Epoxy Bubbles: Why you are getting Bubbles and Pinholes in epoxy flooring (3 Reasons)

Read this article for more information on bubbles:
learncoatings.c...
This presentation explores the possible reasons why you may be getting pinholes in your epoxy floors. We go through the three main reasons and propose solutions to avoid the problem in the future.
The key reasons outlined in this presentation are:
1. Problems with the porous substrate
2. Problems when applying the epoxy floor screed and using the appropriate tools to eliminate the bubbles
3. Problems with the actual epoxy coating like fast mixing and adding too much solvent in the mix
Akis has been involved in the manufacturing and application of industrial floor coatings for the past ten years. He runs learncoatings which is an online resource training professionals on the use of epoxy floors. He is also General Manager of Ktisis, a manufacturer of flooring and waterproofing coatings.

[@karlclark6518]

I know this video is four years old, but I've watched dozens of videos on applications of epoxy flooring and this one was incredibly informative! Thank you very much.

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Thank you Karl I am happy you liked it! We also have another video on bubbles that came out last year. The link is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXzcqmWDaNh_a7M

[@khaoskrew289]

hello do you have any video or advice on fixing a polyaspartic top coat with fisheye or craters in it? Im not sure what to do honestly, do i just sand it with 120 grit and reapply or just reapply on top of the craters thanks

[@JamesDoylesGarage]

This is a very good Tutorial. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge :)

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Thank you James for your kind words!

[@karltabotinteriorrealestat5068]

Thanks very much sir

[@markwoten6679]

I’m getting ready to do my laundry room floor. I’ve already removed the previous laminate floor and glue. This floor was ground via angle grinder to provide a clean surface. My question is… what recommendation for applying a concrete primer before I put the skreet? I plan on using an industrial type epoxy on the floor.

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

You should ask for an epoxy based primer. It will have the best adhesion and it will be compatible with the epoxy on top

[@anthonywatson943]

Something happened to me today what kind of pads I can use on a towel floor when I wax

[@MrFivepointfivesix]

Will a smooth surface that's been acid washed be a good surface to coat🤔

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Acid washing is a popular prep method in the US but personally I prefer diamond grinding

[@tammy9778]

Hi, i have a few pinholes on my self levelling floor. Is this a problem in the future?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

No, from a mechanical standpoint it is not a problem. They may just collect dust over time and become visible. Although from my experiences as the floor gets used over time, these pinholes will be hardly noticeable

[@jayeshbhoi3303]

In which direction the porosity or air bubbles will move (X,Y,Z) ?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Good question. If it is a bubble caused by the concrete the air moves upwards. If it is caused by water or condensation in the atmosphere it is downwards. And if it is caused by the trowel during application then sideways

[@nedu7971]

Am just a beginner but all the same nice vid

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

thank you Chinedu

[@rizwanullahsharieff1761]

why sometimes craters form in SL epoxy floorings even having air release and levelling additives init

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Usually this is due to the porous substrate. Read this article for more details learncoatings.com/wordpress/how-to-avoid-bubbles-in-epoxy-floors-7-tips/

[@andy14542]

are there any quality products that you can recommend ?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

I could recommend my own products www.ktisis.eu although I don;t know if they are available in your part of the world. But all the big names in the industry have fairly decent products

[@JohnDoe-qb8xs]

What machine(s) and grit do you use to prep the concrete. Can you use a swing machine with weights on it? What tools do you recommend and where can we get them from. Do you do a moisture test prior to prep and if so what moisture meter do you use. Lastly I heard of some type of concrete testing rods to know what kind of concrete you're dealing with, have you heard of it or use them, if so please give your feedback on them. Thanks

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

Have a look at this article for more information on the required equipment learncoatings.com/wordpress/starting-resinous-flooring-business-equipment-required/

[@JohnDoe-qb8xs]

What are the pros and cons of wet grinding. I'm not a big fan of dust. Do I need a moisture meter? I live in the USA and some machines and products are different. I was thinking of using a orbot vibe for now until I got bigger jobs them spend the money on a hasqvarna ps450 and upgrade as needed from there.

[@saadkali3083]

Would it benefit if one uses a spike roller for 400 micron epoxy floor coat ?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

This thickness is borderline. The spike roller might leave an imprint. However if you are getting bubbles you may want to at least back roll with a normal roller

[@saadkali3083]

Appreciated !

[@greystonerider]

What sealer do you recomend for a porous floor?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

I would recommend a 100% solids primer that does not contain any solvents. These have a thicker texture and can cover the pores. You may want to use a squeegee to apply it

[@danielbuckner2167]

@@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448 I thought you said you like water based primers. No?

[@learncoatings-epoxyfloorin9448]

@@danielbuckner2167 water based primers work it's just if it is really porous you may need to apply several coats just to get a properly sealed surface