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Remove Epoxy Flooring?
Ever tried to remove epoxy flooring and thought, “This stuff’s tougher than concrete!”? You're not wrong. Epoxy is designed to last, it’s durable, chemical-resistant, and bonds tightly to concrete. That’s exactly why removing it can be one of the hardest renovation jobs around.
Whether you’re updating your garage floor, changing the colour in a warehouse, or repairing a failed coating, this guide will walk you through how to remove epoxy flooring properly, safely, efficiently, and without damaging the concrete slab underneath.
We’ve helped plenty of clients across Sydney and regional NSW with epoxy removal, and one thing’s for sure: having the right tools and patience makes all the difference.
Why Would You Remove Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a fantastic choice for many spaces, it’s sleek, seamless, and incredibly durable. But like anything, there are times when it needs to go. Some of the common reasons people decide to remove epoxy coating include:
- Peeling or delamination: Poor preparation or moisture can cause the epoxy to lift or bubble.
- Old or yellowed coating: UV exposure or age can make epoxy floors look dull.
- Surface damage: Heavy traffic, forklifts, or dropped tools can crack or chip sections.
- Renovations: You might be changing the space’s use, from a workshop to a living area, for example.
- Wrong colour or finish: Sometimes the look just doesn’t match the style anymore.
If you’re nodding along, don’t worry, epoxy removal is doable. It’s just not a job to rush.
How Hard Is It to Remove Epoxy Flooring?
Here’s the honest truth: removing epoxy flooring isn't easy. It's a job that can range from frustrating to downright exhausting if you don't have the proper tools. Epoxy is designed to be permanent. It bonds chemically and mechanically to the concrete, so you're essentially trying to break a chemical seal.
The hardness of the concrete, the number of epoxy layers, and whether the coating is solvent-based or water-based will all affect how difficult it is.
For example:
- A thin water-based epoxy might come off with a scraper and heat gun.
- A thick, solvent-based industrial coating may need grinding or shot blasting.
In our experience, most homeowners underestimate the effort. What looks like a “simple DIY project” can easily turn into a weekend-long grind (literally). So before diving in, it’s worth understanding all your removal options.
Tools and Equipment You'll Need
If you’re planning to remove epoxy flooring yourself, gear up properly. Here’s a list of tools professionals often use:
Protective gear
- Safety goggles
- Respirator or dust mask
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Hearing protection
Removal tools
- Floor scraper or razor scraper
- Heat gun (for softening thinner coatings)
- Floor grinder or concrete sander
- Diamond grinding discs or PCD (polycrystalline diamond) blades
- Industrial vacuum
- Chemical epoxy remover or solvent (optional)
- Pressure washer (for post-cleaning)
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Epoxy Flooring
Here’s the step-by-step guide to removing epoxy from concrete. It works for both residential garage floors and industrial spaces, just adjust your tools to match the coating’s thickness and area size.
Step 1: Clear and Clean the Area
Before starting, move everything out of the way, cars, tools, shelves, or machinery. Then sweep or vacuum to remove dust and loose debris. You’ll need a clear workspace to avoid tripping or damaging equipment.
If there are oil stains or spills, clean them with degreaser and rinse the floor. A clean surface helps you see cracks, bubbles, or areas where the epoxy is already lifting.
Step 2: Test a Small Area
Always start by testing a small section, ideally near the wall or in a corner. Use a scraper or grinder on a 1 × 1 foot patch to see how easily the coating comes off.
If it softens with a heat gun or starts chipping, you might only need mechanical scraping. If it stays rock-hard, prepare for grinding or chemical removal.
Step 3: Choose Your Removal Method
There are three main ways to remove epoxy flooring: mechanical, chemical, and thermal. Let’s look at each one.
1. Mechanical Removal (Grinding or Shot Blasting)
This is the most effective and popular method, especially for garages and industrial sites.
A concrete grinder fitted with diamond or PCD blades can cut through epoxy evenly and leave a smooth surface ready for new coating.
Pros:
- Fast and consistent results
- Ideal for thick or multiple layers
- Prepares surface for re-coating
Cons:
- Creates dust (use an industrial vacuum)
- Noisy and requires some experience
2. Chemical Removal
Chemical epoxy removers or solvents break down the coating’s bond, softening it for scraping. Products like citrus-based strippers or methylene chloride alternatives can work well but need good ventilation.
Pros:
- Less noise and dust
- Effective for small or tricky areas
Cons:
- Can be messy or smelly
- May not work well on industrial-grade epoxy
3. Thermal Removal
Using a heat gun or infrared heater can soften thin epoxy layers, making them easier to scrape. This approach suits small residential areas or patch repairs.
Pros:
- Works for light coatings
- Affordable for DIY jobs
Cons:
- Time-consuming for large areas
- Risk of fumes or uneven heating
Most professionals combine mechanical and chemical methods, for instance, using a chemical stripper to loosen the coating, then grinding it down to bare concrete.
Step 4: Scrape or Grind Off the Coating
Once you’ve chosen your method, start scraping or grinding. Move in slow, steady passes. Avoid pushing too hard, it’s better to let the machine do the work.
If you’re using a floor grinder:
- Work in sections of 1-2 square metres at a time.
- Keep the grinder moving evenly to avoid gouging.
- Connect it to a vacuum to minimise dust.
If scraping manually, use a wide scraper and apply gentle heat as needed. It’s labour-intensive but doable for small spaces.
Step 5: Clean the Surface Thoroughly
After the epoxy is removed, vacuum and wash the concrete to remove all dust, chips, and chemical residue. Use a pressure washer if possible, then let the floor dry completely.
Inspect for any remaining spots of epoxy and touch them up with a small grinder or scraper.
Step 6: Neutralise (If You Used Chemicals)
If you’ve used a chemical stripper, neutralise the surface according to the product's instructions. Usually, it involves rinsing with water or applying a neutralising agent to stop any reaction that could affect future coatings.
Step 7: Repair and Re-prepare the Surface
Once bare concrete is exposed, check for cracks or pits. Fill them with an epoxy patching compound or concrete filler.
This is also a great time to decide what’s next: are you planning to re-epoxy, paint, or seal the floor? A clean, repaired surface gives you a perfect foundation for any new coating system.
How Long Does It Take to Remove Epoxy Flooring?
It depends on the area size, coating thickness, and tools you use.
| Area Type | Typical Thickness | Removal Time (approx.) |
| Single garage (30 m²) | 1-2 mm | 6-10 hours (DIY) or 2-3 hours (pro) |
| Double garage (40 m²) | 2-3 mm | 8-14 hours (DIY) |
| Industrial area (100 m²+) | 3-5 mm | 1-2 days (pro team) |
If you hire professional epoxy removal contractors, the process is much faster and cleaner, they use industrial grinders with built-in dust extraction and know how to handle uneven surfaces.
Cost of Epoxy Floor Removal in Australia
The cost varies based on area size, coating type, and surface condition, but as a general guide:
| Service | Average Cost (AUD per m²) |
| DIY (tools & materials) | $5 - $10 /m² |
| Professional mechanical removal | $25 - $50 /m² |
| Heavy-duty industrial removal | $40 - $70 /m² |
If you're in Sydney, professional epoxy floor removal services can save you days of work and prevent costly concrete damage. Many painting and coating contractors (like members of Painters Link Group) offer bundled services, removal, surface prep, and re-application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Removing epoxy flooring isn’t rocket science, but a few slip-ups can cause big problems:
- Skipping the test patch. Every floor is different : testing first avoids wasted effort.
- Using the wrong discs. Wood sanding discs won’t touch epoxy. Use diamond or PCD tooling.
- Over-grinding. You don’t want to damage the concrete slab underneath.
- Ignoring safety gear. Dust and fumes can be hazardous, always wear protection.
- Rushing re-coating. Concrete needs to be clean, dry, and neutral before applying new products.
Can You Paint or Re-Epoxy After Removal?
Absolutely, and it’s often the best time to do it. Once you’ve stripped the old coating and cleaned the surface, you can apply:
- New epoxy flooring system (fresh colour or finish)
- Polyurethane coating for UV stability
- Concrete sealer for a natural matte look
- Polished concrete for a low-maintenance finish
If you plan to reapply epoxy, make sure the surface is completely dry and etched or ground properly. Professional painters in Sydney often recommend using a moisture-blocking primer before the new coat, especially for garages and basements.
DIY vs Professional Epoxy Floor Removal
If you’ve got a small area and plenty of time, DIY removal can work fine. But if you’re dealing with a large, commercial, or heavily-coated floor, hiring professional epoxy removal services is usually the smarter move.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
| Equipment | Basic grinders, scrapers | Industrial vacuums, diamond grinders |
| Time | 1-3 days | 3-6 hours |
| Dust control | Minimal | Excellent (HEPA filtration) |
| Finish quality | Uneven | Smooth and re-coatable |
| Safety | Moderate risk | Fully insured and compliant |
Professionals don't just remove the epoxy, they prepare the surface for whatever comes next, ensuring your new coating lasts longer and adheres properly.
A Quick Story from the Field
A few months ago, we got a call from a homeowner who'd tried to remove their garage epoxy with a handheld grinder. After two full days, they'd only cleared about five square metres, and burnt through three discs!
Our team came in with a planetary grinder and industrial vacuum, and by lunchtime, the entire 35 m² garage was stripped clean and ready for a new floor coating. The client's reaction? “I wish I'd called you first.”
That's often the case, what looks like a weekend DIY turns into a week of dust and sore muscles.
Tips for Easier Epoxy Removal
- Keep the floor dry before you start, moisture can clog grinders.
- Change blades or discs often. Dull tooling will slow you down.
- Work in sections to manage dust and fatigue.
- Use adequate lighting to see thin leftover layers.
- Vacuum regularly to prevent debris buildup.
FAQs About Removing Epoxy Flooring
Final Thoughts
Epoxy floors are strong, stylish, and long-lasting, but when it’s time for a change, removal requires patience and the right approach. Whether you choose grinding, chemical stripping, or professional help, the goal is the same: get back to clean, solid concrete without damage.
If you’re planning to remove epoxy flooring in Sydney or anywhere in NSW, don’t hesitate to get expert advice first. A short consultation can save you hours of frustration and ensure your next coating lasts for years.
Need a hand? Painters Link has the experienced epoxy flooring contractors who handle everything, removal, preparation, and re-coating, all under one roof.
