It’s frustrating when your industrial floor coating is constantly peeling, flaking, or delaminating. This is usually a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention rather than just a coating that needs a fresh layer.
If you’re dealing with a peeling industrial floor coating, keep reading to learn more about why coatings peel, what you should do about it, and how proper preparation and installation can prevent future issues.
Step 1: Stop Covering Up the Problem
Simply applying another coat over a coating that’s already peeling rarely provides a lasting solution. If the coating that’s already there is loose or poorly bonded, slapping another coat on top isn’t going to help anything — sooner rather than later, the new layer will fail, as well.
Step 2: Determine Why the Floor Is Peeling
It’s essential to determine why the floor is peeling before attempting repairs so you can address the issue and avoid recurring problems.
Possible causes of peeling include poor surface preparation, moisture or contamination beneath the surface, improper mixing or application, heavy mechanical or chemical exposure, or applying a new coating over a failing existing coating. It’s also possible that the type of coating chosen wasn’t right for the environment in the first place, causing it to perform poorly.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Repair or Replace the Coating
A professional assessment can help determine the specific cause and whether the floor needs localized repairs or a complete coating removal.
Spot repairs may be appropriate when the peeling areas are small and isolated, the surrounding coating is still firmly bonded, and the underlying concrete is in good condition. Complete removal and recoating may be necessary when the peeling is widespread, multiple coating layers are failing, there’s significant substrate deterioration, previous repairs have failed, or the floor requires a different type of coating that’s better suited to the environment.
Step 4: Prepare the Concrete Properly
Once you’ve determined whether to repair or replace the coating, it’s time to prep the concrete surface. This step is one of the most important factors in the coating’s long-term success — it can make or break the adhesion.
Depending on the condition of the floor, the preparation process might involve removing failing coatings and contaminants, achieving the right concrete profile via sand or dry ice blasting, or repairing cracks or other damage.
Step 5: Choose the Right Industrial Coating System
Different industrial environments require different types of coatings. Consider these factors when selecting a coating system:
- Chemical resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Impact resistance
- Slip resistance
- Moisture tolerance
- Expected traffic
- Required thickness
- Downtime and curing requirements
- Cleaning and sanitation needs
Coating professionals can recommend a system based on your specific needs.
Step 6: Address the Root Cause Before Recoating
Simply replacing the coating may not solve recurring peeling issues. You may need to take corrective measures to address the root cause, which may include moisture mitigation, contamination removal, or concrete repairs. Addressing the root cause helps prevent the need for repeated maintenance.
Step 7: Professional Industrial Floor Coating Matters
There’s a difference between simply applying a coating and installing a complete industrial flooring system. Coating professionals have expertise in how to address existing coating failures, preparing different substrates, selecting appropriate coating materials, and applying coatings according to manufacturer requirements, all of which help minimize premature peeling and failures. Working with professionals can help you avoid repeated repair costs and unnecessary disruptions.
Step 8: Prevent Industrial Floor Coating From Peeling Again
Once your coating has been repaired or replaced, it’s important to do everything you can to prevent it from peeling again. This means scheduling routine inspections, addressing spills and chemical exposure promptly, using the proper cleaning methods, and repairing damaged areas before they worsen.
If major repairs or recoating are necessary in the future, make sure you work with qualified coating professionals.
Industrial Floor Coatings by Brush Brothers
If your industrial floor coating is constantly peeling, it’s more than a cosmetic problem — it requires professional service from the team at Brush Brothers. We can identify the root cause of the peeling, properly prepare the substrate, address any moisture issues, and apply the coating system that’s best suited to the specific environment.
Investing in proper preparation and professional installation is key to achieving a more durable floor and reducing recurring maintenance needs. The next time your industrial floor coating starts peeling, contact Brush Brothers Coatings for expert help.