How do I avoid air bubbles during coating?

Avoiding Air Bubbles During Epoxy Coating

Air bubbles are one of the most common – and most frustrating – problems that ruin epoxy floor finishes. They can turn an otherwise solid install into a visual failure, especially in hot, humid climates like South Florida, where temperature swings and moisture amplify every mistake. At Chromology Florida East Inc. we work with contractors every day to help them eliminate bubbles and deliver smooth, professional-grade epoxy coatings.

The good news? Air bubbles are preventable – if you follow the right process. Here’s how experienced installers do it.

 1. Mix Slowly – Not Aggressively

One of the fastest ways to introduce bubbles into epoxy is by mixing too fast. High-speed mixing whips air directly into the resin, trapping it before application even begins.

Pro Tip:
Mix slowly using a steady figure-8 motion. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bucket thoroughly to ensure full activation without aeration. Avoid standard high-speed drills unless the paddle is specifically designed for epoxy resin.

Remember: smooth mixing equals smooth curing.

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2. Use a Spiked Roller Immediately After Pouring

A spiked roller is one of the most important tools for bubble-free results. Used in the first few minutes after pouring, it breaks surface tension and releases trapped air before the resin begins to gel.

This step is essential for:

  • Self-leveling epoxy systems
  • Metallic epoxy floors
  • Full broadcast flake systems

Spiked rollers are available for same-day pickup at Chromology Florida East Inc.

3. Prime the Concrete First

Porous or unsealed concrete releases air as epoxy cures – a process known as outgassing. If you skip the primer, that air rises straight into your coating.

Applying a primer coat:

  • Seals pores in the slab
  • Reduces outgassing
  • Improves adhesion
  • Dramatically cuts down bubble formation

This is especially critical on older slabs and in South Florida’s moisture-heavy environment.

4. Don’t Coat in Direct Sunlight or on Hot Slabs

Heat accelerates epoxy cure times and causes trapped air to rise too quickly. When slabs exceed 85°F (29°C), bubbles are far more likely to form and stay locked in place.

Best practice:
Work during cooler parts of the day, shade exterior slabs when possible, and always check surface temperature – not just air temperature.

5. Watch Humidity Levels Closely

Humidity introduces moisture into both the slab and the resin. Excess moisture leads to:

  • Micro-bubbles
  • Surface haze or cloudiness
  • Amine blush
  • Weak bonding

Aim to keep humidity below 80%, with 50% being ideal during mixing and curing. We carry moisture meters and dehumidification solutions – ask our team in-store for guidance.

6. Pre-Warm Your Resin (Carefully)

Cold epoxy is thicker and traps air more easily. Gently warming resin before mixing lowers viscosity and allows bubbles to escape more easily.

Safe method:

Store sealed containers in a warm room for 1–2 hours.

⚠️ Do not use hot water baths or direct heat sources.

 Need the Right Tools to Eliminate Bubbles?

At Chromology Florida East Inc., we stock everything pros need to prevent bubble-related failures, including:

  • Spiked rollers
  • Resin-specific mixing paddles
  • Professional-grade primers
  • Low-viscosity epoxy systems
  • Anti-bubble and high-performance topcoats

We proudly serve contractors across Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, and beyond, helping installs succeed the first time.

Chromology Florida East Inc.

10408 W State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33324

📞 Call now for expert advice and stock availability

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Bubble-free floors aren’t luck – they’re technique. Prep smart. Apply right. Chromology delivers.

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