Water-Based Epoxy Colored Sand Floor Paint Renovation Guide: 3 Situations with Targeted Treatment for a Cost-Effective and Effective Solution

After 5-8 years, water-based epoxy colored sand flooring may experience problems such as loss of gloss, localized scratches, and minor delamination. Targeted renovations can restore its beauty without requiring a complete overhaul. Today, we'll share renovation tips for three common situations to help you save over 50% in renovation costs.

Situation 1: Gloss loss and shallow scratches only (no delamination or color shift)

Cause: Long-term friction wears away the surface finish, causing it to lose its gloss and develop hairline scratches.

Renovation Steps:

Step 1: Clean the floor thoroughly with a neutral detergent and a soft mop to remove oil and dust. Allow to dry.

Step 2: Lightly sand the floor using 1000-grit sandpaper (attached to a belt sander) to evenly polish the floor, removing any aging paint and exposing the fresh sand layer (avoid over-sanding, exposing the base layer).

Step 3: Reapply a topcoat. Apply 1-2 coats of the same brand and type of water-based epoxy topcoat (matte/gloss finish, matching the original surface), leaving 12 hours between coats. Once dry, the gloss will be restored and the scratches will disappear.

Situation 2: Localized, minor delamination and fading (delamination area <10%)

Cause: The base layer is partially damp, the edges were not properly prepared during construction, or the surface was exposed to direct sunlight, causing fading.

Renovation Steps:

Step 1: Remove the damaged area. Use a utility knife to cut along the delamination edge and remove the delamination sand layer (until the base layer is smooth). Sand the base layer to remove any remaining adhesive.

Step 2: Prepare the base. If the base is damp, apply one coat of moisture-proof primer. If the base is dry, apply one coat of epoxy primer and let dry.

Step 3: Fill the sand layer. Mix water-based epoxy sand of the same brand and hardener according to the original sand particle size (e.g., 0.5mm). Scrape and apply until flush with the original surface. Use a spatula to smooth the surface when it is partially dry to ensure a consistent texture.

Step 4: Apply a topcoat. After the sand layer is completely dry (24 hours), apply one to two coats of the same type of topcoat. If the original floor has a patterned pattern, align the edges of the pattern to avoid color differences.

Situation 3: Extensive delamination and cracking (damage area > 30%)

Cause: Inadequate base preparation during original construction (e.g., lack of moisture-proofing), poor material quality, or cracking due to building subsidence. Renovation Steps:

Step 1: Remove the entire old floor, scraping away all the colored sand layers until the base layer is exposed, and clear away any construction debris.

Step 2: Thoroughly repair the base layer. Fill cracks in the cement base with epoxy mortar, remove any hollow areas, and re-cast cement mortar, ensuring a flatness tolerance of ≤3mm. Apply two coats of moisture-proof primer.

Step 3: Reapply the colored sand layer, following the standard construction process for new floors (primer → mid-coat → topcoat). If the original look is desired, the original grain size and color of the colored sand must be replicated.