Epoxy floor coating is a fantastic choice for transforming your floors into a smooth surface that resists wear and tear. It’s popular for both residential and commercial spaces, thanks to its shiny finish and long-lasting qualities.
You’ve invested time and money into that gorgeous epoxy floor, expecting it to be flawless, right? Then boom — bubbles, cracks and those pesky spots come up. We’ve all been there and it truly can get frustrating! The good news? These problems are A LOT more common than you’d think.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most frequent problems you might encounter and how to fix them!
1. Peeling and Bubbling
Nothing is more frustrating than seeing your new epoxy floor begin to peel or bubble. This usually happens when the surface underneath wasn’t prepared properly before the epoxy was applied. Dirt, oil, or moisture trapped beneath the coating can cause adhesion issues, resulting in peeling or bubbles forming over time.
How to Fix It:
The first step to preventing this is proper surface prep! Make sure to clean the floor thoroughly, removing any dirt, grease, or oil. Grinding the surface can also help the epoxy bond better. If you’re dealing with existing peeling or bubbling, you’ll need to sand down the affected areas, clean them well, and apply a fresh coat of epoxy.
2. Fish Eyes
Ever seen small circular indentations in your epoxy floor that resemble fish eyes? These can be caused by contamination, either from the surface or from the air during the curing process. Oil, silicone, or even fingerprints on the floor can lead to this problem, as they repel the epoxy.
How to Fix It:
To avoid fish eyes, make sure the surface is spotless before application. Use a cleaner specifically designed for epoxy floors to remove any oils or contaminants. If you notice fish eyes during or after application, you may need to sand down the area, thoroughly clean it, and reapply the epoxy.
Also Read: How to Clean and Maintain Epoxy Flooring for Long-Lasting Shine
3. Discoloration or Yellowing
Over time, some epoxy floors can develop a yellowish tint. This can make your floor look old and poorly maintained. Cheap or low-quality epoxy products are more prone to yellowing, especially when exposed to sunlight for long periods.
How to Fix It:
The easiest way to prevent yellowing is to choose a UV-resistant epoxy product. If you already have discoloration, you may need to apply a fresh topcoat using a high-quality, UV-resistant formula.
4. Air Bubbles
Air bubbles are a common issue when applying epoxy floor coating, and they can really ruin that glassy finish you were hoping for. These bubbles often form when the epoxy is mixed too quickly, trapping air, or when it’s applied to a surface that wasn’t sealed beforehand.
How to Fix It:
Mix the epoxy slowly to avoid introducing air into the mixture! When applying epoxy to surfaces like concrete, it’s important to use a primer or sealer to fill any tiny holes that might release air. If bubbles form during application, you can pop them with a heat gun while the epoxy is still wet.
5. Uneven Finish
Sometimes, you’ll end up with uneven patches in your epoxy floor. This typically happens when the epoxy is applied unevenly, or if it pools in lower sections of the floor.
How to Fix It:
To avoid an uneven finish, check whether or not the floor is level before applying the epoxy. Use a self-leveling epoxy, and work systematically to avoid over-applying in any one spot. If pooling does occur, you may be able to sand down the high spots and apply a new layer to even things out.
Epoxy Floors that Turn Heads!
Epoxy floor coating offers a durable and attractive solution for a variety of spaces, but it’s not without its potential pitfalls. If you’re dealing with epoxy problems, don’t fret — there are fixes for every common issue!
But why would you deal with these problems on your own when you could get expert installation and repair from PEC Floors? We’re a trusted provider in high-quality flooring solutions and make sure your floor looks perfect and stays that way for years to come! Get in touch with us today!