How to Remove Epoxy from Concrete Garage Floors

Removing epoxy from a concrete garage floor can be a challenging task, but it’s essential for those looking to refinish or resurface their flooring. Whether you’re preparing for a new coat of paint, sealing, or laying down a brand-new epoxy layer, ensuring that the old epoxy is completely removed will result in a smoother, more durable finish. 

Join our surface preparation experts from Buy Manufacturers Direct as we guide you through the most effective methods of how to remove epoxy from concrete. With  the right materials and techniques, you can ensure your garage floor is perfectly prepped for its next transformation.

How to Remove Epoxy from Concrete Floors

If you want to remove old epoxy, you have several options depending on your preferred approach and the tools available. 

One method involves using a metal or plastic scraping tool, then applying a solvent such as acetone or paint thinner, and scraping again to remove the old coating. This method can be quite labor-intensive and may expose you to harsh fumes over extended periods. Additionally, the process might need to be repeated several times to remove all the epoxy paint or top coating from the concrete surface.

Alternatively, using a floor grinder to grind away the old material provides a more efficient way to create a bare surface. This mechanical method is quicker and can reduce the amount of manual labor and chemical exposure, making it a favorable option for larger areas or more stubborn epoxy applications.

Remove Epoxy from Your Garage with a Floor Grinder

To see what it looks like to remove the top coating from your garage floor with a floor grinder, check out the video below: 

How to Remove Epoxy from Concrete with a Floor Grinder

Using an electric or propane floor grinder and the right diamond pads will effectively grind away the epoxy in a much shorter time span than solvents, and leave behind a surface that can be polished or recoated, depending on your preference.

Removing the Epoxy Layer

Working slowly and methodically, moving forward in a left-right pattern, the diamond pads cut through the epoxy, sealant, or other coating. Depending on if you are wanting to open the concrete back up and leave a deeper profile, or if you just want to remove the top layer of sealant will determine the type of diamond pad you want to choose. For deeper cutting action, a coarse grit, such as a 20-80 will be more effective than grinding with a 100 that is used more for fine honing. 

Grinding Along the Wall and Corners

It’s essential that you’re thorough when grinding your garage floor, and this means getting against the wall and into corners, taking care not to leave any existing epoxy behind. This is where having a corner edging tool, such as the TC-7 Stand-Up Edger can save time on the detailed aspect of working near vertical surfaces and walls while getting the job done quickly. 

Surface Preparation Tools for Epoxy Removal 

When it comes to learning how to remove epoxy from concrete surfaces, having the right tools is crucial for effective and efficient surface preparation. That’s why our experts from Buy Manufacturers Direct are helping you choose the best options for your project’s specific needs, by exploring some of our most popular surface preparation for sale from our top manufacturers. 

7? Metabo Grinder

The 7″ Metabo Grinder, equipped with two cup wheels, is a robust tool designed for small to medium-sized projects. This grinder effectively removes epoxy by grinding it down with precision, making it ideal for tackling tough coatings on concrete garage floors. The dual cup wheels increase the surface area coverage, enhancing efficiency and reducing the time spent on prep work.

Airtec BS-825-EL Planetary Floor Grinder

The Airtec BS-825-EL Planetary Floor Grinder is engineered for large-scale projects, offering a wide grinding path to cover more area quickly. Its planetary action ensures uniform removal of epoxy coatings, delivering a consistent surface texture ready for new applications. This powerful machine is perfect for extensive garage floors, ensuring thorough preparation with minimal effort.

Prep/Master 2807 Electric Floor Grinding Machine

The Prep/Master 2807 Electric Floor Grinding Machine is designed for both effectiveness and ease of use. This machine reaches into corners and covers large areas swiftly, making it an excellent choice for removing old epoxy coatings from concrete floors. Its electric operation provides reliable power and control, ideal for residential or commercial garage floor resurfacing.

TX7 Planetary Grinder & Stripper Floor Machine

The TX7 Planetary Grinder & Stripper Floor Machine, with its 27-inch grinding width, offers substantial coverage and effective removal of epoxy and other surface coatings. Its planetary grinding system evenly abrades the surface, preparing floors thoroughly for new finishes. This machine is well-suited for large garage floors, providing quick and uniform epoxy removal.

Lightning Ride-On Floor Scraper

The Lightning Ride-On Floor Scraper is a game-changer for removing floor coatings on a large scale, including epoxy. Its ride-on capability allows for rapid removal over extensive areas, reducing labor and increasing productivity. This machine is particularly effective in large garages or warehouses, where it can strip floors quickly and with less strain on operators.

Shop for Surface Preparation Tools for Epoxy Removal Today

Ready to tackle your epoxy removal project with the best tools on the market? Visit our store today to explore our extensive selection of surface preparation tools and high-quality epoxy coatings for sale. From robust grinders to efficient ride-on scrapers, we have everything you need to learn how to remove epoxy from concrete garage floors. 

Reach out to our experts today at by calling us at  (815) 278-1308 or by filling out our contact form to get started.