Choosing the Right Epoxy Contractor Isn’t Optional—It’s Critical

Let’s be honest—epoxy flooring isn’t some trendy upgrade you slap on over the weekend. It’s a high-performance system that can either protect your concrete for 20+ years or fail in less than 12 months depending on how it’s installed and who installs it.

And the truth? Not all contractors are created equal.

There are guys out there who call themselves “epoxy pros” but show up with a paint roller and a Home Depot kit. Others skip surface prep entirely, rush the job to pocket a quick buck, and vanish when the coating starts peeling. Meanwhile, a true professional epoxy flooring contractor understands the chemistry, the surface, the site conditions, and how to engineer a system that lasts—not just looks good on Day One.

If you’re investing in epoxy flooring for your garage, shop, business, or warehouse, you need to know exactly what you’re paying for—and what kind of contractor you’re hiring. Because once it’s down, there’s no going back without serious cost and hassle.

This article is here to walk you through the entire process like a seasoned pro would. You’ll learn what a professional epoxy flooring contractor actually does, what a proper install looks like, what red flags to watch out for, and why Wolfcrete is trusted across Central Kentucky for floors that perform as hard as they look.

So whether you’re upgrading your personal garage or managing a commercial build-out, stick around. We’re pulling back the curtain on what really separates quality epoxy flooring from the cheap stuff—and what to expect every step of the way.

What Real Surface Prep Looks Like (And Why It’s Non-Negotiable)

If your contractor shows up and starts coating your floor without grinding it first—run.

Surface prep is the single most important part of any epoxy flooring job. Without it, even the best product on the planet won’t bond properly. We’ve seen it too many times—flaking, peeling, bubbling, or even entire sections of epoxy lifting off like a cheap sticker. It almost always traces back to poor prep.

So what does real surface prep look like?

It starts with mechanical grinding—not acid etching, not a quick sweep. A professional epoxy flooring contractor will use a walk-behind planetary grinder with the right diamond tooling to open the pores of the concrete, remove laitance, and create a clean, textured surface profile that the epoxy can grip.

If there’s existing coating, glue, paint, or oil contamination? That’s all got to go. Surface prep should include:

• Diamond grinding with dust collection

• Crack and spall repairs with proper patching compounds

• Moisture testing to identify if a vapor barrier is needed

• Joint cleaning and filling, if specified in the system

No two slabs are the same. A garage in Frankfort might need oil degreasing and a light grind. A shop floor in Lexington could need joint rebuilding and moisture mitigation. And in older buildings around Shelbyville or Georgetown, you’re likely dealing with soft or crumbling concrete that needs more aggressive prep.

Bottom line: if a contractor isn’t talking about surface prep—or brushes it off like it’s no big deal—you’re not working with a pro. Proper prep isn’t just an upsell. It’s the foundation of the entire system. And without it, you’re throwing money at a floor that won’t last.

Materials Matter—Not All Epoxy Is Created Equal

Let’s cut through the marketing noise—there’s a massive difference between what a pro uses and what you find in a big-box store paint aisle. Not all epoxy is created equal, and if your contractor isn’t specifying exactly what products they’re using, you’ve got a red flag waving right in your face.

Most homeowners hear “epoxy” and assume it’s all the same. But in reality, there’s a world of difference between a water-based DIY kit and a commercial-grade 100% solids epoxy system. The durability, longevity, chemical resistance, and even the look of your floor all come down to what’s in the bucket.

Here’s what separates the pros from the posers:

• 100% Solids Epoxy: This is the gold standard for high-performance floors. No fillers, no water, no solvents—just pure epoxy that cures hard, bonds deep, and lasts for years. You’ll find this in heavy-use garages, manufacturing spaces, and commercial kitchens.

• Polyaspartic Topcoats: For projects that demand UV stability, fast return-to-service, and chemical protection, many contractors (including us at Wolfcrete) finish with a polyaspartic or polyurethane layer. It locks in the flakes, adds abrasion resistance, and keeps your floor from yellowing in the sun.

• Flake, Quartz, and Metallic Systems: A real contractor will help you choose the right aesthetic and performance finish—whether that’s a full broadcast flake floor in a Georgetown garage or a metallic epoxy design for a Frankfort showroom.

• Moisture Mitigation Primers: Some slabs—especially in older buildings around Versailles or those with poor drainage—require a moisture-blocking primer before epoxy can even go down. Skip this step, and you’re asking for bubbles, delamination, or worse.

Ask your contractor:

• What system are you installing, and why?

• Is it a multi-layer build or just a single coat?

• What brand and spec are the products?

If they can’t answer, or if they brush it off with “don’t worry, it’s epoxy,” then worry. Because a proper epoxy flooring contractor treats product selection like a science—not a sales pitch.

What a Professional Installation Process Actually Looks Like

Any epoxy flooring contractor worth hiring will follow a structured, multi-step process—not just slap on some product and call it a day. If your contractor shows up with a roller and a bucket of “epoxy paint,” it’s time to hit the brakes. Real epoxy flooring is a system, not a one-step paint job.

Let’s walk through what the process should actually look like from start to finish.

1. Surface Preparation

This is the foundation of everything. If the prep isn’t done right, the floor will fail—period. At Wolfcrete, we mechanically grind every slab using diamond tooling to remove contaminants, old coatings, and open the concrete pores. In some cases, we also perform crack repairs, joint filling, or apply moisture mitigation systems depending on the condition of the concrete. No acid etching. No shortcuts.

Prep work is noisy, dusty (we use HEPA vacs), and absolutely essential. This is where fly-by-night contractors cut corners—and where pros earn their keep.

2. Priming the Surface

Not every slab is ready for epoxy right away. Professional contractors will choose the right primer based on your floor’s condition, moisture level, and use case. A good primer enhances adhesion and reduces outgassing (bubbles caused by air escaping the concrete during cure). Think of it like paint primer—but industrial strength.

3. Base Coat Application

This is the actual epoxy layer. For most residential garages and commercial spaces, we use a high-build 100% solids epoxy—usually tinted to your color preference. The base coat is rolled out and leveled for a smooth, even finish. If you’re going for a flake system, this is where we broadcast the decorative flakes across the entire floor—wall to wall, no missed spots.

4. Scraping & Vacuuming Flakes

Once the flakes are embedded in the base coat, they’re left to cure. The next day, we scrape the surface to knock down any sharp edges or high points, then vacuum thoroughly to remove excess flakes. This step is where you see the detail-oriented contractors shine—uneven flake floors are a dead giveaway of rushed work.

5. Topcoat Installation

The final step is sealing the surface with a durable, chemical-resistant topcoat—typically polyaspartic or polyurethane. This layer locks in your flakes, adds UV protection, enhances gloss (or matte), and creates a surface that’s easy to clean and built to last.

6. Cure Time & Walkthrough

A real contractor doesn’t just pack up and vanish. We give you the cure timeline, walk you through care instructions, and make sure you know exactly when it’s safe to walk or park on the floor. For most polyaspartic systems, light foot traffic is fine within 24 hours, with full cure usually reached in 72 hours.

This whole process? It’s what separates a floor that looks great for years from one that starts peeling in six months.

If a contractor promises a “one-day install” with no grinding or moisture testing—run. Fast.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Not all epoxy flooring contractors play by the same rules. And unfortunately, this industry attracts its fair share of “fast-cash” operators who rely on your lack of experience to cut corners. If you’re hiring someone to transform your garage, showroom, or workspace, these are the red flags that should send you packing before any deposit is made.

1. No Concrete Prep or Just “Acid Etching”

If a contractor says acid etching is enough—walk. Acid etching is a lazy, outdated method that doesn’t open up the concrete surface the way mechanical grinding does. Without proper profiling, epoxy doesn’t bond—it peels.

Real pros use heavy-duty grinders with diamond tooling. It’s loud, dusty (we use dust extractors), and essential. If that step’s skipped, so is your floor’s longevity.

2. They Use 1-Part “Epoxy Paint”

Here’s a dirty little secret: most big-box store “epoxy kits” are glorified paint. Real epoxy flooring is a two-part chemical system that must be mixed precisely and installed quickly. If your contractor shows up with a can of something pre-mixed, you’re not getting epoxy—you’re getting a glorified topcoat that’ll start failing the moment hot tires or moisture hit it.

3. No Mention of Moisture Testing

This is one that shady contractors don’t even bring up—but it’s a deal-breaker. Moisture vapor in the concrete slab can destroy epoxy adhesion from below. Professional contractors will test for moisture (usually with a calcium chloride or RH test) and use moisture mitigation products when needed. If your installer doesn’t even mention testing? Don’t let them near your floor.

4. No Warranty or Vague Promises

A reputable epoxy flooring contractor will offer a clear, written warranty—and it’ll cover things like delamination, peeling, or product failure. Be wary of vague statements like “this should last a long time” or “we’ve never had a problem.” That’s not a warranty. That’s a stall tactic.

At Wolfcrete, we stand behind every floor we install—because we know what we’re doing, and we use the right products, tools, and techniques to back it up.

5. No Portfolio or References

Any contractor can claim they’ve done great work. But where’s the proof? A solid epoxy flooring company will have a gallery of finished projects, reviews from real customers, and referrals on deck. If they can’t show you what they’ve done—or worse, dodge the question—you’re probably not their first “learning experience.”

6. Pushy Sales Tactics

If someone’s pressuring you into booking on the spot, offering deep discounts “only if you sign today,” or claiming their product is the “only one that works,” you’re dealing with a hustler, not a craftsman. Good contractors don’t need gimmicks. Their work speaks for itself.

Questions You Should Be Asking Before Hiring

Most homeowners and business owners don’t know what to ask when hiring an epoxy flooring contractor—and the shady ones count on that. Asking smart, specific questions upfront separates the pros from the pretenders and gives you a real sense of what kind of job you’re in for.

“How Are You Preparing the Concrete?”

This is the #1 make-or-break question. If they don’t mention diamond grinding, vacuum attachments, or the CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) they aim to achieve—move on. You’re not hiring someone to roll on paint. You’re hiring someone to build a system from the ground up.

A good contractor will walk you through the prep process in detail. At Wolfcrete, for example, we start with mechanical grinding to open the pores of the concrete, then patch cracks, repair spalls, and address moisture issues before any coatings are applied.

“What Epoxy System Are You Using?”

You need specifics. Are they using a 100% solids epoxy? Is it a multi-layer system (primer, base, flake, topcoat)? What brand are they using? If they can’t tell you the name, chemistry, or cure time of the product, they probably just picked it off a shelf yesterday.

Pro tip: 1-part epoxy isn’t epoxy. It’s paint. You want a real two-part industrial-grade system.

“Do You Test for Moisture or Slab Issues?”

Any legit contractor should talk about moisture. If your concrete slab is pushing vapor, epoxy can blister and peel. There are simple tests like RH or calcium chloride that reveal this. A real pro will perform one—or at least plan for mitigation if your slab has a known history of moisture.

“How Long Have You Been Installing Epoxy Floors?”

You don’t need a 30-year veteran—but you do want someone who’s been through enough installs to know what can go wrong and how to fix it. Ask about past projects, what types of environments they’ve worked in (residential vs commercial), and how they handle jobsite surprises.

“What Warranty Do You Offer—and What Voids It?”

A professional epoxy flooring contractor should offer a written warranty with clear terms. Just as important: ask what voids the warranty. If they say it’s covered no matter what? Red flag. If they say, “We’ll repair delamination, but not damage from neglect or car fluids,” you’re dealing with a pro who’s thought it through.

What Sets Wolfcrete Apart

Let’s cut through the noise. Every contractor says they’re the best—but most can’t back it up. At Wolfcrete, we’ve built our name on doing things the right way, not the fast way. We’re not chasing shortcuts or racing to the bottom on price. We’re here to deliver epoxy flooring systems that look sharp, last long, and actually solve problems.

Local Roots, Real Accountability

We’re based right here in Kentucky—not some fly-by-night crew chasing work across state lines. That means when you call us, we pick up. When there’s a question or a follow-up needed, we’re already nearby. Our name is on every floor we do, and our reputation is local—so we treat every job like it matters. Because it does.

We Don't Just Install—We Engineer

Most companies install epoxy. We build flooring systems. That means looking at the environment, the substrate, the use-case, and then designing the right solution—not just slapping on a topcoat and hoping for the best. From surface prep to final finish, every layer has a purpose, and we take the time to get it right.

For garages, shops, basements, and commercial spaces, we build systems that are chemically resistant, slip-resistant, UV-stable, and designed for the long haul. Not just pretty for Instagram—built for real life.

Honest Quotes, No Surprise Upsells

We’ve all heard the horror stories—contractors quoting a low price to win the job, then hitting clients with “unexpected” add-ons once the work starts. That’s not how we operate. Our estimates are clear, upfront, and tailored to the actual conditions of your space. If we do uncover something during prep (like moisture or slab failure), we explain it and present real solutions—not scare tactics.

Trusted Materials, Proven Processes

We only use high-grade, industrial-quality epoxies, polyaspartics, and urethane topcoats from trusted manufacturers. Every product we use is selected for durability, not cost-cutting. And our installation processes follow industry best practices—from diamond grinding and vacuum dust control to precision mixing and application.

Bottom line: if you’re looking for a contractor who cuts corners, uses bargain-bin products, and rushes through your job… we’re not your guys. But if you want a floor that performs, looks great, and holds up year after year—Wolfcrete delivers.

Red Flags That Should Send You Running

The epoxy flooring industry has exploded in recent years—and with that growth has come a flood of underqualified contractors trying to cash in. Some are just inexperienced. Others are outright shady. Either way, if you know what to watch for, you can avoid wasting your money (or worse, ending up with a floor that fails in six months).

1. "We Don't Need to Grind the Surface"

If you hear this line—run. Surface prep is non-negotiable in epoxy flooring. Any contractor who skips mechanical grinding (or worse, suggests acid etching as a substitute) is setting your floor up to fail. Epoxy needs a clean, profiled surface to bond properly. Without it, you’re basically pouring your money down the drain.

2. Vague or Overly Simple Estimates

If a quote just says “epoxy floor – $XX per square foot,” with no details about prep, materials, thickness, or number of coats, that’s a major red flag. A good contractor will break down exactly what’s included—surface prep method, base coat type, flake system (if any), topcoat, cure time, warranty, etc.

Vague quotes usually mean they’re either skipping steps or planning to upsell you later.

3. They Only Offer One System

Every floor is different. A one-size-fits-all approach usually means you're getting the same generic garage coating whether you're a restaurant, an auto shop, or a retail store. A real pro will ask about your space, moisture levels, UV exposure, traffic, and design goals before recommending a system.

4. No Warranty—or a Meaningless One

If they won’t stand behind their work with a clear, written warranty, don’t hire them. And if the warranty says something vague like “5 years against peeling,” read the fine print. A strong warranty covers adhesion, wear, yellowing, and chemical resistance—because that’s where floors actually fail.

5. Zero Online Presence or Poor Reviews

In 2025, there’s no excuse for a legitimate business to have no reviews, no photos, and no Google Business listing. Do your homework. If a contractor’s only testimonials are screenshots on Facebook—or worse, they change their business name every six months—it’s time to walk away.

6. Big Promises, No Portfolio

If they’re claiming 10+ years of experience but can’t show you even a handful of local projects, something’s off. Ask for pictures. Ask for references. A legitimate contractor will be proud to show their work.

Want an Epoxy Floor That Actually Lasts? Let’s Talk

At the end of the day, hiring the right epoxy flooring contractor isn’t just about getting a shiny floor—it’s about getting the peace of mind that comes from knowing your surface was built to handle whatever you throw at it. Whether it’s your garage, your shop, a warehouse floor, or your business’s front-of-house, the difference between a budget installer and a true professional shows up fast—and costs even more to fix.

At Wolfcrete, we don’t do shortcuts. We don’t use box-store kits or cut corners on prep. Every floor we install in Frankfort, Lexington, Shelbyville, and across Kentucky is built to last with industrial-grade systems and time-tested craftsmanship. You’ll get transparency at every stage—from what we’re installing, to why it works best for your space, to what kind of life expectancy you can realistically expect.

We’ve worked with everyone from homeowners to builders to facility managers who needed more than just a floor—they needed a contractor they could trust. And we’re proud to say, most of our work comes from referrals. That only happens when your floors do what we say they’ll do.

So if you’re tired of the guessing game and ready to actually talk shop with someone who knows epoxy floors inside and out, give us a call. We’ll come by, walk your space, and give you real answers—not fluff, not pressure.

Let’s build a floor that looks incredible and works even harder. Contact Wolfcrete today and let’s get started.