GarageFlooringLLC epoxy install advice

[quasi_accurate]

Hi all, I've been researching epoxy options for my new garage for a little while, and this forum has been a great source of information. As a result, I steered way from the Rust-oleum line and ordered GarageFlooringLLC's DIY 100% solids epoxy kit, which I plan to install this weekend. My garage is about 400 sq ft. Here's what the garage looks like right now:

The sightly usual thing about it is the step at the back, which I suppose acts as a tire stop. The way I understand the process is (and please correct me if I'm wrong about any of the steps) I need to paint the vertical concrete surfaces (sides and step) and any concrete surface that is adjacent to a vertical surface first with a brush. Basically first use a brush to paint any areas that I can't easily paint with a roller. I marked them below:

I believe then I will dump measured amounts of the epoxy on the floor, squeegee, then back roll with a roller. Do this in 4'x4' sections until entire garage is covered. At the same time, a helper with spiked shoes follow closely behind and broadcast color flakes.

Here is my worry: the pot life is listed as 20-30 minutes. That seems pretty short, especially for someone like me and my friend who have never done an epoxy install before. We will do the brushing in parallel. But just brushing the few indicated areas above might take us 15 minutes. From what I understand (I haven't received the kit yet), the kit comes with two one gallon containers of A+B base coat (and clear coat), so I can mix one gallon at a time. So that helps a bit. Should I be worried about finishing on time? Any tips or advice on how I can optimize the process to make sure I will finish the application within the allotted time?

I appreciate the help

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Solids epoxy does not flow like latex wall paint. Add some time for this.
Mix a small batch for this as well or your mixing bucket will be smoking.

Don't forget to prime your floor prior to coating.

 

[quasi_accurate]

Solids epoxy does not flow like latex wall paint. Add some time for this.
Mix a small batch for this as well or your mixing bucket will be smoking.

Don't forget to prime your floor prior to coating.

Pardon my ignorance, but what do you mean by "Mix a small batch for this as well or your mixing bucket will be smoking."?

Also, when you say "prime your floor prior to coating", what do you mean? The kit comes with "500 sqft with clear coat. Includes A+B Base Coat material, A+B Clear Coat, 2 roller covers, 2 chip brush, 2 squeegees, 1 mechanical mixer, 2 Mixing buckets, 2 pairs of nitrile gloves, aluminum oxide (Non Slip), color chips". I don't see any mentions of a primer.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You mentioned coating vertical areas in your garage.
If you mix all your base coat and take time to coat the vertical portions your bucket of mixed material will be smoking from the heat caused by the reactive properties of the coating.

A primer is a good idea. Helps prevent a number of issues, most of all helps prevent bubbling in the base coat.

Search epoxy bubbles on this forum and see what you find.

 

[quasi_accurate]

You mentioned coating vertical areas in your garage.
If you mix all your base coat and take time to coat the vertical portions your bucket of mixed material will be smoking from the heat caused by the reactive properties of the coating.

A primer is a good idea. Helps prevent a number of issues, most of all helps prevent bubbling in the base coat.

Search epoxy bubbles on this forum and see what you find.

Thanks. So mix only a small amount for the brush painting areas, and then mix more later for rolling?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

That is what I would do. Make sure the proportions are correct.

 

[Shea]

Once you mix a small quantity for brushing, just pore a small ribbon across the top lip of your vertical surfaces. It's OK if it runs down the face of them. Then follow up with the brushes and you will find that it will go much quicker this way. You do not want to use your small mixture like a paint bucket dipping your brushes in them or it will get hot.

With two people, as long as you plan your steps you will have plenty of time. Good luck and have fun!

 

[quasi_accurate]

Once you mix a small quantity for brushing, just pore a small ribbon across the top lip of your vertical surfaces. It's OK if it runs down the face of them. Then follow up with the brushes and you will find that it will go much quicker this way. You do not want to use your small mixture like a paint bucket dipping your brushes in them or it will get hot.

With two people, as long as you plan your steps you will have plenty of time. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks! The top lip of the vertical surfaces on the left and right sides are right up against the drywall. Is it ok to pour a ribbon across if I mask the drywall?

Why does dipping the brush in the bucket make the epoxy get hot? Does agitation cause the epoxy to heat up? Does hot expoxy decrease the pot life?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Epoxy in the bucket makes it's own heat as it starts the curing process.

 

[Garage Flooring]

This forum is a great resource and you have been given some great information here from people that I trust. That said, one of the great things about buying from us is we are here to help in any way we can. If you will PM me your order number and the best way to reach you I would be happy to make sure you are contacted by our expert out of the factory.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Also... For your job specifically and some changes we are making to our instructions.

Mix in multiple small batches for sure. First to cover vertical by mixing a pint or quart. You will have at least 45-1 hr once the material is spread out on the floor. I suggest putting on all the liquid first. Then going back with spikes and back rolling (Depending on kit you purchased). Broadcast from interior to the exterior. Sorry this is kind of choppy. On Mobile.

 

[quasi_accurate]

The top lip of the vertical surfaces on the left and right sides are right up against the drywall. Is it ok to pour a ribbon across if I mask the drywall?

Anyone?

 

[Shea]

The top lip of the vertical surfaces on the left and right sides are right up against the drywall. Is it ok to pour a ribbon across if I mask the drywall?

Yes, just make sure to pull the tape right after you finish with the vertical surfaces.

 

[quasi_accurate]

Thanks for your advice everyone. Base coat application went pretty smoothly today. Although it was impossible to get the color flakes onto the vertical surfaces, so I gave up trying after awhile. Top coat is tomorrow!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Thanks for your advice everyone. Base coat application went pretty smoothly today. Although it was impossible to get the color flakes onto the vertical surfaces, so I gave up trying after awhile. Top coat is tomorrow!

You did an outstanding job on the flake broadcast! Flakes on vertical surfaces are tough at best. The floor looks outstanding!

 

[quasi_accurate]

You did an outstanding job on the flake broadcast! Flakes on vertical surfaces are tough at best. The floor looks outstanding!

Thanks for your help! I'm a bit disappointed that my broadcast isn't completely uniform. This is today, with the clear coat applied yesterday. You can tell there are a few clumps of color flakes

 

[Shea]

I'm a bit disappointed that my broadcast isn't completely uniform. This is today, with the clear coat applied yesterday. You can tell there are a few clumps of color flakes

Don't fret it too much. It looks great - Just like anyone who does their own work, you will most likely be the only one to notice because you know what to look for and where.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Thanks for your help! I'm a bit disappointed that my broadcast isn't completely uniform. This is today, with the clear coat applied yesterday. You can tell there are a few clumps of color flakes

I agree with Shea. The floor looks great. garage floor epoxy is as much art as it is science some times. Flakes can be a little tricky. If you decided in the future a second coat of top coat might make it a bit more uniform

 

[quasi_accurate]

Don't fret it too much. It looks great - Just like anyone who does their own work, you will most likely be the only one to notice because you know what to look for and where.

I agree with Shea. The floor looks great. garage floor epoxy is as much art as it is science some times. Flakes can be a little tricky. If you decided in the future a second coat of top coat might make it a bit more uniform

Thanks guys. I suppose we are always our own worst critics!

Justin, I don't understand how another coat of top coat would make the flakes more uniform, since the flakes are already set in place in the epoxy? Is there any other reason why I would want to put on a second coat of top coat in the future?

 

[Garage Flooring]

Thanks guys. I suppose we are always our own worst critics!

Justin, I don't understand how another coat of top coat would make the flakes more uniform, since the flakes are already set in place in the epoxy? Is there any other reason why I would want to put on a second coat of top coat in the future?

I realized after the fact that I did not say what I meant to say. Sometimes when you get a 'clump' of flakes you wind up with a spot on the surface that feels rough and not even. Adding another layer of top coat helps with that considerably.

 

[gregers05]

looks good! did you end up putting primer on the floor first or did you just do the epoxy?

 

[quasi_accurate]

I realized after the fact that I did not say what I meant to say. Sometimes when you get a 'clump' of flakes you wind up with a spot on the surface that feels rough and not even. Adding another layer of top coat helps with that considerably.

Gotcha. I was more concerned about looks rather than surface smoothness. In fact, I don't mind the surface being a little rough, since it makes it less slippery.

looks good! did you end up putting primer on the floor first or did you just do the epoxy?

No primer. Just base coat and then clear coat.