Clear Coat vs. No Clear Coat

[dawgger]

I used Rustoleum Epoxy Shield last weekend on my garage floor. Is it worth it to use the clear coat over this? Does it help keep the base coat cleaner, (I can envision the paint chips getting dirty) and I'm worried about hot tire pick up.
Thanks in advance!

 

[drinkmoresake]

I put two coats of the clear over the Rustoleum Professional Epoxy Shield when I did my floor. Been 2 1/2 years and still no stains, everything wipes up very easily. If you do apply the clear I would suggest adding Shark Grip or some type of anit-slip. Without it is a sheet of ice!

One more comment, you mentioned "hot tire p/u" as one of the reasons you want to apply the clear. I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure preventing hot tire p/u has more to do with the prep work on the floor than applying a clear coat. The toughest clear coat in the world will be worthless if your "base coat" of epoxy did not bond properly to the concrete. Just my $.02

 

[Shea]

One more comment, you mentioned "hot tire p/u" as one of the reasons you want to apply the clear. I'm no expert but I'm pretty sure preventing hot tire p/u has more to do with the prep work on the floor than applying a clear coat.

That and the quality of the product makes a big difference.

Drinksmoresake is right on the money about the clear coat as well. It does clean easily and keeps your colored epoxy base coat looking sharp as well as adding an additional layer of protection which prolongs the durability of the floor.

Keep in mind that you will have to rough up the surface of your new coating with some 80 grit and wipe it down with denatured alcohol before you apply it. You are way past the 24 hour recoat window at this point.

 

[Notgrownup]

So if done within 24hours of the last coat you can just clear it without scuffing.

 

[budmanm3]

Clear is definitely worth it.. gives a nice clean wet look all the time. Makes it shine.