Installing epoxy flooring is one of the smartest ways to upgrade your garage, shop, or commercial space, but only when it’s done right. A professionally installed epoxy floor can last for years, resist damage, and look incredible. But rushed jobs, poor preparation, and product misuse often result in peeling, bubbling, or uneven finishes. At Kongcrete Coatings, we’ve seen it all and fixed most of it.
Below, we break down the five most common mistakes property owners make when installing epoxy floors and how to avoid them.
Improper Surface Prep Can Ruin Your Epoxy Floor Orlando Project
Before anything gets poured or applied, the concrete surface has to be properly prepared. We’re talking about grinding, cleaning, and drying the slab so it bonds effectively with the epoxy base coat. This step is everything.
Skipping or rushing surface preparation leads to poor adhesion. That’s when you start seeing issues like:
- Peeling or flaking within a few months
- Air bubbles trapped under the coating
- Coating lifting in high-traffic areas
A proper epoxy floor installation begins with concrete grinding and thorough moisture testing. We always prep the surface to a specific profile for maximum bonding strength. Without this, even the best products will fail. If you’re working with an installer who skips this step or doesn’t mention moisture testing, it’s a red flag.
Applying Epoxy in Humid or Wet Conditions
Florida’s humidity is no joke. Applying epoxy in a high-moisture environment (or on concrete that hasn’t fully dried) can completely compromise the result.
Moisture doesn’t just weaken adhesion; it can also cause bubbling and discoloration. Many DIYers or under-trained installers fail to measure the concrete’s moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) before applying the base coat. That’s a critical step we never skip.
Just because the floor “looks dry” doesn’t mean it is. Professional installers use moisture meters to get accurate readings and wait for the optimal conditions to apply the coating. We also monitor ambient humidity and temperature, which are just as important.
These aren’t optional steps; they’re mandatory if you want a floor that lasts. Epoxy systems are chemical bonds, not just surface coverings. When improperly applied in humid conditions, the chemistry breaks down.
Using Low-Quality Epoxy Products
There’s a big difference between industrial-grade epoxy and the cheaper stuff found in big box stores. Budget kits might advertise easy application and fast results, but they’re usually one-coat systems filled with water and solvents.
These low-cost epoxies might look good for a few weeks, but they tend to:
- Wear down faster under foot traffic
- Peel when exposed to heat or sunlight
- Absorb oils and chemicals instead of resisting them
At Kongcrete Coatings, we use professional, multi-layer systems that include a base primer, epoxy body coat, and polyaspartic topcoat. These systems are built to perform, not just impress temporarily. The difference in performance is obvious within the first year, and more so as time goes on.
Epoxy isn’t a paint. It’s a flooring system. When you choose low-quality products, you lose out on durability, resistance, and aesthetic value.
Skipping the Topcoat
One of the most common installation mistakes is skipping the topcoat. It may seem like a way to save time or money, but without a polyaspartic or polyurethane top layer, your epoxy floor is vulnerable to damage from UV rays, moisture, and heavy use.
What a proper topcoat does:
- Seals the floor for stain and chemical resistance
- Adds a high-gloss or matte finish depending on your design preference
- Enhances slip resistance with grit additives
- Protects against UV yellowing (especially important for sun-exposed areas like Orlando garages)
Skipping this layer is like waxing half a car; it might shine briefly, but it won’t be protected. Our polyaspartic topcoat is what gives Kongcrete floors their long-term performance, color stability, and easy maintenance.
Ignoring Cure Time and Foot Traffic Restrictions
You’ve installed the floor, it looks amazing, and you’re excited to use the space. But using it too soon is one of the fastest ways to ruin the result.
Epoxy cures through a chemical reaction. That reaction takes time, even after the floor feels dry to the touch. Driving over it or even walking on it prematurely can leave permanent marks or indentations.
At Kongcrete Coatings, we provide a detailed post-installation guide for every customer. Most floors are ready for light foot traffic in 24 hours and full vehicle use in 72 hours, but we always tailor our guidance based on your system and conditions. This ensures your investment is fully protected.
Ignoring these timelines can undo even the best application work. Patience during the curing process equals a stronger, longer-lasting floor.
How to Choose the Right Epoxy Floor Installer in Orlando
Avoiding these mistakes starts with choosing the right contractor. Here’s what to look for:
- Clear Process: Do they explain how they prep, install, and seal your floor?
- Local Experience: Do they understand Florida’s humidity and how to work around it?
- Product Transparency: Do they tell you which materials they use and why?
- Warranty and Support: Are they available if issues arise after installation?
At Kongcrete Coatings, we don’t just install floors; we educate our clients every step of the way. We’re based in Orlando, and our team understands exactly what it takes to make epoxy last in this environment. Our HomeLife Warranty ensures peace of mind long after installation day.
Installing an epoxy floor is one of the best upgrades you can make for your home or business. But the difference between a floor that lasts and one that fails often comes down to the details: surface prep, moisture control, quality materials, and post-install care.
When you partner with Kongcrete Coatings, you avoid these five mistakes because we’ve built our entire process to prevent them. Whether it’s your garage, patio, commercial showroom, or entryway, we provide a seamless installation experience backed by real results and real warranties.
If you’re ready to upgrade to an epoxy floor Orlando residents can count on, let’s talk. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover the Kongcrete difference.