Yes, you can epoxy over spalling concrete, but you cannot apply epoxy directly into or over the pitted, flaking areas without repairing them first. Spalled concrete is structurally weak, and laying epoxy over it will result in peeling, bubbling, and coating failure.
Here at Garage Force, our patented polyurea garage floor coatings are about 20 times stronger than epoxy coatings. That is a huge difference in strength!
Use the appropriate resurfacing mix or concrete patch compound that matches the existing concrete. This will provide the strongest results and longest lasting repairs. Follow all instructions for the mix or patch, including working in appropriate climate conditions (temperature, moisture, etc.)
While it is unwise to install epoxy floor coatings over structurally unsound concrete, and while application of resinous flooring over wood or ceramic tile must be carefully considered, other types of substrates also require experienced professional floor preparation and installation.
Epoxy generally does not stick to materials that are flexible, non-porous, or have low surface energy. Because epoxy relies on soaking into microscopic pores or creating a strong chemical bond, smooth or waxy surfaces cause it to simply peel off once cured.
Coca-Cola does three main things to concrete: it slows down the curing process (acts as a retarder), etches the surface to expose decorative aggregate, and removes tough stains. This happens because of the soda's high sugar content and phosphoric acid.
Epoxy performs best when applied in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 85°F, which aligns perfectly with typical spring and summer climates in most regions. In colder temperatures, epoxy becomes thicker and more difficult to work with.
Epoxy coatings are non-porous and fully seal the concrete surface. Once applied, the floor becomes a solid, seamless layer that prevents water vapor from entering the space. With no gaps, seams, or grout lines, there's nowhere for mold to grow.
A professionally installed epoxy system is an investment that often lasts for many years. This helps protect the concrete slab itself, which can be expensive to repair. Many homeowners find that the long-term value outweighs the upfront cost.
Beyond surface damage, it's crucial to assess how spalling impacts the long-term stability and safety of the structure. Signs like crumbling, buckling, or spreading cracks suggest that repairs may not be sufficient. If the subgrade beneath the slab is unstable, replacement becomes necessary.
Water is the most common enemy of concrete surfaces. When water penetrates the surface of concrete, it can cause it to crack and weaken. This is especially true in colder climates where water can freeze and expand, creating even more damage.
Vinegar is a mild acid (acetic acid) that breaks down dirt and grime on outdoor concrete, but can cause permanent damage to indoor, polished, or sealed concrete. Because concrete is highly alkaline, vinegar interacts with it depending on how it is applied.
Epoxy forms a much stronger bond overall. Once cured, it withstands tension, impact, vibration, and exposure to the elements. This makes epoxy ideal for projects requiring a durable, permanent fix, even in tough conditions. Super glue produces a quick bond that is more brittle.
For heavy-duty, long-lasting concrete surfaces like garage floors and patios, Polyaspartic and Polyurea coatings are considered superior to epoxy. They are up to 20× stronger, fully UV-stable (won't yellow in the sun), and flexible enough to move with concrete without cracking.
Loctite Epoxy Plastic is one of the best epoxies for ABS plastic, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, FRP, and most other plastics on the market. It provides high impact resistance, is water resistant, and will not shrink or crack.
Cost of epoxy flooring
Epoxy flooring costs $4 to $10 per square foot installed on average, depending on the type and project size. An epoxy floor costs $1,600 to $5,800 for a 2-car garage. Epoxy resin prices are $1 to $5 per square foot for materials and $3 to $5 per square foot for labor.
Acetic acid can, over time, lightly soften or damage the surface of your epoxy finish, making it seem murkier or "cloudy". We recommend against using pure vinegar as a cleaning solution for epoxy resin surfaces.
Cleaning Your Exterior Epoxy Floors
We suggest using Dawn dish soap, or a degreaser. We suggest using Simply Green or Purple Power. This will give you that bright lively look again, especially if your flooring has gathered dust and debris over the months or even years!
So, if the substrate and environment can only be heated to 50° F, the epoxy will require about 18 hours to cure. Keep in mind that most epoxies, unless specifically formulated for cold-weather use, will never fully cure at temperatures below 50° F.
After 5 years, a high-quality, professionally installed epoxy floor should still look fantastic and perform well. However, it may begin to show wear and tear, such as fine surface scratches, minor fading if exposed to UV light, or potential peeling if it was improperly prepped.
5 Common Mistakes in Epoxy Applications (And How to Avoid Them)
Yes, Dawn dish soap is excellent for cleaning concrete and is highly effective at breaking down grease and oil. Mix 14one-fourth14 cup of Dawn with a gallon of warm or hot water, apply it to the concrete, scrub with a stiff bristle brush, and rinse thoroughly.
In concrete sugar slows down how quickly the cement reacts with water. This can lead to several effects: Extended Workability: Sugar delays the setting time, making it easier for workers to handle and finish the concrete.
Baking soda is also known by its chemical name, sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate acts as an accelerator in concrete, causing it to rapidly stiffen. The surface of the concrete that touches the baking soda stiffens to form a crust that can wrinkle, crack, and deform during casting.