Sanding an epoxy floor

[abstamaria]

I was thinking of wet-sanding a new epoxy floor that was applied poorly so that I can get a better shine from it. Is this all right?

 

[AlphaGarage]

I was thinking of wet-sanding a new epoxy floor that was applied poorly so that I can get a better shine from it. Is this all right?

Most epoxies are pretty glossy right after they're been put down, eventually they'll dull, some more than others, but that takes time ...

• "Applied poorly" - what does that mean?
• Is the floor coating glossy now, just not enough?
• Did you apply a clear coat?
• Does it have flakes?
• Was the substrate prepped properly?
• how long ago was it applied?
• Can you post any pictures?

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More info would help in generating possible solutions.

 

[abstamaria]

Thank you, AlphaGarage. The floor remained tacky even after 10 days, although that has been improving. The gloss is uneven and the surface is not perfectly flat, with ripples evident in some areas. Mostly the surface is smooth but dull.

There is no clear coat and no flakes, The cement floor is new (maybe we should have let it cure for 30 days before applying the epoxy).

The paint manufacturer sent a representative who recommended an epoxy topcoat, which he said is specific for this urpose. Surprisingly, it is to be rollwred on, rather than poured.

If that doesn't work, I was thinking of having the floor polished with a sander as they use on marble floors.

Here is a picture, which unfortunately doesn't show the problems.

Thank you again for the interest.

 

[AlphaGarage]

Is the floor rock hard now? That really needs to be addressed before any other material is applied.

There are some products that can be applied before the 28 day concrete curing period, do the instructions indicate that less than 28 days is acceptable?

A few odd details there, but the manufacturers rep should certainly have your solutions, so it's best to defer to them. Interested to see what they end up doing, keep us posted.

 

[JamieK]

If the epoxy isn't hardening, it sounds like the epoxy wasn't mixed properly before application.

 

[thegarageguy]

If it's not failing, meaning peeling off or delaminating, then you need to sand, solvent wipe with acetone or xylene, then top coat it with a polyurethane or polyaspartic sealer. If it's stained, then add pigment to any of those sealers and you got yourself a brand new floor.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Exactly, that is a huge benefit of epoxy , easy recoats.

 

[abstamaria]

Thank you, all. That is encouraging. No, the floor isn't delaminating or flaking. We will do as the manufacturer suggests and I will let you know what happens.

Andres