The Issue in the Industry

At Epoxify, we take results and brand reputation extremely seriously. We entered this industry with one clear intention: to fix the systemic problems that have become normalized in epoxy flooring. In Los Angeles especially, we saw widespread shortcuts, inconsistency, and a lack of accountability. That gap is exactly why Epoxify exists.

Many epoxy companies compete almost entirely on price, often charging under ten dollars per square foot. In most cases, that pricing is only possible by cutting corners such as applying thin coats, skipping critical preparation steps, or using low grade epoxy systems that are not engineered for long term performance. These jobs can look acceptable on day one, and sometimes even within the first year. The real difference shows years later, when floors begin peeling, yellowing, delaminating, or revealing surface defects that proper systems are designed to prevent.

We are not here to discredit every budget oriented provider. However, patterns in this industry are hard to ignore. Choosing a metallic epoxy floor at eight or nine dollars per square foot is a gamble, especially when the primary goal is long term durability and aesthetics. Saving a small amount upfront can easily turn into a full replacement later.

Another major issue we identified is the lack of meaningful warranties. Many epoxy companies either provide none at all or offer extremely limited coverage that does not reflect confidence in their work. At Epoxify, we charge a premium because we build systems that justify it. Our processes are deliberate, material driven, and engineered for longevity, not speed.

From the first consultation to final topcoat, we walk clients through every step of the process with full transparency. Our preparation standards, chemical systems, application methods, and quality control procedures are documented and followed strictly. This is outlined in detail within our service process SOP, because we believe informed clients make better decisions.

Our Proof of Standards

(Specific)

Many companies make empty claims. We do not do this at Epoxify. To be genuinely different, we do what other companies cannot actually support in their claims by going into real, measurable specifics. To understand the shortcuts taken by cheaper epoxy companies, it is essential to understand how epoxy works mechanically and chemically, and how concrete must be diagnosed to determine what it actually needs before coating.

With smaller or cheaper epoxy jobs, companies often cut corners during preparation. Concrete grinding is essential, yet many epoxy companies use grinders that are 10 inches or smaller. These machines are not appropriate for spaces above 600 square feet. Smaller grinders leave floors uneven and rely heavily on the operator applying perfectly consistent downward force across the entire surface. Because these grinders lack sufficient weight, they cannot properly open the concrete pores without forced pressure, which leads to inconsistent surface profiles and weak mechanical bonding. One reason cheaper epoxy companies rely on these grinders is cost. Large planetary grinders often cost around $20,000, while smaller walk behind grinders rarely reach 5 digit prices. At Epoxify, all crews are supplied with 22 inch or larger planetary grinders that apply uniform pressure across the surface, producing a consistent concrete profile that epoxy can properly anchor into.

Another major shortcut is improper concrete diagnostics. Many companies perform the plastic sheet test by taping plastic to the floor and checking it days later for moisture. This method only tells you if moisture exists at the surface and gives no information about how much moisture is present or how it is distributed within the slab. This prevents installers from understanding what the concrete actually needs, whether that means moisture tolerant primers, vapor mitigation, or altered cure schedules. We use a professional moisture diagnostic device that scans the concrete and sends electrical signals through the slab to measure internal moisture content at depth. These devices commonly exceed $1,000 in cost, which is why many companies avoid them and rely on inaccurate surface level tests.

Another frequent shortcut is incomplete grinding. Walk behind grinders cannot reach edges, walls, or tight corners, so these areas are often skipped or lightly scratched. This creates weak bonding points and is one of the most common root causes of epoxy peeling that begins in corners and spreads inward. To prevent this, we use a 4.5 inch angle grinder as a secondary tool to ensure every single square inch of the surface is mechanically profiled to the same standard as the main field.

Dust control is another critical step that is often overlooked. Grinding and sanding generate massive amounts of dust, much of which is microscopic and invisible. Standard shop vacuums cannot capture fine particulate matter embedded in the concrete pores. Our crews use professional HEPA vacuums after every preparation stage, followed by full chemical decontamination using acetone to remove remaining fines, oils, and residues. Microscopic dust dramatically reduces bonding strength and coating lifespan. Many companies skip proper decontamination because a true professional preparation can consume 3 to 10 or more gallons of acetone per job, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Material thickness is another area where companies cut costs. Thin coats reduce material usage but significantly reduce durability. Epoxy is the most expensive component of the job, so applying thinner coats directly increases profit margins for installers. At Epoxify, we use speed squeegees notched at 25 to 30 mils for metallic body coats, compared to the 15 mil average commonly used elsewhere. This creates greater depth, stronger impact resistance, and improved long term performance.

The largest cost cutting measure is often the epoxy itself. Many lower priced companies quietly source epoxy from overseas manufacturers, sometimes paying under $100 for a 3 gallon kit. These systems may look acceptable initially but often suffer from yellowing, brittleness, and delamination within 4 to 5 years. At Epoxify, we exclusively use industrial grade epoxy manufactured in the United States from established vendors with consistent batch testing and published performance data.

Some failures come from intentional shortcuts, while others come from underqualified teams and low standards. Epoxy is not an easy skill. Longevity is what separates true professionals from surface level installers. Proper preparation requires a concrete profile within the CSP 2 to 3 range, zero microscopic dust, fully ground edges, properly repaired cracks, and compatible patching materials. Many companies use fillers such as bondo, which does not chemically integrate with epoxy systems as effectively as higher grade options like custom mixes incorporating fumed silica and epoxy resin. Topcoat selection is another common mistake. Not every job should use the same system. Polyaspartic and urethane coatings behave differently based on slab temperature, moisture levels, and exposure conditions. Many companies fail to account for weather, sunlight, and ambient conditions, while we may recommend delaying work to ensure optimal curing and long term performance. Overworking metallic designs is another issue that reduces depth and visual value, even when materials are high quality.

Staffing is also critical. Every epoxy job should involve at least 2 people. Many companies run solo crews, which increases error risk. Epoxy has a limited working time, typically around 20 minutes after mixing. One person must focus on design while the other mixes fresh material simultaneously. When one person attempts both tasks, epoxy begins to stiffen after 20 to 30 minutes, increasing resistance and compromising flow and finish quality. At Epoxify, we never run solo crews. We provide even deeper technical detail in our SOP document, which is shared with clients before every job.