How to remove oil stains before epoxy to avoid adhesion failure

Remove Oil Stains Before Epoxy to Avoid Adhesion Failure

If you’re coating concrete anywhere in South Florida, oil contamination is one of the most common – and most costly – reasons epoxy systems fail. Even the best materials on the market can’t overcome poor surface preparation. At Chromology Florida East Inc., located at 10408 W State Rd 84, Davie, FL 33324, we work every day with epoxy installers, general contractors, and commercial property managers who want one thing: floors that don’t come back.

As a trusted epoxy supplier in Davie, FL, we don’t just stock premium concrete coatings Florida professionals rely on – we provide the real-world guidance needed to apply them correctly. Whether you’re resurfacing an automotive service bay in Miami, a warehouse in Fort Lauderdale, or a garage anywhere within 120 km of Davie, proper oil removal is non-negotiable.

Why Oil Must Be Removed Before Epoxy

Oil is one of epoxy’s biggest enemies. It penetrates concrete pores, creating a barrier that prevents resin from bonding mechanically or chemically. Even top-tier, high-performance resin systems near Fort Lauderdale will blister, peel, or delaminate if oil contamination is left untreated.

If epoxy doesn’t bond directly to clean, profiled concrete, failure isn’t a possibility – it’s a guarantee. That’s why oil remediation must happen before primers, basecoats, or moisture barriers are applied.

Table of context

How to Remove Oil Stains Before Applying Epoxy

Professional oil removal is a process, not a single step. Follow this sequence to protect your install:

1. Spot the Stains
Pay special attention to garages, loading zones, mechanical rooms, service bays, and darkened areas of the slab. If it looks suspicious, treat it.

2. Degrease Thoroughly
Apply a concrete-safe industrial degreaser, scrub aggressively, and allow proper dwell time so the cleaner can break down embedded oil.

3. Hot Water or Steam Wash
Heat lifts oil far more effectively than cold water. Pressure washing with hot water or steam dramatically improves results.

4. Repeat if Necessary
Stubborn stains may require multiple cleaning cycles or stronger solvents such as acetone or citrus-based cleaners.

5. Perform the Water Drop Test
Drip clean water onto the surface. If it beads, oil is still present. Clean concrete should absorb water evenly.

6. Mechanical Prep Is Mandatory
Finish with diamond grinding or shot blasting to remove residual contamination and establish the proper CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) for adhesion.

Skipping any of these steps risks coating failure – no matter how good the epoxy is.

Chromology Carries the Full Prep System

At Chromology Florida East Inc., we stock everything required from prep to topcoat, including degreasers, grinders, prep accessories, primers, and industrial-grade epoxy systems – all available for same-day pickup. Our technical team will guide you based on slab condition, contamination severity, and project type.

Why Pros Choose Chromology Over the Rest

Compared to suppliers like Epoxy Depot USA, Art of Coating Miami, or Latux Epoxy, Chromology offers more than products – we offer partnership:

  • Same-day pickup in Davie
  • Field-tested advice from professionals who understand jobsite reality
  • No DIY kits – only contractor-grade systems
  • Reliable inventory of tools, prep products, and coatings
  • Personal support from prep through final coat

Prep It Right. Coat It Once.

📍 Visit: 10408 W State Rd 84, Ste 102, Davie, FL 33324

📞 Call: (954) 417-8617

🛠 Explore: Full prep-to-topcoat catalog available

🔍 Search: Where to buy epoxy near me Davie

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Chromology Florida East Inc. – Built for Pros. Stocked for Speed. Trusted for Results.

chromology featured products

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Professional spike shoes with polypropylene sole and 1-inch steel spikes. Adjustable straps, superior stability, and all-day comfort for coating installers.

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