Unique epoxy floor coloring question

[ChargedUp!]

So I was watching Mega Dens on DIY network tonight and they were doing a basement for a family of four. They were using an epoxy coat for the flooring and in the main parts, they used a swirled brown pattern and in a smaller room, they used a metallic red then yellow and swirled it all together. It was a cool look. Both floors looked polished when complete and very nice looking.
1. Did anyone see the episode I'm talking about?
2. More importantly, has anyone done a unique floor coating like this in the garage?
3. Any pics?
4. How difficult to achieve a look like this?
5. Would it last as long as "normal" epoxy coat you normally see in garages?
Thanks!

 

[dcs Inc]

I installed one of the first metallic floors in the US with Reflector Enhancer. It was at a fitness center here in Indy. You can go to my website and check it out. Go to the photo page. http://www.elitecreteindiana.com

You can also go to the manufacturer's photo page and look at the many possibilities.
http://www.elitecrete.com/Elitecrete/Photo-Galleries-REFLECTOR_Enhancer.html

To get the 3D depth it is suggested the epoxy be be applied at 80-100 sq. ft. per gallon. The metallic additive does not affect the epoxy so no loss in durability. As with any epoxy application in a garage setting, I suggest a top coat of urethane for more scratch resistance. I think I have a garage photo in my photo page here.

 

[dcs Inc]

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[bdamico]

i don't know anything about the company or product but I've also seen metallix http://www.puremetallic.com/

 

[dcs Inc]

Everybody is jumping on the band wagon. Some companies even sell it pre-mixed.

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[ChargedUp!]

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See, now that is awesome!!! What's something like that cost ballpark for 1000ft?

 

[dcs Inc]

I can hook you up with the local distributor and he can recommend a certified applicator. In my area this application goes for $4.50-$6.50 a sq. ft. Prep is the biggest variable with a diamond grind or shot blast. The project above was done by me at $4.50 a square. Of course there's 4,800 sq. ft. on this project. 40 mils of epoxy on this one including pigmented base coat. No vapor barrier epoxy as it tested way low on emissions. The GC installed a 20 mil vapor barrier under the concrete.

 

[ChargedUp!]

I can hook you up with the local distributor and he can recommend a certified applicator. In my area this application goes for $4.50-$6.50 a sq. ft. Prep is the biggest variable with a diamond grind or shot blast. The project above was done by me at $4.50 a square. Of course there's 4,800 sq. ft. on this project. 40 mils of epoxy on this one including pigmented base coat. No vapor barrier epoxy as it tested way low on emissions. The GC installed a 20 mil vapor barrier under the concrete.

Thanks! We're still waiting on the dig for the whole house so I'll check back when I'm ready to do the floors. For new concrete pours, is there anything special needing to be done?

 

[JD in DFW]

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Very nice Gene! I have done bunch of those here in the Dallas area, mainly restaurants and spa's. Have had requests for some garages but price is usually to high for most homeowners. for the OP i'm at $6.50-8.00 sqft for mine and as Gene stated prep is critical and is proper application.

JD

 

[dcs Inc]

Thanks! We're still waiting on the dig for the whole house so I'll check back when I'm ready to do the floors. For new concrete pours, is there anything special needing to be done?

A good vapor barrier would go a long way. Not this cheap 6 mil visqueen ****. Also, if you are for sure going to coat it, have the concrete contractor finish the slab with float blades on his power trowel. He can still get it level and pretty slick but will have a hard time glazing the surface. It needs to be spiral ground or shot blasted and that will make it easier to do.