How to Effectively Remove Epoxy Flooring Paint Film

Epoxy floor coating construction does not always start on newly built concrete or gravel ground. Sometimes it faces old floors that have been in service for many years. Before constructing a new floor, the old floor must be renovated. The first step is to remove the original paint film on the surface, commonly known as paint stripping. Below are several effective construction methods for paint removal.

Paint stripping is generally divided into two types: partial paint stripping, mostly used for small local areas; and overall paint stripping, adopted when the floor is severely damaged.

When renovating old floors, you first need to confirm the original coating system and clarify the properties of the primer. Some are epoxy-based, some are polyurethane-based, and others are acrylic or other volatile coatings. Only by identifying the original coating material can the old floor renovation be carried out correctly; otherwise, problems such as paint lifting and substrate biting are likely to occur.

What are the specific paint stripping methods?

1. Mechanical Paint Stripping

This method relies on manual and mechanical tools for construction, such as shovels, high-pressure grinding machines and other professional equipment to strip off the old paint film.

2. Alkaline Paint Stripping

Apply alkaline materials evenly on the floor surface. The corrosive effect of the alkali softens and erodes the paint film, then remove the peeled coating with a scraper and other tools.

3. Flame Paint Stripping

Use high-temperature flame to heat and scorch the paint film, making it blister and carbonize, then scrape off the softened burnt coating with a scraper.

4. Paint Remover Stripping

This method is similar to the alkaline stripping method. Paint removers are available in solvent type and paste type, which can dissolve the epoxy floor paint film. After the coating is fully dissolved, strip and clean it completely.