Epoxy is a great floor coating, but you have to follow the instructions carefully to get the best results. If you’ve just applied your epoxy and it’s not looking quite right, there are a few things you can try without having to do a full recoat.
Just remember that if your epoxy is peeling or cracking, these tips won’t help—you’ll need to sand off those areas and start over with fresh epoxy.
Can I epoxy over epoxy?
Yes, you can epoxy over epoxy.
The first coat of epoxy is the bonding layer. This is a thin first layer that bonds to the floor and acts as a primer/sealer.
The second coat is your color coat, which adds color and depth to your newly-finished floor or countertop.
The third coat (if you chose) is the clear coat, which adds UV protection and durability to your surface without changing its appearance. Epoxy will bond to itself and other types of paint but not just any old paint—it has specific qualities that make it compatible with other epoxies!
Table of Contents
How do you apply epoxy over old epoxy?
Epoxy flooring is a two-part system that consists of a hardener and epoxy resin. The hardener must be mixed with the resin before it can be applied to your floor.
Epoxy is available in many colors and can be applied over most surfaces, including concrete, wood or tile. You can also find epoxy kits that will simplify the application process for you.
Epoxy is easy to apply and has excellent durability for an industrial setting such as your garage or workshop.
How do you touch up an epoxy floor?
When it comes to touch-up epoxy paint, you can choose from a few different methods. A brush and roller are both good options, but they have their strengths and weaknesses.
If you’re looking for the best results possible, however, a paintbrush might be your best bet. Let’s talk about how each method works and where it shines!
How do you recoat epoxy paint?
There are only a handful of paint brands that make high-quality epoxy paints, and we’ve found that all of them work well with the same coats.
The only thing to keep in mind is whether you’re applying a clear or colored finish on top of your floor.
If you’re applying a clear coat to the floor, then you’ll want to go with something like Rust-Oleum Epoxy Polyurethane or Zinsser 123 Universal Clear Sealer (or any other brand).
If you’re painting over an existing color, then any brand should do just fine!
Do I need to sand between coats of epoxy?
The answer to this question depends on the type of sandpaper you use and how thick your epoxy is.
If you are using fine grit sandpaper and are planning to apply 2-3 coats of epoxy, then yes, you will need to sand between coats.
If you only plan to apply one coat of epoxy, then it’s not necessary for a smooth surface. If your project is small enough (i.e., smaller than 20 sq ft), it may be more cost-effective just to purchase another can than spend time sanding between coats; however larger projects will take much longer than the allotted cure time if they’re not prepped properly before applying each layer of finish material.
Can you sand epoxy and recoat?
With epoxy flooring, you can sand it by hand with coarse-grit sandpaper. You’ll need to use an orbital sander or a power sander if you want to get the job done faster.
You should be careful when sanding epoxy because it’s very hard and abrasive. Sanding will scratch the existing surface of your floor, but it won’t damage the coating underneath.
If you’re concerned about damaging your new coating, don’t use power tools or anything abrasive on your floor until after it’s dry.
Can you put epoxy floor over epoxy floor?
Epoxy floors are great for many reasons. First off, they’re strong and durable. Epoxy floors can withstand heavy traffic, so you don’t have to worry about scratches and scuffs from people walking on them.
They’re also waterproof, which means they won’t get damaged if water is spilled on them (like when your kids spill drinks at the table).
Finally, epoxy floors are stain resistant—they won’t absorb stains like vinyl or laminate flooring will! All these features make epoxy a great choice for high-traffic areas in your home.
Can you spot fix epoxy?
Yes, you can. A couple of ways to do it:
- Use a putty knife or trowel and fill the crack in with epoxy. Let dry and sand smooth before applying a new coat of floor coating over the repaired area.
- Apply a drop of epoxy adhesive at the edge of where you want to smooth out your chip or scratch, then use 220-grit sandpaper to gently rub on top of this until you’ve erased all signs of damage from your flooring surface. Once finished, recoat as directed above (for more info on this step check out our article “How To Recoat An Epoxy Floor”).
Conclusion
So there you have it — all the information you need to know about recoating epoxy flooring. To recap, here are some of the most important things to remember when recoating:
