Can You Put Epoxy Over Old Concrete? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re looking to upgrade an old garage, basement, or shop floor, you might be wondering — can epoxy be applied over aged or worn concrete? The short answer: yes — but only if it’s done right.

Old concrete can make an excellent base for epoxy, but preparation is everything. Here’s what you need to know before you begin.

Epoxy Can Go Over Old Concrete — With the Right Prep

Epoxy isn’t just paint — it’s a high-performance resin that bonds deep into the concrete surface. For old concrete to work, the floor must be clean, dry, and stable.

Think of it like painting a wall: you wouldn’t paint over cracks or peeling — and the same logic applies here.

5 Things We Check Before Applying Epoxy on Old Concrete

1. Surface Stability

The concrete shouldn’t be crumbling or structurally compromised. We inspect for soft spots, spalling, and severe cracks that may need deeper repairs.

2. Moisture Testing

If moisture is seeping up from below the slab, it can cause epoxy delamination. We use tools like moisture meters to check vapor levels before proceeding.

3. Crack Repair

Small cracks? No problem — we repair those using epoxy fillers. But deep or active cracks must be addressed to avoid future issues.

See how we professionally Repair Cracked cement before epoxy application.

4. Old Coatings or Sealers

Old sealants, paint, or glue must be removed through grinding or chemical stripping, or the epoxy won't bond.

5. Surface Grinding

Once cleaned, we grind the entire surface to open up pores and give the epoxy something to "grab onto."

Why Epoxy Is a Great Upgrade for Old Concrete

• Protects aging concrete from further wear
• Seals out stains, oil, and moisture
• Makes old spaces look brand new
• Adds value to your home or property

Whether it’s a garage from the 90s or a basement that’s never been touched, epoxy can give it a second life — and a better one.

When You Shouldn’t Use Epoxy on Old Concrete

• If the concrete has major structural damage or is breaking apart
• If it’s not properly cured (rare in old slabs but possible after repairs)
• If consistent moisture or hydrostatic pressure is present

In those cases, we may recommend other solutions — like resurfacing before epoxy or installing a vapor barrier.

Final Thoughts

Yes — you can apply epoxy over old concrete, and the results can be stunning. But the real success comes from doing it the right way, with the right prep and repair work.

Want to see examples?

Check out our Gallery for real before-and-after epoxy transformations.