Can you epoxy over Epoxy? One of the most frequently asked questions you’ll get about epoxies is whether or not you can use a multiple coat flooring system.
Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the type of Epoxy, where you are using it, and when in its curing process it was applied.
This post will outline what you should know before doing so to avoid issues with adhesion. It will also share some helpful tricks for applying multiple layers for stronger protection.
Can You Epoxy Over Epoxy
YES. You need to begin sanding Epoxy resin on the first coat and apply another coat, and it will bond. However, you need to ensure Epoxy underneath has fully cured – this takes about 1 to 2 days, depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
How Do I Prep and Recoat an Old Epoxy Floor for a Newer Look
It is not that difficult to prep and recoat an existing epoxy floor coating. It is just that you need to know how to do it right. Here are the steps:
The first step is to prepare the first coat surface before recoating your Epoxy floor. You will need a wire brush and a vacuum cleaner to prepare the entire floor surface for a newer look.
You can also use a broom and clean any debris or dust from the surface so that it is ready for the fresh coat of Epoxy. Create enough bite on your floor by using a mechanical rough-up tool.
It will help eliminate any loose material, including dust particles on the existing epoxy layer of epoxy finish before you can apply fresh epoxy coating on your floor’s surface again for this new look.
Once done, the floor surface should be swept up to remove the heavy stuff. Then, use denatured alcohol to remove any fine dust particles. This is because these particles will make the new layer stick less well.
To renew a coat, you will need sandpaper, a small sheet of metal or thick plastic, and a large sheet of cotton or felt. Begin by removing a small coating layer from the surface using sandpaper.
Make sure not to remove too much paint as this would change the appearance of your first coat. Avoid deeper scratches with larger amounts of sandpaper on the existing epoxy floor.
These deep scratches often mar the finish of the entire surface to the extent that you cannot repair them without repainting them entirely.
Epoxy Over Epoxy Best Practices
An epoxy resin finish is a possible option for the repair of an old coat. It can be used as an alternative to floor paint, making it ideal under all circumstances.
Recommended reading: Best epoxy for wood
The feasibility of Epoxy as a coating repair is dependent on the coat itself, judge for yourself if Epoxy may be the appropriate option.
- The goal of resin is to make the surface perfect, but due to the imperfection of surfaces, there will always be some gaps. To fill these gaps, it is necessary to use a second layer of epoxy resin. You need to seal the surface before starting work. This can be done by using a solvent or varnish that the dye cannot penetrate.
- When the Epoxy is too thin, it becomes very clear that there were surface imperfections underneath. This is why you need to pour thicker to hide this layer. The second layer of the Epoxy should be opaque because this will make it look like it has no imperfections, and therefore, people won’t be able to see them.
- When pouring the first layer of Epoxy, the pour shouldn’t have the same thickness horizontally. If it does, you will need to sand down the thicker coat before proceeding with the next layer. If you’re unsure how thick your pour should be, try using a measuring stick or ruler to measure out an inch or so of Epoxy in each direction.
How Long To Wait For the Second Coat of Epoxy
There is no set time for the second coat of Epoxy to dry. It depends on the temperature and the humidity. The standard rule is to wait 24 hours before applying the second coat.
This is enough time for the Epoxy to cure. Applying the second coat too soon will not adhere properly and may peel off in time if you were to apply it too soon.
Different types of Epoxy may have different instructions on how long to wait before applying the second coat. For example, liquid epoxies can take up to 2 hours, while you could wait up to 24 hours for powdered epoxies before applying the second coat.
Pros and Cons of Epoxy over Epoxy
Pros of Epoxy Flooring
- Economical: Epoxy flooring is a highly economical and durable option for those who want flooring that will last a long time.
- Resistant to damage: There is no maintenance needed for Epoxy since it’s resistant to water and chemicals, which means you won’t have to worry about the upkeep on your new floors.
- Aesthetically appealing: It offers an attractive appearance with its glossy coatings, customized to suit your tastes and preferences.
- Durable and long-lasting: It replaces floors that are not durable or sensitive to high traffic. Second, it increases the floor’s life span by wearing it down into its layer made up of composite materials.
- Protects and Decreases Wear & Tear: Installation of epoxy flooring allows for an easy clean-up and decreases wear and tear on their floors.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
- Strong perfumes: Epoxy application fumes are strong and can cause problems for people with respiratory difficulties.
- It takes longer to cure: Epoxy floors are great for durability, but their long curing time makes them not ideal for high-traffic spaces.
- Slippery When Wet: The only significant cons of epoxy flooring are slippery when wet. Many people have fallen on these surfaces because they are very slick.
Pros and Cons of Pouring Epoxy At Once
Pros of Pouring Epoxy At Once
- It saves them time since they only pour the Epoxy once, which also has the added benefit of making it more economical.
- Full cure time is also increased, and the surface feels and looks smoother and better than it would if done in stages.
- It’s easier to control the thickness of the coating when you have more time.
- You don’t need to wait for the Epoxy to dry before starting your next coat.
- Applying one coat instead of two saves time and money on materials.
Cons of Pouring Epoxy At Once
- It can be challenging to get an even surface with this technique.
- It is difficult, if not impossible, to pour a small area of Epoxy at a time.
- If there is any problem with the Epoxy, you will have to wait for the whole batch to cure before it can be used again;
- The surface may still feel tacky after pouring and will need to be sanded and sealed before you floor paint or stain.
FAQs on Epoxy Over Epoxy
Will epoxy stick to cured Epoxy?
No: Epoxy will not stick to cured Epoxy because the cured Epoxy has been chemically hardened and thus is no longer sticky.
Can you sand Epoxy and recoat?
Yes. You can begin by sanding epoxy surfaces to clean up any errors in the application process and then recoat immediately afterward.
Can you epoxy an uneven surface?
Yes. It depends on the nature of the unevenness. If the surface is rough, use a filler before applying resin so that there’s a smooth surface for the coatings or sealant application. If the unevenness, then Epoxy can be used either by itself or with fiberglass cloth for reinforcement purposes.
Is one coat of Epoxy enough?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Yes, one coat of epoxy will provide a good amount of protection, but if you have a large area to cover then you might want to consider adding a second coat. This will ensure a deeper, more durable layer of protection for your concrete floor.
How to apply a second coat of Epoxy
The first step is to scrape off any sticky material with a putty knife that may have been leftover from the original application of Epoxy. It’s also necessary to sand the entire piece until it’s free of any previous layer of Epoxy that might remain. The final step is pouring a second layer over the entire piece and drying it for at least 24 hours before using it.
Do you have to sand between coats of epoxy resin?
Yes, you have to sand. Sanding helps provide some tooth for your next coat of epoxy resin to adhere to, and it smooths out imperfections in the coat of resin you just applied.
Can you recoat Epoxy?
You need to prepare before doing so properly. The coating needs to be dry, and it needs to be in good condition with no cracks in it for it to hold up.
Can you pour Epoxy over cured Epoxy?
Yes, but it is not recommended. If you have a chemical bond, there won’t be any problem with the Epoxy curing over the same area again. But if you have a mechanical bond, you need to lightly sand before adding a second coat of Epoxy.
Next, read on: Food safe epoxy.
So, Can You Epoxy over Epoxy?
Epoxy is a versatile product that you can use for various projects, from applying decorative to floors and walls to traditional epoxy coatings on metal and concrete or wood substrate surfaces.
Whether you’re using Epoxy in a residential or commercial project, it’s essential to know how to mix the correct amount of hardener and resin.
Use the information in this article to make sure you get the best adhesion possible when applying your coating. Next, read on how to put polyurethane top coat over epoxy.