Epoxy ranks as one of the most popular garage coatings because it withstands much abuse. However, over time all epoxy floor coatings show signs of wear and tear. As the coating on concrete floors starts to end its useful lifespan, it may crack, discolor, or peel.
However, you can do several things to repair your residential garage floor coatings. With these tips from the LS Concrete Coatings team, you can eke a little more life out of your epoxy in Frisco, TX.
Repairing Chips or Cracks
You can use mortar to fill in small fissures quickly. Simply scrape some of the compound into the crack, taking care to work it in so that no air bubbles remain. Smooth the mortar as well as possible and let it cure.
While the cure times vary between manufacturers, you should leave it for around two months before applying the epoxy.
If you would rather not wait that long, look for a good-quality epoxy repair kit. The epoxy provides instant protection to the underlying layer and creates a durable finish.
However, with extensive damage, you’ll need to resurface the entire area before you consider reapplying garage coatings in Frisco.
Repairing Bubbles
Sometimes bubbles appear in newly-laid epoxy during the curing process. This phenomenon is known as outgassing and results from the air within the concrete working its way to the surface.
You will commonly see this issue with DIY garage floor coating projects, which can more likely occur with the following:
- Improperly prepped floor
- Temperature changes during installation
- Incorrectly mixed epoxy solution
When the bubbles reach the surface, they will either form blisters or burst, causing craters or pinholes. Unfortunately, you can do little to rectify this situation but start again. Wait for the first layer to dry, and then buff it using a diamond grinder or rotary scrubber.
Next, vacuum up the dust and wipe the surface down with an appropriate solvent. When it is completely dry again, pour the new garage coatings.
Repairing Peeling
Peeling epoxy can result from several causes, including:
- Installation failure
- Hot tire pickup
- Old age
Whatever the reason, the result gives you a worn floor that looks old and grungy. To restore that like-new look means some hard work ahead. You’ll need to scrub or scrape away the existing epoxy coating. You can complete this task in one of three ways. You may use a:
- Rotary scrubber
- Scraper
- High-quality paint stripper
After removing the old layer, clean the floor with an acidic agent, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then scrub and rinse the surface twice to ensure you have removed all residue. You may then lay the new garage coatings.
Repairing Discoloration
Epoxy can discolor over time. The most common reasons for this discoloration include sun exposure and reaching the epoxy’s expiry date. You can easily cover up this issue by using a tinted, water-based sealer, stain, or dye.
These sealants come in a variety of colors, so you can easily choose something close to the original color. If the new coating will be translucent, consider how the underlying color might affect the new hue.
If you can match the color exactly, you can use spot treatments. If not, consider recovering the entire floor instead. While the manufacturer’s instructions differ, it’s wise to let the product dry for at least four hours.
Repairing Sand Bubbles
Sand bubbles differ from air bubbles in that the floor doesn’t adhere properly in patches. This will appear as a discolored patch on the floor. You can treat this much as you would an air bubble, but be aware that the problem might extend all the way to the floor.
As long as you don’t see too many of these flaws, you can sand away the epoxy, vacuum the dust, and clean the surface. You may then reapply the sealant using a patch kit.
If these spots extend across much of the surface area, you should scrape away the layer and begin again.
When Should You Replace the Flooring?
You should replace the flooring if you notice major damage. The odd crack or bubble is easy to repair. However, bubbling, chipping, and peeling across most of the surface indicates a major issue.
The problem could be moisture damage, poor installation, or simply old age. Whatever the case, applying a new coat here would be a stopgap measure. Unfortunately, it won’t be long before you notice significant issues with the new coat too.
Seek Professional Assistance
Our best advice is to seek professional assistance. While the advice above will work, the results can be hit and miss. Without the proper equipment, the task may also prove tedious and time-consuming.
If you suspect you must scrape away the entire layer, call us to give you a free estimate. Our team uses specialist equipment to check for water damage and other issues. We also have extensive experience in the industry and can recognize the signs of a floor that requires a complete overhaul.
While it may be more expensive to call for professional assistance initially, the results make it worthwhile. Not only do you then benefit from the full manufacturer’s guarantee, but you also have our satisfaction guarantee.
Call LS Concrete Coatings for Your Free Estimate
Do you have issues with your garage floor coating but don’t want to attempt a DIY fix? Contact LS Concrete Coatings today at (469) 604-6802 to secure your free estimate for garage coatings in Frisco, TX.