Floor coatings, like epoxy or urethane, are smart investments. They deliver strength, safety and a polished look to commercial, industrial and even residential spaces. But even the best floor coating system can fail if you don’t apply the coating in the right way or follow the instructions. Many first-time DIYers make errors that shorten the lifespan of the coating or compromise its appearance. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with the right preparation and knowledge.
Here are the top 5 mistakes that you need to avoid while coating your floor and make the floor look amazing.
1: Skipping Proper Surface Preparation
The single biggest reason coatings fail in the first attempt is skipping surface preparation. Floor prep is the most basic and essential instruction we all need to follow. Simply sweeping and mopping isn’t enough; oil, dirt, dust or grease can easily prevent adhesion and lead to peeling later.
How to Avoid It
- Use degreasers and cleaners to finish off the residues.
- Mechanically prepare the surface with grinding, shot blasting or acid etching to open up pores in the concrete.
- Always check moisture levels with a concrete moisture test before applying.
When in doubt, remember to have the coating only when the surface is strong enough to take it.
2: Applying Coating in the Wrong Conditions
Epoxy and urethane are sensitive to temperature and humidity. Applying coatings in extreme heat, cold or damp environments often leads to improper curing, discolouration or a weak finish.
How to avoid it:
- Check the manufacturing recommendation on temperature and humidity range. Most of the system works best in low humidity.
- Avoid applying on rainy days or humid days unless your space has climate control.
- Ensure that substrate temperature is at least above the dew point to prevent condensation.
Ignoring these factors is like painting in the rain; it's bound to fail.
3: Mixing and Applying Incorrectly
Floor coatings are often two-part systems that need precise mixing. If you eyeball ratios, fail to blend thoroughly or wait too long after mixing, you are at risk of damaging your flooring with soft spots or wasted material. Similarly, applying too thick or too thin a coat can also cause problems.
How to avoid it
- Follow the instructions for mixing ratios exactly.
- Use a drill with a mixing paddle to have the best results and a uniform blend.
- Mix only what you can apply within the short time.
- Apply evenly with the correct roller or notched trowels.
Patience and precision here make all the difference.
4: Rushing the Curing Process
Coatings need time to cure properly. Walking, driving or placing heavy equipment on a freshly coated floor too soon can leave marks, indentations or even strip away the finish.
How to Avoid It
- Respect the drying time period between coats.12 to 24 hours depending on the product.
- Avoid heavy traffic until the coat is fully cured.
- Use protective barriers to keep the people away from the floor.
Curing time on the floor is a smart investment. You will gain durability in exchange for little patience.
5: Neglecting Long-Term Maintenance
Even the toughest coating needs care. Skipping basic maintenance can shorten the life span of a floor. Dirt and grit act like sandpaper on epoxy, while harsh cleaners may erode the finish.
How to avoid it
- Sweep the floor regularly to remove dust and abrasives.
- Clean spills quickly, especially chemicals and oils.
- Use mild non-acidic cleaners approved for coated floors.
- Place mats at entry points to reduce dirt tracking.
Make your floor new with ArmorPoxy
Coating your floor can transform a dull and dusty floor into a new one with strong and attractive things. But success comes down to preparation, conditions and technique. Patience and care are the smart investment. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you will get long-lived flooring.
At ArmorPoxy, we provide professional-grade floor coating systems designed for lasting durability and easy application. Whether you’re upgrading a garage, warehouse, or commercial facility, our products and support help ensure flawless results.