A well-applied epoxy floor should be strong, durable, and long-lasting. But if it’s peeling, flaking, or lifting, something went wrong.
Epoxy doesn’t just randomly peel—it happens because of poor adhesion, usually caused by surface issues, moisture, improper application, or using the wrong type of epoxy. The frustrating part? Most of these mistakes happen before the epoxy is even applied.
If your epoxy floor is peeling, here’s why it’s happening, how to fix it, and what you can do to prevent it in the future.
✔ Grind the concrete for a rougher surface.
✔ Vacuum thoroughly before applying epoxy.
✔ Remove any old, weak coatings before applying a new layer.
Moisture is a major reason why epoxy floors peel. If there’s trapped moisture, it pushes against the epoxy as it cures, causing peeling and bubbling.
✔ Test for moisture before applying epoxy.
✔ Avoid applying epoxy right after rain or in high humidity.
Epoxy sticks to whatever is on the concrete. If there’s oil, grease, or cleaning residues, it won’t bond properly, leading to peeling.
✔ Use a degreaser and pressure washer to clean the surface.
✔ Avoid using harsh cleaners that leave a residue.
✔ If the concrete is weak, apply a densifier to strengthen it.
Epoxy is sensitive to temperature. If applied in extreme conditions, it won’t cure properly—leading to peeling or a soft, weak surface.
✔ Apply epoxy in stable temperatures, ideally between 15–25°C.
✔ Avoid direct sunlight and extreme humidity.
✔ Control indoor humidity levels if working in an enclosed area.
Not all epoxy products are the same. Cheap, low-quality epoxy wears out faster and doesn’t bond well, leading to premature peeling.
✔ Use professional-grade epoxy, not hardware store DIY kits.
✔ Ensure the epoxy is suited for outdoor conditions.
✔ Follow the mixing instructions exactly—incorrect ratios lead to weak bonding.
If your epoxy floor is peeling, you don’t have to redo everything. Here’s how to repair it based on the severity of the damage.
Look for peeling spots and determine the cause (moisture, dirt, poor bonding).
Fix the root issue before applying a new coat, or the problem will return.
Scrape or grind off any loose epoxy.
Smooth the edges so the new epoxy blends with the existing coating.
Vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust and debris.
Grind the surface to improve adhesion.
Deep clean to remove any contaminants like oil or grease.
Apply moisture if needed.
Use thin, even layers instead of a thick coat.
Apply epoxy in stable temperatures to avoid curing issues.
Let it cure fully before walking or driving on it.
At Express Epoxy Flooring, we do things right the first time, so you don’t have to deal with peeling, bubbling, or lifting later.
We take extra care in:
✔ Surface preparation – Grinding, cleaning, and removing contaminants.
✔ Moisture testing – Checking for hidden moisture before application.
✔ Using high-quality epoxy – No cheap DIY kits, only durable coatings.
✔ Applying epoxy correctly – Following best practices for a long-lasting finish.
While we don’t offer epoxy for wet areas like the pool, we specialise in epoxy coatings for garages, outdoor concrete surfaces. If you need a long-lasting, properly applied epoxy floor in Adelaide, contact us today
