Final Epoxy Surface

Final Epoxy Surface Prep in 5 Steps

1. Allow the final epoxy coat to cure thoroughly.
2. Wash the surface with a Scotch-brite™ pad and water to remove amine blush. Dry with paper towels.
3. Sand to a smooth finish. If there are runs or sags in the epoxy, begin sanding with 80-grit paper to remove the highest areas. Sand until the surface feels and looks fair. Complete sanding with the appropriate grit for the type of coating to be applied-check coating instructions. Paint adhesion relies on the mechanical grip of the paint keying into the sanding scratches on the epoxy’s surface. If a high-build or filling primer is to be applied, 80-100 grit is usually sufficient. 120-180 grit may be adequate for primers and high-solid coatings. Finishing with 220-400 grit paper will result in a high-gloss finish for most paints or varnishes. Grits finer than this may not provide enough tooth for good adhesion. Many people prefer wet sanding the epoxy because it reduces sanding dust and it will allow you to skip Step 2.
4. After you are satisfied with the texture and fairness of the epoxy surface, rinse the surface with fresh water. Rinse water should sheet evenly without beading or fish-eyeing. If rinse water beads up (a sign of contamination), wipe the area with solvent and dry with a paper towel, then wet sand again until the beading is eliminated.
5. Proceed with your final coating after the epoxied surface has dried thoroughly. To reduce the possibility of contamination, it is a good idea to begin coating within 24 hours of the final sanding. Follow all of the instructions from the coating system’s manufacturer. A good trick used by professionals is to make a test panel to evaluate the degree of surface preparation required and the compatibility of the finish system.