How to strip an epoxy and urethane coatings off ceramic/porcelain tile floor

By Frederick M Hueston, Stoneforensics.com

Epoxy and urethane floor finishes are occasionally used on ceramic or porcelain floor tile. Unfortunately, standard floor finish stripping chemicals won’t strip these hard to remove coatings. Removing epoxy or urethane from ceramic/porcelain tile can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.

The following are some tips to help remove these types of coatings.

Removing epoxy from ceramic/porcelain tile can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.

Here are some steps you can follow to strip epoxy/urethane off a ceramic/porcelain tile floor:

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin, you need to prepare the area for the removal process. This includes removing all furniture, rugs, and debris from the floor. You should also cover any adjacent surfaces that you don’t want to get damaged or stained with a plastic sheet.

Step 2: Safety Measures

Epoxy and urethane are hazardous materials and can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and eye damage. Hence, it’s important to wear protective gear such as gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask when working with these coatings.

Step 3: Heat Gun or Hot Water

One of the easiest and most effective ways to remove epoxy/urethane from ceramic/porcelain tile is to use a heat gun. Heat the coating with a heat gun until it softens and bubbles up. Once it has softened, use a scraper to remove the coating. Be sure to wear protective gloves and use caution while using the heat gun. Alternatively, you can also use hot water to soften the epoxy/urethane.

Step 4: Chemical Strippers

If the heat gun or hot water method does not work, you can use chemical strippers to remove the coating. There are various strippers available in the market specifically designed for removing epoxy/urethane coatings. Follow the instructions on the label and wear protective gear while using them. Apply the solvent to the coating and wait for it to soften. The softening process can take several hours. Once it has softened, use a scraper to remove the coating.

Step 5: Buffing

Once you have removed the coating, you may notice some residual marks on the tile floor. You can use a buffing machine to remove these marks. Attach a grade 0# steel wool pad to the buffer and gently buff the tile to remove any minor coating. If this doesn’t work than a second application of stripper may be necessary.

Step 6: Cleaning and Finishing

Finally, clean the tile floor thoroughly to remove any remaining solvent or residue. You can use a neutral cleaner and warm water to clean the floor. Rinse the floor with clean water and let it dry completely before applying a new coating or finish. It is recommended to apply a strippable coating such as a standard acrylic floor finish.

Removing an epoxy/urethane coating from a ceramic or porcelain tile floor can be a challenging task, but it can be done safely and effectively by following the above steps. Always remember to wear protective gear while working with chemical solvents. With the right tools and techniques, you can have a tile floor looking as good as new in no time.