Armorpoxy/ArmorGarage Topcoat question

[sspbrad]

So I have decided to use either ArmorClad or Armor Chip to coat my garage floor. From all of my research I've found that there are a lot of good and bad coatings out there. I've decided on these two because they appear to be a good middle of the road coating as far as a quality/cost ratio.

My question is this... I'm using this to coat a garage, not a shop. I work on my vehicles elsewhere and this should see fairly light duty. Regular garage stuff. The top coat for both of these systems is a single part that aparently doesn't have much in the way of solvent resistance. Most of the reviews I've found on the net say they used the upgraded topcoat so I havent been able to get a good opinion on the matter.

I'm sure it's a valuble upgrade but the reality is that I've got a lot of other things I need to spend my money on that the additional $250 could be better utilized for.

 

[sspbrad]

Well... I just went for it. Hopefully it works out. To be honest, I'm just happy to have picked something. I'm tired of reading about all of the different epoxy coatings!

 

[cam07]

I've been researching various epoxy coats so much that my head is starting to spin. I think I've decided on either Armor Clad or Armor Chip as well. My question is this...these two products seem to really emphasize the top coat. Other threads I've read also mention that is important for long term durability and I like that these two products include this coat.

But what confuses me is the importance of primer. The pros on the forum always state the need for a primer. If a primer is so important, why don't any of the epoxy vendors include the product in their kits? The Armor Clad/Armor Chip websites only seem to stress the top coat. Are these products thick enough that they don't need a primer with the proper prep?

 

[Viz]

Armorpoxy also does installations themselves, and on their website, for that, they say they use a primer:

"For garages, we come in and move your belongings outside or inside (including refrigerators, and we can arrange dumpster containers if you have a lot of belongings to dispose of). Then we remove any built-up dirt, grime, oil, etc and repair cracks and damage prior to coating by surface griding with industrial diamond grinding equipment. We then apply a special 2-part bonding primer, then we apply our super thick 100% solids, non-shrinking ArmorClad Epoxy Coating to your floor and broadcast in ‘decorative flecks’ (you pick your color combinations, thousands are available) to make the floor look like terrazzo or to give it your favorite team colors! Finally, we then apply a military-grade clear protective topcoat with a non skid additive for safety."

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Primers are a must. It is an option for the LI kits as some customers are re-coating the floor and do not need a primer.

Others either don't have, don't offer or just don't know.