#1 — Skipping Mechanical Prep
Acid etching or a quick pressure-wash instead of diamond grinding is the single biggest cause of early coating failure.
#2 — Ignoring Slab Moisture
Vapor drive through an unprimed slab blisters coatings from underneath. It shows up months, not days, after install.
#3 — Wrong Topcoat for the Environment
Aromatic epoxy in direct sun ambers fast. Standard epoxy under aggressive chemical exposure etches. Match the topcoat to the exposure.
#4 — Cleaning Mistakes
Acid cleaners, undiluted degreaser, and aggressive citrus solvents dull and etch epoxy over years. Neutral cleaners only.
#5 — Ignoring Small Damage
A small chip in a topcoat lets water into the basecoat and starts a delamination front. Spot-repair damage early.