Acid Etch or Floor Grind

[Mr. D]

Hi everyone

Been researching epoxy floor systems for awhile now and today got a quote from an installer at the local Home & Garden show, to say I was shocked (or insulted) at his price would be an understatement. So I will be doing this myself over the next couple weekends.

The installer I thought I was going to use said the only way to properly prep the floor was to grind the concrete with 60 grit wheels. The forum vendors say to clean and Acid Etch.

What is the preferred method? I have 609 sq ft and was leaning towards applying a primer before the base. Garage floor is in good condition, 7 years old with minor oil spots.

Thanks
Dennis

 

[James-W]

I have always been told that grinding is the preferred method for preparing a concrete floor for putting down an epoxy coating.

 

[Mr. D]

I'm also assuming that grinding means no water on floor.

 

[James-W]

It is my understanding that you can grind the floor wet or dry. Grinding it wet means you will have less dust to contend with, but it also means you will have a sloppy mess to clean up. Most people grind the floor dry and use a really good shop vac attached to the grinder so that the amount of dust is kept to a minimum.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Grinding is always preferred. 25-30 grit is advised. 60 is a bit high.


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[Armorpoxy]

Grinding will give a better profile if you have access to the equipment, but we have over 100,000 installations over our 20+ years in business with people using etching.

But...definitely prime no matter what you do. It promotes adhesion, and makes the floor much thicker since the thick epoxy won't sink into the porous floor. It also gives a much more uniform finish, and helps the epoxy to cover up better minor issues with the floor.

 

[Miller54z]

How long does grinding take? Is it as easy as making one pass, or do you have to go over the same spot several times? I have about 1800 square feet....

 

[Armorpoxy]

Normally grinding for prep is a single pass. The amount of time it takes depends on the type and weight of your grinder, use of the proper vacuum, how hard your concrete is, and the selection of diamond tooling used. Look into a Dust Deputy which helps greatly with keeping dust down and reduces filer and vac issues.

https://www.acehardware.com/departm...MItfX44-GP3QIVEIvICh2GxA4uEAQYAiABEgILZvD_BwE

1800 is a fairly large area to grind and could take 2-3 days depending on above (hard concrete plus small rented grinder would take much longer) perhaps get some quotes from a contractor who would have heavier equipment than you could rent and make short order of this?

Of course etching is always an option.


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[MTC_WKU]

Grinding will give a better profile if you have access to the equipment, but we have over 100,000 installations over our 20+ years in business with people using etching.

But...definitely prime no matter what you do. It promotes adhesion, and makes the floor much thicker since the thick epoxy won't sink into the porous floor. It also gives a much more uniform finish, and helps the epoxy to cover up better minor issues with the floor.

I have acid etched my 350 sq ft. garage. You mentioned priming. What type of prime would you put down before laying the epoxy?

I am using the Solvent Based Epoxy Shield.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Armorpoxy]

All proper epoxy companies have matching primer. Your brand which is a home center brand may not so you may want to reconsider your epoxy choice. We and other vendors here sell matching primers.

If you use different company’s products and you have an issue no one will offer a warranty due to mismatch.


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