, a primer can help mitigate these problems. However, if the concrete is still a little rough, epoxy will not adhere properly to it.
By reducing the amount of epoxy in the concrete, a primer will prevent the epoxy from soaking into the pores and causing bubbles. Using a primer will also help prevent your epoxy from peeling by making the surface smoother. Moreover, primers also make your epoxy last longer. Lastly, primers will help the epoxy adhere to the concrete better, which will make it look better in the end.
Using a Sealant
One of the most common causes of epoxy coating peeling and bubbling is improper application. Unless epoxy is allowed to dry thoroughly, it will bubble and peel. It will also be susceptible to dirt sticking to it. When a sealant is applied, it prevents these problems. Here are some tips for avoiding epoxy from peeling and bubbling. Follow these steps for your garage floor to last for years.
Before applying the sealant, check the climate of the area where you’re planning to install your epoxy. If you live in a region that experiences hot summers and cold winters, your epoxy coating may crack due to the extreme temperature swings. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, the coating will crack and peel as a result. Fortunately, many sealants are on the market, and it’s easy to find a great one.
Another way to prevent the epoxy from peeling is to use a sealant on concrete. Concrete with a sealant will make it more difficult to bond with epoxy. Sanding the floor and grinding the concrete will improve the bonding and make the coating adhere to it. If the sealant does peel, you can simply grind it off. The process will resemble removing a layer of paint from a wood surface.
Before applying an epoxy coating, you should sand the floor to remove any loose finish. This will help the epoxy adhere better and prevent any bubbling or peeling. After this step, you should apply one or more coats of two-part epoxy, ideally in the same color as the existing coating. If the epoxy is applied too thin, it may lift and peel off. To make it look better, use a coat of paint to cover any discoloration.
Using a Crack Filler
There are many different reasons why an epoxy coating may peel. One of the most common reasons is a variety of environmental factors. One of these reasons is that the epoxy is not climate-sensitive. That means it will cure equally fast in hot and cold temperatures. Another common cause of epoxy peeling is exposure to ultraviolet rays. To avoid this issue, you can use a crack filler to hide the imperfections of the epoxy coating.
During the crack filling process, you should begin by injecting the epoxy mixture at the lowest port and move forward to the next port. Make sure you do not use too much pressure and keep the port open for a month after injecting the epoxy. When the epoxy is done, you should remove the cartridge. Repeat the process for the next port until you run out of epoxy.
When attempting to repair cracked or chipped concrete, it’s important to ensure the epoxy mixture is properly prepared. The improper preparation can result in a poorly-bonded product that is subject to hot tire pickup and even damage to the floor beneath. The temperature of the concrete floor may also cause the epoxy to soften. If this happens, the epoxy could risk peeling off the concrete surface.
A crack filler may be necessary to patch a wide crack. A high-quality epoxy should be used for this purpose. It should not be made of latex or acrylic, as they can be sanded off. If you want a crack filler that is cheap and easy to use, you may want to consider using a crack kit. If you don’t have the money for an expensive product, you may want to consider using a self-leveling concrete crack filler.
Using an Acid Etching Solution
You can use an etching solution made specifically for concrete. Before applying the etching solution to the surface, test it in a small area. If the solution begins bubbling and reacts, then it is ready for the coating. If the solution does not foam, there is still a sealer on the concrete surface. If the coating starts to peel, you must remove the sealer.
First, you can test the concrete to see if it has been sealed or not. The water will soak into the concrete. If it sits on top of the concrete, it is sealed. Acid etching removes the sealant and makes the concrete surface suitable for epoxy. Make sure the etching solution does not leave a mark. If the water soaks into the concrete, you need to grind it to make the surface hard enough for the epoxy to adhere.
One of the most common problems with epoxy is laitance. This is when concrete particles are made of too much water. When the water rises to the surface during the curing process, it brings with it fine particles of concrete. These particles eventually dry onto the surface. Acid etching helps remove the thin layers of laitance. Leaving the laitance on the surface will lead to the paint peeling and cracking.
Another problem with the surface is that the epoxy cannot adhere to the smooth surface of the concrete. It requires a rough profile to be created for it to adhere. Acid etching helps make this profile. Acid etching works well with phosphoric acid, muriatic acid, and hydrochloric acids. Citric acid is weaker and will not dissolve the concrete. This is the most common cause of epoxy peeling on garage floors.
If you need help repairing your peeling epoxy floors or want to prevent future damages, then reach out to our team of dedicated epoxy experts. We can provide you with a free consultation on epoxy repairs.