This post was most recently updated on January 30th, 2023
Removing an Epoxy Coating?
Removing an epoxy coating from a garage floor is not a hard process and can be easily done with the proper power tools. If your garage or concrete surface has been previously sealed, painted, or coated, the use of a diamond grinder or shot blaster is the best and recommended way to remove those coatings and rough up the surface for a new Epoxy Coating. Proper surface preparation is very important because it ensures that the new epoxy chemically bonds to the surface. If the surface has an older coating that is failing, the new epoxy coating will not perform effectively.
Note: Both the Diamond Grinder or the Shot Blasting equipment can be rented at your local Rental Yard.
EPOXY Coating Removal Tips
STEP 1–Clean Surface
- Remove all items from the garage floor.
- Use a household broom to thoroughly sweep the entire garage floor. All dirt particles and debris should be swept off the floor.
- Pressure wash the surface to remove any loose peeling stain, paint or old epoxy coating.
- Let the surface fully dry.
STEP -2 Grinder or Shot Blast the Surface
Option 1: Diamond Grinder
A floor grinder is a tool that uses an abrasive surface to remove paint and dirt while polishing a large area. A bladed diamond grinder attachment or a diamond cup wheel can help scuff up a concrete surface and remove epoxy coatings. When renting, opt for the Diamond Grinder with the attached vacuum for less mess and easier cleanup.
Option 2: Shot Blaster
Shot blasting can help remove epoxy paint from a concrete floor, and it can help prep the surface if you are planning to repaint it. This method removes the paint by chipping it away using tiny steel balls. When renting, opt for the Diamond Grinder with the attached vacuum for less mess and easier cleanup.
Steps to Remove Epoxy Coating
- Wear protective clothing, eyewear, respirators, ear muffs, and gloves.
- Follow all instructions that are included to use from your local rental yard.
- Start in the far inside corners and work your way back and forth to the outside of the garage or concrete area.
- Once done, clean the surface by removing all dust and sand particles with a shop vac.
- Inspect the area for 100% removal of all old coating. Spot treat again if needed for any missed areas.
Removing an Epoxy Coating is easy when using the proper removal tools. When following the proper steps your new Epoxy Coating will last for many years!
Have questions on removing your Epoxy?
If so, please ask below.
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing, concrete sealing, and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior restoration. Scott and his restoration Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the restoration industry and has contributed to numerous restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
Greetings! I work at a radio station overseas and it is our desire to recoat a floor in our main operating area. The floor was originally sealed over 10 years ago with epoxy coating using the available colors that our local supplier had available. I have attached a photo of our existing floor. It has held up fairly well but we desire to recoat the all of the flooring with only one color with a US manufactured product. According to a recent review your organization performed, Restore a Garage was rated as the best overall coating. I read your articles… Read more »
We do not know of any epoxy coating that will work over an existing coating without doing the proper prep. Sorry.
What is your opinion of Epoxy Coat brand epoxy floor pain?
We have never used it.