Homeowners can use epoxy floor paint to create a beautiful, scratch-resistant surface that is harder than wood substrate and concrete. But like other flooring materials, epoxy surfaces do not last forever. These insights and recommendations are especially worthy for those who want their garage floor coating as shiny as the first day. In such spaces, surfaces tend to deteriorate quickly. However, there is an option to recoat a damaged epoxy floor that has lost its sheen. You just have to prepare the surface thoroughly so that the new epoxy can adhere.
The preparation process involves cleaning the surface with grease-cutting detergent for thin removal. You can also use the cleanser for removing any oily layers that have probably built up and are not visible. That is not all, though. Etch the cleaned surface to make it rough enough to bond with the new epoxy finish. Below is how epoxy tech floor coating is done.
Holes and Chips Repair
The first step to recoating an epoxy surface is to repair holes and chips on the surface. Allow a floor with fresh mortar to cure for at least two months before recoating it with epoxy. Alternatively, use epoxy patching compound for repair if you want the surface to dry in a few days instead of months.
Clean the Floor with Grease-Cutting Detergent
A mixture of warm water and grease-cutting detergent can be used for cleaning the floor. You can opt for an all-purpose household cleaner for cleaning floors inside the house. But for someone recoating a garage floor or other similar surfaces that might have oil and heavy-duty grease deposits, use an industrial-grade product. Use a scrub brush to clean up grease deposits and then mop the floor with a detergent solution.
Use a Floor Buffer
You need an 80-grit sanding screen, screening attachment, and a floor buffer to recoat an epoxy floor. First, sand the floor and then use a buffer to etch the surface. Experts recommend using 80-grit sandpaper for carving the areas and corners that the buffer cannot. Then vacuum-clean the floor and use a damp rag to wipe it down to remove any traces of sand and old, leftover finish. Follow the manufacturer’s guide to mixing the hardener and epoxy paint. Any leftover paint will go to waste so prepare only enough mixture to cover the surface.
Paint the Edges
Use a paint brush for applying paint to the edges of the cleaned surface. For quicker application and more surface coverage, use a paint roller when painting the central area. Let the epoxy finish dry for at least 12 hours and then mix the hardener with an epoxy finish and use it for covering the floor. Spread it the same way you did with the color coat.
Recoating an epoxy floor is possible. However, experts warn against recoating an extensively cracked or peeled finish because the new finish won’t adhere well. Instead, strip the old finish first before repainting the floor. Be cautious because surfaces coated with epoxy paint can be slippery. But you can add nonskid granules to the coat to make it safer to walk on.
Epoxy flooring experts recommend spreading the paint during the day when the temperature is high. Note that you have limited time to use the mixture once you mix the hardener with the epoxy finish, so try to work quickly.
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