Sanding Epoxy Floors: Smooth Prep for Durable Finishes

Epoxy floors are popular in garages, workshops, and basements for their durability and shine. But whether you’re recoating or repairing, sanding is essential to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish. With the right grit sequence, epoxy floors can be renewed to look and perform like new.

Why Sanding Epoxy Floors Matters

Over time, epoxy can develop scratches, dull spots, or peeling areas. Sanding evens out the surface, removes contaminants, and gives the new coat a rough profile to grip. Without sanding, recoated epoxy may peel or fail prematurely.

Essential Tools

• Orbital or floor sander with sanding screens
• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block for edges and corners
• Vacuum and tack cloths
• Protective gear: respirator, gloves, goggles

Best Sandpaper Grits for Epoxy Floors

• 80 grit: Remove old coatings and roughen glossy surfaces (80 Grit (25-pack)).
• 150 grit: Smooth transitions and refine surface (150 Grit (25-pack)).
• 220 grit: Final sanding before recoating (220 Grit (50-pack)).

Step-by-Step: Sanding Epoxy Floors

1. Clean thoroughly. Degrease the floor and remove dust or dirt.
2. Start with 80 grit. Sand to strip glossy finish and remove problem areas.
3. Switch to 150 grit. Refine surface and smooth rough patches.
4. Finish with 220 grit. Sand lightly for a uniform, adhesion-ready surface.
5. Vacuum and tack cloth. Remove all dust before recoating.
6. Recoat with epoxy. Apply according to manufacturer instructions for best results.

Special Cases

For heavily damaged floors, grinding may be required before sanding. For decorative epoxy with flakes, sand only enough to scuff the surface before applying a new clear coat.

Pro Tips

• Always sand evenly to avoid visible patches under the new coat.
• Use a pole sander or floor machine for large areas to save time.
• Ensure proper ventilation—epoxy dust can be irritating.

Aftercare

• Allow recoated epoxy to cure fully before foot or vehicle traffic.
• Clean with mild detergents—avoid harsh chemicals.
• Reapply topcoats every few years to maintain durability.

FAQs

• Do I always need to sand before recoating? Yes—without sanding, the new epoxy won’t bond properly.
• Can I sand epoxy by hand? Only for small repairs—larger floors need machines.
• What grit is best for epoxy between coats? 220 grit provides the right scuff for adhesion.

Watch & Learn

Sanding epoxy floors ensures long-lasting, smooth finishes. Explore our coarse and fine sanding sheets to prepare your floor for its next coat.