Epoxy is a two part resin system applied over prepared concrete. Done right, it is a hard, seamless, chemical resistant surface. Done over a poorly prepared slab, it is the most common flooring failure there is.
What is epoxy flooring, and where does it work best?
Epoxy is a resin and hardener that cure into a rigid, bonded surface over concrete. Systems range from thin roll-on coatings to heavy duty resurfacers built for forklift traffic. Epoxy works well in warehouses, shops, and production areas that need a cleanable surface with real chemical resistance. Its two hard limits are ultraviolet light, which yellows it, and thermal shock, which is covered in the urethane cement category.
Why does epoxy peel, and how is peeling prevented?
Peeling almost always traces back to what happened before the coating went down. The concrete must be mechanically ground or shot blasted to an open profile so the epoxy can grip, and the slab must be checked for moisture vapor moving up from below, which pushes coatings off from underneath. Oil contamination and weak surface laitance cause the same failure. Coating over a smooth, untested slab is how most peeling stories start.
Epoxy, polyurethane, or polyaspartic, what is the difference?
Epoxy builds thickness and hardness and bonds well to prepared concrete. Polyurethane topcoats add flexibility, abrasion resistance, and stability in sunlight. Polyaspartic coatings cure very fast, which shortens downtime, but they go on thinner and are less forgiving to install. Many good systems combine them, an epoxy base for build with a polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat for the wear surface.
Full guides in this category
Urethane Cement vs. Epoxy: Which Is Right for a Commercial Kitchen?
Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy Flooring: How to Choose for a Commercial Space
Dealing with peeling, bubbling, or worn epoxy?
The cause decides the fix, and the cause is under the coating. Get a free consultation before you recoat anything.