Osmotic blistering is a chemical phenomenon where two substances attempt to reach equilibrium through a semi-permeable membrane.
Overview
Water will flow from one solution to another, trying to create equilibrium between both solutions. Usually, the two solutions are concrete and the coating application on top of the concrete. Concrete is very porous, so water beneath the concrete, will force itself through the concrete, typically through vapor transmission. The water will then try to break through the semi-permeable membrane (either the surface of the concrete or the primer). Most epoxies or urethanes or polymer applications are not permeable so the water will stop at the polymer coating. However, the pressure from the water does not stop, forcing the water to collect directly in between the concrete and the layer of epoxy/urethane. This collection creates the notorious “osmotic blister” that is commonly feared by coating specialists.