Top 3 Epoxy Flooring Concerns YOU MUST (and can) Avoid: Part 2: Bubbles and Roller Texture Marks

Top 3 Epoxy Flooring Concerns YOU MUST (and can) Avoid: Part 2: Bubbles and Roller Texture Marks

…and the tips and tricks to steer clear of these common epoxy flooring mistakes. Even one avoidable mistake can save you thousands in re-dos and repairs and hours of time

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Bubbles and Roller Imprints - Unsightly Marks of Poor Application

You completed your epoxy floor only to discover that bubbles and roller imprints are showing themselves like spinach on teeth. While it is a very common mistake that mostly occurs with inexperienced DIYers and rushed, sloppy applications, there are things you can do to prevent these floor imperfections and fix them when they happen.

Epoxy Floor Supply Company knows a thing or two about epoxy floor coatings and obtaining the most beautiful epoxy flooring outcomes. We supply the industry’s top epoxy professionals and commercial installers, and being a top supplier over the years, we get to learn best practices and share our epoxy flooring wisdom.

Epoxy Floor Application is Art and Science

Applying floor epoxy is definitely an art and craft requiring patience and due diligence. And realize that a good epoxy floor goes through planned stages and applications. If there are blemishes and marks on your first epoxy application attempt - no need to worry - more layers can be added to cover up the mistakes. The bonus with more epoxy layers is that you end up with a floor covering that is thicker and stronger. So, to get the epoxy floor of your dreams, apply the following advice and wisdom from our epoxy professionals.

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Bubbles can occur from the mixing and curing phases of epoxy. During the mixing phase, epoxy is in its most liquid state, thus allowing bubbles to be added to the product. To limit air introduction, mix epoxy carefully by mixing under the surface. Also, use an adjustable speed mixer that allows you to mix at lower speed (recommended around 300 rpms for two minutes).

Another Big Way Bubbles Form in Epoxy

The other most common way bubbles form is when epoxy is applied to very porous surfaces. Just like water over sand, when liquid enters a porous material, bubbles will develop. As a prevention and planning technique, make sure you prime a rough and porous substrate. You may need to apply a couple coats of primer depending on how porous the substrate is (at least two coats of primer is recommended). 

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Once the substrate is primed and your epoxy is ready, utilize a rolling technique perfect for eliminating bubbles and roller marks. For the best epoxy application and achieving the best looking floor, backroll your epoxy coating.

Use the Backrolling Technique to Apply Epoxy Materials

Backrolling is a technique that is used by professionals that allows for a more uniform and equal distribution of the epoxy material. Either by yourself or using another person (best with two people), the technique is accomplished when one person spreads the epoxy on the floor in one direction, and after a few minutes, the other person rolls in a perpendicular direction over the first coat.

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The main advantages of backrolling is that roller marks are eliminated, and given the more uniform and even distribution of epoxy, the chances of bubbles are greatly diminished.

Epoxy Flooring Pro Tips:

Apply a thick enough coating on the substrate to ensure the roller texture and bubbles level out. Also, try to avoid pressing the roller too hard or pressing hard to stretch out the epoxy material onto the floor. The best practice is to keep the roller heavy and wet throughout the application process and use the backrolling application technique.

The Best in Customer Support for Your Epoxy Flooring Needs

Epoxy Floor Supply Company is committed to offering the highest-quality epoxy flooring products for commercial and residential epoxy flooring projects. 

We are here to help answer your questions and offer guidance on selecting the best epoxy flooring materials and accessories. Contact us today for more information at 888.713.3002.

Keep Reading:

Avoid Top Epoxy Flooring Concerns:

Part 3: Epoxy Floor Hazing & Dulling of Epoxy Color
Part 1: Epoxy Floor Fish Eyes and Craters