Formation of bubbles is often seen in epoxy floors. Bubbles are usually observed to be the size of a pinhead or more than an inch in diameter. They are found in the entire floor or as a group. They are cause by air being trapped in the flooring. This is usually due to a phenomenon called 'out gassing'. This usually happens when the epoxy begins to dry up. The rise in temperature is the reason for the heating of the air in the concrete making it expand and form bubbles.



To prevent bubbles being formed in application of a primer is recommended.

Also never apply the coating in direct rays of the sun and always use a drill of a slower speed when mixing the coating.

When a roller is used to apply the coating, it is better to use a medium roller. The epoxy should be applied very slowly in a gentle motion. This will be helpful in preventing bubbles from being formed in epoxy coatings.

Bubbles that are formed in epoxy floorings can be removed using grit sandpaper and a rotary scrubber. First roughen the bubbled area with the sandpaper. Then scrupulously clean the dust. Then with a rag wipe the surface area with a strong solvent. After this another coating can be applied.

Another type of bubble observed is fisheyes. They are usually caused by residual silicon on the surface. They are also caused by oil and grease, fats etc.

This can be cleaned by scrubbing the surface area with sandpaper of a medium grit. After this, scrupulously clean the area with a rag dipped in solvent. After this a fresh coating may be applied.

If there are bubbles in the entire epoxy flooring area then shot blasting or sand blasting may be considered. First remove the epoxy coating by sand blasting the entire area. Afterwards clean the problem area with acid. If the troublesome area is very small it can be treated in isolation. Remove all the coating from this area. Repair the area and then apply the coating again.

Another cause of formation of bubbles in epoxy floorings is excessive moisture. To verify this break one of the blisters thus formed and see if there is any moisture inside.

Another form of bubbles is called 'blisters'. They contain foul smelling water which are rich in minerals. They are formed due differences in minerals and chemicals in a liquid. This can be avoided by using a floor coating which allows air to pas through. They can be removed by sealing the cement first with a thin epoxy sealer