I just wanted to share my experience with applying 100% epoxy solids to my garage floor. I too have been hesitant in the past and just figured...what the heck. I decided to clear out my single car garage one day and put everything in our double (this is where the wife parks). She arrived and, well you can guess the reaction. Anyway...on to the project...in the end she was actually happy.
I did do quite a bit of research and decided to go with the high build system from colorchips....honestly I could have gone with Legacy's system as well (BTW...Scotty was very helpful in answering questions)....I tossed a coin. I actually started on a Wed night by cleaning the concrete with a good degreaser/concrete cleaner and a pressure washer. I decided to do a diamond grind due to some overspray paint in the back area...and just wanted to use a new machine although a little pricy @ $350 including delivery...wife was not happy about this. I did the diamond grind Thursday night and cleaned up the mess. I chose not to use my 4000 psi pressure washer again...too much of a mess so I applied a phosphorus cleaner etching solution to make sure I got out the residue out of the pores from the grinding. It worked really well.
Picture after diamond etching the floor. It took me about 2 hrs to grind 340 sq ft and another 30 min to grind the edges with a 7" and 4" grinder both with diamond cup heads. Lots of dust...even with a VAC.
Day 2 I used the Devoe Primer 167 completed by 9-1000 AM.
Day 3 Norklad 200 100% solids completed by 1000 AM. It is true that this is a two person job. Need to have someone cutting in while the other person uses the squeegee to spread the material. Be mindful of the ribbons of epoxy you spread on the floor..... I have to say that the kit is close to 350 sq ft. I managed to get it all on, spread out, back-rolled (this is huge and a must)...makes it nice and smooth. Also, 18" roller is a must have! I spread the chips out AFTER all of the epoxy was spread out and back-rolled. Spike shoes are also a must have...should have had a pair for my wife as well. Overall it took me 50 min from the time I began mixing the material to when I last "fed the chickens" with the colored chips! Not bad for a first timer. Bottom line - you must work fast, be efficient and know what needs to be done and when. Planning before hand by doing some research, watching videos, asking questions, having the right tools, laying everything out where you can see it and get to it, etc... was very helpful.
Nice even spread of chips throughout...med to heavy spread...everyone's advice to toss them up in the air is key...it just works. This was after the base coat of 100% solids in Med Gray. Chips - 1/4" Custom blend Blue, Black, White, Red, Light Gray, and glow-n-dark chips
Next morning (Day 4) I started at about 8 AM and was finished by 845. I put coat of 100% solids clear.....it was a piece of cake. It goes on VERY easy and fast. You almost don't need to cut in the edges if you just flow the material to the wall with the squeegee. Once I spread it all out I went back over it all with the squeegee again and then back-rolled it. Like I said, piece of cake. I should add that I tightened the spiked shoes before I started this morning. I have to confess...I failed to tighten the spikes the day before and had several nuts coming off while I spread the base coat the day before....yes I found all of the nuts...
).
Day 5 Labor Day, I was pressed for time...cloudy humid morning. Started setting out my things and it started to sprinkle...lasted about 20 min and stopped. Humidity levels were at about 85%. I could have waited but I did not want to push the install past the 24hr period and have to sand the clear epoxy so I took my chances. I used Colorchips' HPU 747 which goes on thin as suggested however in higher humidity it seems to tack up quickly...however it could also be that I used a drill to mix it which may have caused the urethane to tack up sooner...not sure...it was just very humid that day though . The finish has a nice high gloss but has some orange peel through out though not too bad. There are some areas where I can see the roller marks but again not too bad. The fumes are horrible and yes a mask is a must have and must use. I ended up sealing up the door with tape from the inside to keep the fumes from going into the house. Overall I am pleased with the outcome and how easy yet time intensive the material was to put down. The advise I would give to folks is have the right tools, squeegee, spiked shoes...2 pairs...one for you and one for your wife, buckets to mix, mixer, xylene (must have cleaner), respiratory mask for the urethane. Also it helps to plan out all of the logistics before you begin.....once you start you are committed and cannot stop for anything. So...tighten up your spikes and use the bathroom before you begin!
My next project is to coat the edges and wood steps...there was no time for that during the process of putting down the floor. Next spring it will be the two car garage.
hope everyone enjoys and finds my first post helpful.
I did do quite a bit of research and decided to go with the high build system from colorchips....honestly I could have gone with Legacy's system as well (BTW...Scotty was very helpful in answering questions)....I tossed a coin. I actually started on a Wed night by cleaning the concrete with a good degreaser/concrete cleaner and a pressure washer. I decided to do a diamond grind due to some overspray paint in the back area...and just wanted to use a new machine although a little pricy @ $350 including delivery...wife was not happy about this. I did the diamond grind Thursday night and cleaned up the mess. I chose not to use my 4000 psi pressure washer again...too much of a mess so I applied a phosphorus cleaner etching solution to make sure I got out the residue out of the pores from the grinding. It worked really well.
Picture after diamond etching the floor. It took me about 2 hrs to grind 340 sq ft and another 30 min to grind the edges with a 7" and 4" grinder both with diamond cup heads. Lots of dust...even with a VAC.
Day 2 I used the Devoe Primer 167 completed by 9-1000 AM.
Day 3 Norklad 200 100% solids completed by 1000 AM. It is true that this is a two person job. Need to have someone cutting in while the other person uses the squeegee to spread the material. Be mindful of the ribbons of epoxy you spread on the floor..... I have to say that the kit is close to 350 sq ft. I managed to get it all on, spread out, back-rolled (this is huge and a must)...makes it nice and smooth. Also, 18" roller is a must have! I spread the chips out AFTER all of the epoxy was spread out and back-rolled. Spike shoes are also a must have...should have had a pair for my wife as well. Overall it took me 50 min from the time I began mixing the material to when I last "fed the chickens" with the colored chips! Not bad for a first timer. Bottom line - you must work fast, be efficient and know what needs to be done and when. Planning before hand by doing some research, watching videos, asking questions, having the right tools, laying everything out where you can see it and get to it, etc... was very helpful.
Nice even spread of chips throughout...med to heavy spread...everyone's advice to toss them up in the air is key...it just works. This was after the base coat of 100% solids in Med Gray. Chips - 1/4" Custom blend Blue, Black, White, Red, Light Gray, and glow-n-dark chips
Next morning (Day 4) I started at about 8 AM and was finished by 845. I put coat of 100% solids clear.....it was a piece of cake. It goes on VERY easy and fast. You almost don't need to cut in the edges if you just flow the material to the wall with the squeegee. Once I spread it all out I went back over it all with the squeegee again and then back-rolled it. Like I said, piece of cake. I should add that I tightened the spiked shoes before I started this morning. I have to confess...I failed to tighten the spikes the day before and had several nuts coming off while I spread the base coat the day before....yes I found all of the nuts...
).Day 5 Labor Day, I was pressed for time...cloudy humid morning. Started setting out my things and it started to sprinkle...lasted about 20 min and stopped. Humidity levels were at about 85%. I could have waited but I did not want to push the install past the 24hr period and have to sand the clear epoxy so I took my chances. I used Colorchips' HPU 747 which goes on thin as suggested however in higher humidity it seems to tack up quickly...however it could also be that I used a drill to mix it which may have caused the urethane to tack up sooner...not sure...it was just very humid that day though . The finish has a nice high gloss but has some orange peel through out though not too bad. There are some areas where I can see the roller marks but again not too bad. The fumes are horrible and yes a mask is a must have and must use. I ended up sealing up the door with tape from the inside to keep the fumes from going into the house. Overall I am pleased with the outcome and how easy yet time intensive the material was to put down. The advise I would give to folks is have the right tools, squeegee, spiked shoes...2 pairs...one for you and one for your wife, buckets to mix, mixer, xylene (must have cleaner), respiratory mask for the urethane. Also it helps to plan out all of the logistics before you begin.....once you start you are committed and cannot stop for anything. So...tighten up your spikes and use the bathroom before you begin!
My next project is to coat the edges and wood steps...there was no time for that during the process of putting down the floor. Next spring it will be the two car garage.
hope everyone enjoys and finds my first post helpful.
