Protect Your Investment with the Right Preparation and Products
Installing an epoxy garage floor is one of the best ways to improve the look, durability, and functionality of your garage. But not all epoxy floors are created equal. Without the proper preparation, product choice, or installation process, even the best-looking epoxy job can fail. Whether you’re planning to DIY or hire a professional, knowing what to watch for can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Here are five of the most common epoxy garage floor problems—and how you can avoid them from the start.
1. Peeling or Delamination
When Epoxy Doesn’t Stick, Here’s Why
One of the most frustrating issues with epoxy flooring is peeling or flaking. This typically happens when the concrete wasn’t prepped properly. Dust, oil stains, or moisture in the slab can prevent the epoxy from bonding to the surface.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure the concrete is mechanically ground and thoroughly cleaned before applying epoxy. Moisture testing is also key—especially in Canadian climates where damp basements and garage slabs are common. A proper primer coat and professional installation go a long way in preventing this.
2. Hot Tire Pickup
When Your Floor Comes Up with Your Tires
Ever park your car, come back later, and see epoxy stuck to your tires? That’s hot tire pickup. It occurs when the topcoat can’t withstand the heat and pressure from vehicle tires.
How to Avoid It:
Use a high-quality, industrial-grade epoxy system that’s designed to resist heat and abrasion. Avoid low-cost DIY kits sold at big box stores; they often lack the durability needed for real-world garage use.
3. Bubbles or Blistering
Tiny Bubbles That Lead to Big Problems
Bubbles can form when epoxy is applied in humid conditions, over a damp surface, or too thickly. As the epoxy cures, trapped air or moisture creates unsightly bubbles or blisters in the coating.
How to Avoid It:
Always apply epoxy when humidity is low and temperatures are within the manufacturer’s recommended range. A thinner first coat (often called a “wet-out” coat) helps prevent air from becoming trapped during application.
4. Yellowing or Discolouration
When Your Glossy Grey Turns to Ugly Amber
Epoxy coatings that aren’t UV stable can yellow over time, especially if your garage door is left open frequently or sunlight hits the floor directly.
How to Avoid It:
Top your epoxy floor with a UV-resistant polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat. This extra layer helps maintain the colour and finish—even in sun-exposed areas.
5. Slippery When Wet
A Beautiful Floor That’s a Safety Hazard
Epoxy floors can become dangerously slick when wet, especially in winter when slush or melted snow gets tracked in.
How to Avoid It:
Add an anti-slip additive like aluminum oxide or quartz to your topcoat.
This will give your garage floor texture and traction without compromising the look.
Trust Canadian-Grade Epoxy Installation
Installing an epoxy floor that lasts through Canadian winters and busy garage life takes more than just a couple of rollers and a kit. It takes experience, high-grade materials, and the proper surface preparation.
At Garage Storage Toronto, we offer professionally installed epoxy garage floors built to handle harsh Canadian conditions. Our team ensures every floor is moisture-tested, mechanically prepped, and coated with the best products available.
Get a Free Quote Today
Transform your garage with a floor that looks great and performs even better. Contact Garage Storage Toronto for a free consultation—we’re here to help you avoid costly mistakes and enjoy your new epoxy floor for years to come.
