New build garage coating prep and products?

[7palms]

I’m closing on a new build home in a several weeks, and I plan on doing some type of coating on my floor as a DIY project. I’m hoping for something that doesn’t require grinding or extensive drying/curing time.
It’s a standard 22x22 garage (pic attached) and like I said, it’s new construction so the floor is not stained, cracked or dirty. It’s in Florida so I’m not dealing with snow/salt or freezing weather, but do get lots of sun so worried about UV and yellowing.
I was thinking of using an etch/cleaner product to prep. Then something like rustbullet or a polyurea. The garage won’t be much of a work shop (I have another space for that) but more for parking the cars. I’m open to any suggestions on prep and product choices especially something that might keep me under $1000.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

[Shea]

Both would get the job done. A single-part polyurea system consisting of the base color coat, optional color flakes, and polyurea clear coat would provide the best protection and be U.V. stable as well. Rust Bullet DuraGrade Concrete would be a close second. It may not require etching and has more color choices, but it's also a thinner build system.

 

[7palms]

If etching for the prep, do I have to be concerned damaging the driveway when I rinse it off. They will be pouring a concrete driveway in the next week. It will probably be down for about 6-10 weeks when I do the garage floor. Will rinsing the etch solution down the driveway harm or stain this new concrete?

 

[Shea]

If etching for the prep, do I have to be concerned damaging the driveway when I rinse it off. They will be pouring a concrete driveway in the next week. It will probably be down for about 6-10 weeks when I do the garage floor. Will rinsing the etch solution down the driveway harm or stain this new concrete?

You shouldn't have any issues if just follow some common sense steps. Wet the driveway just before you etch and don't let it dry out. This will help to prevent possible staining if the etching solution flows out for some reason. Check if the etching solution you are using needs to be neutralized before rinsing. This is important - particularly for muriatic acid etches. When it's time to rinse, wet the driveway again and then rinse it out.

 

[7palms]

Shea,
When using a polyurea- or if using rust bullet, can a repair be made to either of the materials after the floor is down? Say like after a year, I accidentally scratch or chip the floor can I go over the spot with the same coating like touch up paint? Or will either material require extensive prep or recoating in that scenario? What about either material being recoated in the future after 5-10 years of normal wear and tear? Would I need to grind it all off or can I recoat?

 

[Model A Fan]

Home Depot is clearancing out the Armstrong tiles at $0.34/tile. Might be something to look into. Doesn't require grinding and whatnot in comparison to epoxy flooring. This is the cheapest I've seen it, but at least at my HD, they only have black and white available.

 

[FJ4FUN]

Home Depot is clearancing out the Armstrong tiles at $0.34/tile. Might be something to look into. Doesn't require grinding and whatnot in comparison to epoxy flooring. This is the cheapest I've seen it, but at least at my HD, they only have black and white available.

This plus our VCT Solution and you'd have a very nice floor for right around $2.00psf ...

 

[Shea]

Shea,
When using a polyurea- or if using rust bullet, can a repair be made to either of the materials after the floor is down? Say like after a year, I accidentally scratch or chip the floor can I go over the spot with the same coating like touch up paint? Or will either material require extensive prep or recoating in that scenario? What about either material being recoated in the future after 5-10 years of normal wear and tear? Would I need to grind it all off or can I recoat?

Yes, you can touch up. However, coatings do not blend like paint does on a wall. Small chips are not that noticeable, but if it's a larger area, it will stand out much more. If it's a floor with a heavy flake or full flake coverage, the touch-ups are less noticeable. All that is required is to sand the area and do a solvent wipe.

 

[SolarColumbia]

Before doing any coating or densifier find out if the concrete has a cure and seal on it. Does it repel water? If so, find out what was put on it so you can decide how best to remove it.

 

[7palms]

Before doing any coating or densifier find out if the concrete has a cure and seal on it. Does it repel water? If so, find out what was put on it so you can decide how best to remove it.

I spoke with the concrete contractor. NO cure or seal.
Water absorbs, does not bead up.

The drywall people have definitely left me a lot of mud spots to clean up however.