# Epoxy Floor Bubbles: Causes & Planning | Mago Flooring Source: https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/epoxy-floor-bubbles Understand possible causes of epoxy bubbles and pinholes, why diagnosis matters, and what to discuss before repairing or coating a Massachusetts garage floor. [Home](https://www.magoflooring.com/) / [Did you know? General knowledge](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts) / Why epoxy floors bubble: outgassing, moisture and preparation MAGO / THE PRACTICAL FLOORING GUIDES[All guides ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts#flooring-guides)CONCRETE COATINGS / DIAGNOSIS FIRST # Why epoxy floors bubble: outgassing, moisture and preparation Similar-looking coating defects can have different causes. Establish what failed before choosing another coating or a repair. Published by Mago FlooringSources checked Nov 11, 20263 min read IN THIS GUIDE[01Tiny bubbles can start below a curing coating](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/epoxy-floor-bubbles/#guide-section-1)[02Moisture-related blistering is a separate question](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/epoxy-floor-bubbles/#guide-section-2)[03Preparation and application conditions belong in the estimate](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/epoxy-floor-bubbles/#guide-section-3)[04Before asking for a garage-floor repair](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/epoxy-floor-bubbles/#guide-section-4)[Have a project in mind?Request an estimate ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/request-free-quote-home-estimate?service=Epoxy+garage+flooring) 01 ## Tiny bubbles can start below a curing coating Concrete contains pores. Air escaping while a resin coating cures can create bubbles, pinholes or craters. Sherwin-Williams describes this as outgassing, and notes that substrate conditions and application timing can influence it. A photo can document the pattern, but it cannot establish the cause by itself. Record when the marks appeared, where they occur and whether the coating is still firmly attached. Source reference[Sherwin-Williams: Preventing outgas bubbles ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/tech-tips/preventing-out-gas-bubbles.html) 02 ## Moisture-related blistering is a separate question Blistering and loss of adhesion can also involve moisture beneath a coating. Treating every defect as a cosmetic bubble risks leaving the underlying cause unresolved. A professional assessment may consider moisture, contamination, surface preparation, the existing coating and the chosen system. The findings should guide the repair scope and any limits on the expected result. Source reference[Sherwin-Williams: Blistering and disbondment ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/technical-articles/prevent-blisters-disbonding-concrete-floor-finish.html) 03 ## Preparation and application conditions belong in the estimate Ask what substrate preparation the proposed coating requires and how the installer will assess the existing surface. Discuss the product’s moisture limits, temperature requirements, cure conditions and compatible primers. There is no universal primer, extra coat or application schedule that solves every slab. The selected manufacturer’s current system instructions should determine the work. Source reference[Sherwin-Williams: Preventing outgas bubbles ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/tech-tips/preventing-out-gas-bubbles.html)[Sherwin-Williams: Blistering and disbondment ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/technical-articles/prevent-blisters-disbonding-concrete-floor-finish.html) 04 ## Before asking for a garage-floor repair Share clear photographs of both the whole floor and affected areas. Include the coating’s approximate age, when the defect appeared, any known water entry, and the original product name if available. Avoid starting aggressive removal or chemical treatment before the scope is assessed, especially where older coatings or materials are present. Mago can discuss the intended use of the space and the next evaluation steps for a suitable flooring scope. BRING THIS TO YOUR PROJECT CONVERSATION ## A clearer starting point. - Record whether defects appeared during curing or later. - Describe water entry, lifting, flaking and affected areas. - Locate the original coating specification if available. - Ask for the diagnosis, preparation and coating system in writing. [Get help with this project ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/request-free-quote-home-estimate?service=Epoxy+garage+flooring)[Garage epoxy flooring ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/epoxy-garage-massachusetts) ## Sources and scope This is source-based planning information from Mago Flooring. Manufacturer documents explain particular products and systems; use the current instructions for the product selected for your job. Local officials and appropriately qualified professionals determine project-specific code, tax, legal and regulated-material requirements. [Sherwin-Williams: Preventing outgas bubbles ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/tech-tips/preventing-out-gas-bubbles.html)[Sherwin-Williams: Blistering and disbondment ↗](https://industrial.sherwin-williams.com/na/us/en/resin-flooring/contractor-center/technical-articles/prevent-blisters-disbonding-concrete-floor-finish.html) Source review: Nov 11, 2026. Next review due: Dec 1, 2026. [Tell us about a correction.](https://www.magoflooring.com/contact-us/location) KEEP PLANNING ## Related guides. [LUXURY VINYL / BELOW THE SURFACE ### Moisture under LVP: what to check before installation A waterproof plank does not make the building beneath it dry. Assess the substrate and choose a compatible installation system before covering the floor. Read the guide ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/moisture-under-lvp)[INSTALLATION / THE FOUNDATION ### Subfloor flatness vs. level: what your new floor needs Flat describes the surface’s variation. Level describes its relationship to horizontal. A floor can be flat and still slope. Read the guide ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts/subfloor-flatness-vs-level)[Explore all discoveries ↗](https://www.magoflooring.com/did-you-know-massachusetts#discovery-library)