How To Repair Epoxy Coating Failure
An epoxy coating adds not only strength but also durability to the concrete beneath. An epoxy coating brings that aesthetic look to your dull concrete and brings out the glamorous, glossy, sleek look of a commercial floor. Most of these mistakes occur during the epoxy coating’s initial application, probably because you hired an inexperienced contractor or chose a cheap, ineffective coating material. For example, not vacuuming the sanded area leaves behind debris and dust, which, when caught between the epoxy and the floor, cause peeling. Failure to degrease the floor will also cause peeling. Epoxy comes in two pre-measured parts. If they’re not mixed properly, the floor will have bubbles.
You’ll have to remove the ruined coat and apply a new one except for discoloration for all epoxy failures.
Fixing bubbles in your floors
You can get rid of bubbles by sanding them and applying a new epoxy coat.
Follow these steps;
1.Sand the bubbles.
Use a handheld sander for small bubble clusters. A floor buffer might come in handy for larger clusters of bubbles. You should use a rotary scrubber and 60-grit sandpaper for sanding the bubbles until you’re done. Sanding scratches the floor so that you can apply a new coat easily. Use a sandblaster if the entire coat is damaged.
2. Clean the floor
Vacuum the dust and debris from the floor using a shop vac. This step will prevent dirt from getting trapped in your epoxy. When the floor is clean, apply a solvent. Dip a clean rag in a solvent and spread over the whole area you’ve sanded. Solvents will help the epoxy stick to the floor, preventing bubbles emergency on the new coat.
3. Apply a fresh epoxy coating.
This is the final step. Apply another epoxy coat. Mix the two-part epoxy chemicals properly and pour the mixture into a painting tray. Dip a 1.9cm wide roller into the mixture and apply a new coat over the repair surface. Work from back to the front if you are repairing the whole floor. Work from back to front will prevent backtracking, which could ruin your coat. Leave to dry for a day.
Make sure the working area is well ventilated since solvent-based epoxy produces poisonous fumes.
Fixing a peeling floor
1.Remove the peeling epoxy from the floor.
A paint scraper should help you with this. Wedge the paint scrapper at a slanting angle and apply moderate pressure. The loose coating will come off easily.
2. Sanding the damaged area
Plug in a palm sander and place it over the damaged area. Sand the surface using 30cm circular movements. Epoxy sticks properly to a sanded surface, which will ensure that the new epoxy coating won’t peel off. Use 100-grit sandpaper and a floor buffer if you’re sanding large swathes of your floor.
3. Clean the sanded floor using a shop vac and a solvent
Vacuum up all the dust and debris produced during sanding. When the area is clear of dirt deep, a clean rag in denatured alcohol. Circularly move your hand as you wipe the floor. This step will prepare your floor for coating.
4. Apply a fresh coat of epoxy
Mix the two pre-measured epoxy parts thoroughly to prevent future peeling. Use a paint stick to stir the mixture. Alternatively, use a drill and a stirring bit, which is more effective. Pour the mixture onto a paint tray. Roll a 3/4 inch roller on the paint tray to soak up the epoxy. Paint a thin, even layer on top of the sanded floor. Always start on the back and paint toward the front. Make sure the current coating is similar in specifications to the previous one.
Please read the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the epoxy package and apply them to the letter.
5. Inspect the floor
Leave the floor undisturbed for 24 hours so that it can dry. Drying time will depend on the prevailing thermal and environmental conditions.
Test the floor by pressing your thumb on the repaired area. The coat is dry if the thumb doesn’t leave a print on the floor. Apply a top coat to prevent further peeling.
Hire a professional if you cannot follow these steps correctly.