Epoxy Resin
How to Explain the Value of Epoxy Flooring to Price-Comparing Clients
What Epoxy Flooring Installers Hear All the Time If you’re an epoxy flooring installer, we bet you’ve heard it all
You’re halfway through an epoxy flooring job, everything seems to be going smoothly – until it isn’t. Perhaps the surface starts bubbling, the finish appears patchy, or worse, it begins to peel just days after curing. Sound familiar? If you’ve worked with epoxy floor resin before, you’ve likely run into at least one of these frustrating issues. Well, you’re not alone, and most of these problems are completely preventable. You just need the know-how, the right products and the right tools.
Despite some common installation challenges, the many epoxy flooring advantages – such as durability, chemical resistance, and a seamless finish – make it well worth getting the process right. As epoxy resin suppliers and trainers, Xtreme Polishing Systems has decades of experience in addressing these issues, and we know it can be easy to overlook a step or misjudge a condition that can lead to imperfect results. To help you out, we’ve rounded up all the most common mistakes made during resin floor installations so the next time you roll out a resin job, you’ll be ready for a flawless finish every time.
Issue 1. Your Surface is Uneven
One of the most frequent and damaging mistakes is skipping or scrimping on surface preparation. Epoxy resin adheres best to a clean, dry, and properly profiled surface. Contaminants such as oil, dust, or old coatings can prevent proper bonding, leading to peeling or bubbles.
The Solution: Surface preparation is key with an epoxy resin repair kit. Start by thoroughly cleaning the concrete surface. Depending on the existing condition, you need to assess whether to use degreasers and a stiff brush scrubber to remove oil stains. Some floors might require a concrete floor grinder to get rid of old flooring or to create a key and ensure a mechanical bond. Test for moisture with a calcium chloride or relative humidity test (more on that below), and repair any cracks or holes before proceeding.
Issue 2. Air Bubbles and Outgassing
Urgh – the dreaded air bubbles! They appear and ruin the smooth, glass like finish of your epoxy floor. Often formed due to outgassing from the concrete or overly vigorous mixing. Also worth noting is that temperature and humidity can significantly affect how epoxy cures – applying epoxy resin for floors in very hot, cold, or humid conditions can cause that annoying bubbling.
The Solution: You need to control the internal conditions when using epoxy resin for flooring. The optimal temperature is generally between 20°C to 25°C, with humidity below 85%. So, if possible, avoid applying epoxy floors during rainy or highly humid days, and weigh up whether to use dehumidifiers or heaters in enclosed spaces if you think it’ll help. One of the best things you can do is to seal the floor with a primer coat after concrete surface preparation, which will prevent air release from the concrete. As outlined above, avoid over-mixing or mixing at a high speed, which can trap air bubbles into your mix and consequently surface during the curing process. Finally, if surface bubbles do appear during the epoxy resin flooring application window, have a spiked roller or heat gun to hand to remove them!
Issue 3. Pooling and Patchy Curing
A common mistake during epoxy application is working too slowly or unevenly, leading to inconsistent thickness, pooling in low spots, or a tacky, lumpy surface. This often happens when the epoxy isn’t spread uniformly or when it begins to cure before it’s properly applied, most likely because the installer has exceeded the product’s window of time to work with the mixed epoxy before it starts to harden.
Uneven spreading when you use epoxy resin can also leave behind roller marks, ridges, or areas that wear down more quickly over time. Once epoxy begins curing in the bucket or on the floor, it becomes harder to work with, resulting in visible defects and a compromised bond.
The Solution: Take note of the working time provided by your epoxy resin floor kit manufacturer. You can expect it to range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on temperature, humidity, and batch size. Mix only what you can apply within that window, and plan your work area in advance. Use a notched squeegee or trowel to spread the epoxy evenly, followed by a spiked roller to remove air bubbles and help level the surface. Work methodically and quickly in manageable sections to avoid overworking partially cured areas. Always wear spiked shoes!
Issue 4. Delamination, Peeling, and Yellowing
Going back to scrimping on surface preparation – while this might be tempting to save time or money – without a proper primer, your epoxy may not bond well to the surface, leading to issues like delamination or peeling. Equally, skipping a topcoat, even if the floor looks fine after the main coat, can lead to problems down the line, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. Doing so can result in yellowing, loss of gloss, or premature wear.
UV rays are particularly harsh on an epoxy resin floor, even indoors, through windows. Over time, they can turn a crisp, clear finish cloudy or amber. But even if you’re working in an area that isn’t exposed to much UV light, for example, you’re laying an epoxy resin garage floor, a clear UV-stable polyurethane topcoat not only protects against discolouration but also adds scratch resistance and improves the floor’s overall durability.
The Solution: Always follow the full system recommended by your product manufacturer. Start with a good quality primer to seal and anchor your epoxy to the surface, then finish with a UV-resistant topcoat – especially in sunlit or high-traffic areas. Trust us – they’re small extra steps that make a big difference in how your floor will perform and look over time.
Xtreme Polishing Systems - Epoxy Resin UK Suppliers and Training
Working with epoxy demands the right knowledge, tools, and products. At Xtreme Polishing Systems, we’re more than just a supplier – we’re your go-to experts for everything from surface prep to advanced epoxy resin uses across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With top-quality materials, hands-on training, and real-world advice from experienced professionals, we help you avoid costly mistakes and achieve flawless results. Get in touch today about our resin courses and epoxy resin training to find out how you could perfect your skills.
