Another flooring question (with a twist on it)

[TONE]

Okay, first off I did a search on here and just simply cant find the info Ive been looking for.

I want to do a concrete finish in my garage. No tiles of any kind. I actually have racedeck and I love it. I just think I want to try something different. (new home and time for a change)

Anyway, Im looking for a finish that is unique. Im not a huge fan of the epoxy fi ish with the flakes in it. I mean no offense to anyone who has this or works in that industry. Its just something Im not fond of in a design aspect.

I really like the look of acid stained floors but was told they are to slippery for a garage and alot of companies wont even do it in a garage. Seems strange to me, Ive seen pixs of folks with garages done in acid staining.

So my question is can anyone quide me to a look or application that is more like an acid stain? Maybe im wrong about the whole epoxy thing, can I get an epoxy finish that is more like the look of stain vs flakes?

Maybe theres something out there I dont even know about? Just looking for any input at all.

Thanks fellaz-and gals

 

[avalon652]

I'm in pretty much the same boat as you. Not a huge fan of the look of epoxy but I haven’t heard the same thing about acid staining. I have the products and am starting this weekend (will post pics in a new thread soon). I purchased H&C Acid Infusion Stain from Sherwin Williams (only retailer with gray acid stain?) and then have 5 gallons of Wolverine AcryliSeal 3501 coming for the top coat. Based on what I've found I think this if going to turn out pretty well for my needs (not a mechanic so just looking for nice protection, easy to clean, etc.).

Another option I've seen is metallic epoxy floor coatings. I've got to imagine they are pretty expensive but they seem to combine the best of both worlds; similar look to acid stain with the durability and protection of epoxy. Check out http://www.garagemahals.com/ and look at the "Zen Garage" in the project gallery. I don’t know if they are DIY friendly or not….

Just my two cents!

 

[jmelani]

Is the Wolverine AcryliSeal 3501 glossy? I also do not like the look of most of the typical epoxy with flakes. But I have seen some quartz finishes that look good. So if I can just get a very low gloss finish, I may go with this.

 

[AlphaGarage]

AcryliSeal 3501 out of the can (it's a single component sealer) is glossy, however there are ways to both increase and decrease the gloss. Increasing it just involves adding water to the initial coat, decreasing is as simple as mixing in an additive to the final coat. Most floors, driveways etc can do with just 2 coats.

 

[TONE]

ahhhh cool. I luck forward to your thread and good luck with the project.

 

[thegarageguy]

Okay,
I really like the look of acid stained floors but was told they are to slippery for a garage and alot of companies wont even do it in a garage. Seems strange to me, Ive seen pixs of folks with garages done in acid staining.

So my question is can anyone quide me to a look or application that is more like an acid stain? Maybe im wrong about the whole epoxy thing, can I get an epoxy finish that is more like the look of stain vs flakes?

Maybe theres something out there I dont even know about? Just looking for any input at all.

Thanks fellaz-and gals

Usually acid stains require the top cream layer in tact in order for the acid to react to it. In a garage the removal of that cream is essential to allow for good penetration of resins. If a client is dead set on an acid stain we would have to overlay it first, then acid stain to ensure no failures. This pic is of a cafe we acid stained. We used epoxy and polyaspartic for a wet look.

Another option I've seen is metallic epoxy floor coatings. I've got to imagine they are pretty expensive but they seem to combine the best of both worlds; similar look to acid stain with the durability and protection of epoxy.

Metallic epoxy floors gives a look that no acid stain can give. Much richer and deeper IMOP. This is a metallic silver epoxy we did.