Planning Epoxy-coat - opinions

[knagy389us]

Hi folks,

My garage build is getting underway this week, and gathering my thoughts for a (near) future application. Here are my questions / concerns:

Are there any special instructions for the builder when installing the new concrete slab?

Are there any other tips for new concrete other than letting it cure for at least 30 days?

Temps here have been high 80s to mid 90s. Since the recommended install temp details 90 as max, should I wait or just get it done earlier in the day before temps are higher?

If I do have to wait, but need to store my car in the garage prior, should I cover the floor so that the tires do not make contact? I wouldnt want to make extra work for myself cleaning what was clean concrete.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[csp]

If I do have to wait, but need to store my car in the garage prior, should I cover the floor so that the tires do not make contact? I wouldnt want to make extra work for myself cleaning what was clean concrete.

If that were the case you could only apply epoxy to virgin concrete. You're going to clean/profile the concrete anyhow, so don't worry about your tires contacting the floor. If you have oil leaks, put something down to keep it out of the concrete, however. It will make prep work easier when it is ready for epoxy.

 

[Edger]

Hi,

I believe you should ask for a smooth finish on the concrete, not broom, not wood float. After 30 days acid etch it and use a water jet to rinse it out. CSP said not to worry about dirt before the cleaning which I too agree with and to put something down to stop oil. Cardboard is a good product to use to protect the concrete from oil although an odd drip is nothing to worry about.

A smooth finish will give you a good epoxy finish and be easier to etch and to paint. If you want anti slip it seems from this forum that the vinyl chips without a clear coating will give you that. I would not worry about 90 degrees except that if you use a 100% solids epoxy you need to take care that it does not set in the mixing pot too soon. You can control this by keeping it in the shade, putting the pot into a bath of water to keep it cool (but watch out for dripping when you pour some more out) or by mixing smaller batches so you use it up faster. If you mix smaller batches you will need help so that one person continually rolls out the epoxy, otherwise the epoxy will set on the roller while you are fiddling around mixing.

The problem is that epoxy sets up its own heat in the mixing pot as the chemical reaction develops which normally is not a problem for the volume you mix and the rate of application, but when you do it on a hot day or in the sun the chemical reaction is accelerated. I do not think it would be a problem if you used 60% solids epoxy. I am not favoring one over the other, just pointing out some differences.

 

[knagy389us]

Thanks for the replies, I'll pass that on to the builder. Supposed to pour tomorrow.

I know zero about concrete, so here's a dumb question... in finishing, if it's not broom or floated, how is the smooth finish achieved?

 

[rugerlady]

If planning on using our product, we recommend a lght broom finish. Also, make sure no sealer goes on the concrete. Even though it is new concrete, after the 30 days you will still need to open the pores of the concrete (profile). This can be done with the supplied acid in our kit, or diamond grinding. Let me know if you need further help with this.

 

[knagy389us]

Thanks, I plan on using yours, after all the reading Ive done here

OK, so light broom finish, no sealer, acid prep.

I planned on not using clearcoat, is this an option if I want to use the flakes? Wiithout it, will they keep coming loose? I thought I read you can go no clearcoat, use flakes, and that will help a bit with traction.

 

[csp]

Once the flakes are in the color coat they aren't going anywhere. You'll have small pieces that may not be 100% in contact which will break off, but that's it. No need for clearcoat to keep the flakes in place.

 

[knagy389us]

Sounds great, thanks!

 

[Edger]

Thanks for the replies, I'll pass that on to the builder. Supposed to pour tomorrow.

I know zero about concrete, so here's a dumb question... in finishing, if it's not broom or floated, how is the smooth finish achieved?

It may now be too late, but a steel trowel finish will give a smooth surface. Epoxy either soaks in and sticks or it does not, a profile on the concrete will not help adhesion in any way, this is a common mistake to think that a broom finish will have less laitence (the cream, polish, hard layer) than a smooth finish.

The important aspect for adhesion is to remove any polish so that water will not bead, but instead readily soak into the surface. This is done by diamond grinding, shot blasting or acid etching. For a garage acid etching is the easiest and good enough. This will be your most critical step when the time comes.