Did your floor dry unevenly or spotty? Read more below on why this happened and how to fix this issue.
Introduction: In some instances, the presence of highly porous or uneven concrete spots on the floor can lead to uneven absorption of epoxy, resulting in unsightly spots.
Reasons Why the Floor Could Look Spotty?
1. No Primer: When dealing with extremely porous or uneven concrete surfaces, the absorption of epoxy can vary across different areas. Employing a primer is an effective preventive measure against such uneven absorption. By applying a basecoat to the floor, primer provides a uniform surface that minimizes the chances of spotting issues occurring.\
2. Uneven Application: Improper or uneven rolling during the epoxy application process can lead to blotching in various areas. It is crucial to ensure a consistent and even spread of the epoxy to achieve a visually pleasing result.
3. Epoxy Stretched Too Thin: If the epoxy is stretched too thin the floor can dry with uneven color so it's important to apply the epoxy thick and consistent across the entire floor.
To rectify this issue, the following steps should be taken:
1. Recoat Uneven Spots: Identify the areas on the floor with uneven epoxy application and focus on recoating those spots with another layer of epoxy. It is essential to blend these areas seamlessly into the rest of the floor for a cohesive appearance. Light Sanding of those uneven areas for Enhanced Adhesion: To promote optimal adhesion of the epoxy, lightly sand the recoated areas before applying the top coat. This process provides a textured surface that facilitates proper bonding of the epoxy.
2.a. Allowing Sufficient Drying Time: After reapplying the epoxy to the uneven spots, allow adequate time for the coating to dry completely (typically 24 hours). This ensures that the newly coated areas integrate smoothly with the existing floor.
2.b. Applying a Top Coat: Once the reapplication has dried, a top coat should be applied over the epoxy. It is important to note that the top coat alone will not rectify color issues resulting from the uneven epoxy application. Therefore, addressing the blotchy areas beforehand is crucial to achieving a satisfactory outcome.
Conclusion: Porous and uneven concrete spots on the floor can pose challenges during epoxy floor coating. By utilizing primer as a preventive measure and following a meticulous application process, these issues can be effectively addressed. The recommended approach involves recoating the uneven spots, allowing sufficient drying time, and applying a top coat.