How To Remove an Epoxy Coating in 2024?

This post was most recently updated on May 10th, 2024

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior paver restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in sealing and protecting. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.

Removing an Epoxy Coating?

Removing an epoxy coating from a garage floor is not complicated 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 crucial because it ensures that the new epoxy chemical bonds to the surface. If the surface has an older coating failing, the new epoxy coating will not perform effectively.

Note: Both the Diamond Grinder and the Shot Blasting equipment can be rented at your local Rental Yard.

My EPOXY Coating Removal Tips

STEP 1–Clean Surface

1. Remove all items from the garage floor.
2. Use a household broom to sweep the entire garage floor thoroughly. All dirt particles and debris should be swept off the floor.
3. Pressure wash the surface to remove any loose peeling stain, paint, or old epoxy coating.
4. Let the surface fully dry.

Epoxy Diamond Floor Grinder

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.

Epoxy Floor Shot Blaster

Option 2: Shot Blaster

Shot blasting can help remove epoxy paint from a concrete floor and 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.

My Steps to Remove Epoxy Coating

1. Wear protective clothing, eyewear, respirators, ear muffs, and gloves.
2. Follow all instructions that are included to use from your local rental yard.
3. Start in the far inside corners and work your way back and forth to the outside of the garage or concrete area.
4. Once done, clean the surface by removing all dust and sand particles with a shop vac.
5. Inspect the area for 100% removal of all old coating. Spot treat again if needed for any missed areas.

Using the proper removal tools, removing an epoxy coating is easy. When following the proper steps, your new Epoxy Coating will last for many years!

Have questions on removing your Epoxy?

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Concrete Since 1993 Owner

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 and concrete/brick paver sealing. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter, concentrating more on exterior wood and concrete/paver restoration. Scott and his Pressure Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 projects in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the concrete and brick pavers restoration industry and has contributed to numerous forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold online and in retail stores, allowing consumers to choose their means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites sell many of the top brands he endorses, and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered, feel free to purchase from one of them.

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Concrete Restoration and Maintenance Concrete Coatings