Peeling, flaking, or “hot-tire pickup” turns a once-glossy epoxy slab into a patchy mess. In Florida’s heat and humidity the problem can appear in as little as a year—but every failure has a cause you can control. Below are the seven biggest culprits behind epoxy delamination and the proven fixes Tampa Bay homeowners and facility managers should demand.
1️⃣ Inadequate Surface Profile
Concrete must be ground to an ICRI CSP-2/3 profile so epoxy mechanically keys into the slab. Acid etching alone leaves fine calcium dust; the coating bonds to the dust—then pops off. Michiana Epoxy
Fix: Dust-controlled diamond grinding followed by HEPA vacuuming and tack-wipe.
2️⃣ Hidden Moisture & Vapor Pressure
Florida’s high water table means slabs often read >75 % RH. Vapor pushes upward and lifts the coating. Simple plastic-sheet tests or in-slab probes reveal the risk. Today’s Homeowner
Fix: Install a two-part moisture-vapor-barrier (MVB) epoxy before the build coat.
3️⃣ Oil, Grease & Contaminants
Motor oil, tire dressings, and silicone repel epoxy the way wax repels water—leading to random bald spots. Lifetime Green Coatings
Fix: Degrease with an alkaline cleaner, hot-water scrub, and re-grind problem zones.
4️⃣ Hot-Tire Pickup
Summer asphalt exceeds 130 °F; plasticizers in hot tires transfer to marginal coatings and rip them loose. Liquid Floors
Fix: Use a 100 %-solids base coat plus UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat rated 300 °F+ and allow full 72-hour cure before parking.
5️⃣ Sealed or Soft Concrete
Existing acrylic sealers, laitance, or soft “cream” layers prevent adhesion. Grinding is the only cure; acid etch will not remove sealers. Michiana Epoxy
6️⃣ Temperature / Humidity at Install
Epoxy cures best between 60–85 °F and <80 % RH. Applying in midday Florida heat or late-day humidity traps blisters that later peel. PennCoat Inc.
7️⃣ Cheap DIY or Water-Based Kits
Low-solids DIY kits form a thin film (2–4 mils) that can’t withstand hot tires or forklift traffic. Professional systems build 10–20 mils plus clear coat for a lifetime bond. Michiana Epoxy
Prevention Checklist for Tampa Bay Floors
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Moisture test every slab | Install MVB if RH > 75 % |
| Diamond-grind to CSP-2/3 | Ensures mechanical bond |
| Degrease + rinse + re-grind spots | Removes oils & tire dressings |
| Use 100 % solids epoxy + polyaspartic clear | Hot-tire & UV resistance |
| Maintain 70 °F / < 70 % RH during cure | Prevents blisters & blush |
| Wait 48–72 h before parking | Full cross-link = max strength |
Repair Options if Your Floor Is Peeling
- Spot Grind & Patch – for localized hot-tire spots.
- Full Grind & Recoat – best for widespread delamination.
- Install MVB Layer – if moisture readings are high.
Professionals will take moisture readings, test for oil contamination, and quote the correct fix—not just roll more paint over the problem.
Ready for a Peel-Proof Upgrade?
PalmGuard Epoxy uses industrial grinding, moisture-vapor primers, and UV-stable polyaspartic finishes to ensure your floor never peels again—guaranteed.
Trusted Epoxy Flooring & Coating Experts in Tampa Bay
At PalmGuard Epoxy, we deliver long-lasting, chemical-resistant, and low-maintenance epoxy floors across Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Whether it’s a garage, commercial space, or boat deck, our coatings are built for Florida’s climate and your lifestyle.
✓ Durable Flooring
✓ Three Year Warranty