Clear top Cost over RockSolid Epoxy

[NapaDrew]

Yesterday I applied the RockSolid Garage floor to my old garage floor. Overall it went pretty well. Took me 3 kits to to my 2 car garage, which I was anticipating.

A few issues:

- Slight color variation in some areas, I believe caused by rolling over an area twice.
- hard to spread and roll out
- dripped down off step and pooled around bottom leaving a heavier and messy look below step
- a few hairline cracks that I missed with the patch work appeared very prevalent (but this is my fault)

Wondering if I should do a clear coat on top for added protection? I’ve read it can help and provide a nice look, especially over the chips, to make them sit below surface.

Should I do a RockSolid Clear Coat? Or maybe just the Rustoleum Clear Top coat?

Any thoughts?

Thank you!


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[Shea]

Stay with the RockSolid clear coat. RockSolid is a polycuramine and the Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is epoxy. There is no guarantee that the epoxy will chemically bond with the polycuramine. RockSolid also has a glossier finish.

 

[NapaDrew]

Stay with the RockSolid clear coat. RockSolid is a polycuramine and the Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is epoxy. There is no guarantee that the epoxy will chemically bond with the polycuramine. RockSolid also has a glossier finish.

Ok. Do you think it is a must do? Concerned with it yellowing in front of the window.




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[NapaDrew]

Stay with the RockSolid clear coat. RockSolid is a polycuramine and the Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is epoxy. There is no guarantee that the epoxy will chemically bond with the polycuramine. RockSolid also has a glossier finish.

I already have minor bubbling and streak marks in some areas. After reading reviews many say the clear coat leaves lots of bubbles, although I’m sure that’s all due to the application process.

My big question is, is the added protection worth the risk of extra bubbles and yellowing?


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[NapaDrew]

FYI - I have a window on the exterior door and my garage door also has windows on it


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[Shea]

RockSolid is not U.V. stable. That means the color coat or the clear coat or both can amber (yellow) if exposed to direct or strong indirect sunlight for a period of time. The clear coat is the same as the color coat - it's just not tinted. Bubbles are application issues and not coating issues.

If you want to protect the color flakes and keep the floor looking cleaner, then a clear coat is the way to go. When you have color flakes with no clear coat, dirt tends to collect around them and stick more.

 

[NapaDrew]

RockSolid is not U.V. stable. That means the color coat or the clear coat or both can amber (yellow) if exposed to direct or strong indirect sunlight for a period of time. The clear coat is the same as the color coat - it's just not tinted. Bubbles are application issues and not coating issues.

If you want to protect the color flakes and keep the floor looking cleaner, then a clear coat is the way to go. When you have color flakes with no clear coat, dirt tends to collect around them and stick more.

Ok. Thank you for the advice. I appreciate your input! I’ll proceed with the clear coat and maybe just look into some blinds for the window [emoji1360]


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[NapaDrew]

RockSolid is not U.V. stable. That means the color coat or the clear coat or both can amber (yellow) if exposed to direct or strong indirect sunlight for a period of time. The clear coat is the same as the color coat - it's just not tinted. Bubbles are application issues and not coating issues.

If you want to protect the color flakes and keep the floor looking cleaner, then a clear coat is the way to go. When you have color flakes with no clear coat, dirt tends to collect around them and stick more.

What causes the bubbles in the application?

Do you recommend adding the anti skid packet?



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[Shea]

There are a few things that can cause bubbles. The biggest factor is applying it to the bare concrete before allowing the concrete enough time to thoroughly dry from the etching. Others can be from applying it too thick, rolling it on too fast, or with the metallic RockSolid, people have pumped mixing paddles up and down when mixing in the metallic additive and entrapped air in the coating which rolls out with bubbles.

The anti-skid is up to you. The floor will be slippery when wet without it. When mixed in and applied to the final coat it will tone down the gloss some, but it will be much less slippery when wet.

 

[NapaDrew]

There are a few things that can cause bubbles. The biggest factor is applying it to the bare concrete before allowing the concrete enough time to thoroughly dry from the etching. Others can be from applying it too thick, rolling it on too fast, or with the metallic RockSolid, people have pumped mixing paddles up and down when mixing in the metallic additive and entrapped air in the coating which rolls out with bubbles.

The anti-skid is up to you. The floor will be slippery when wet without it. When mixed in and applied to the final coat it will tone down the gloss some, but it will be much less slippery when wet.

Shea - just want to say thank you so much for all for help though this project. You always reply super fast and have great answers to my questions/concerns.

I applied the grey RockSolid on Thursday, let it dry and then applied the clear coat today. I’ll post some pics tomorrow. As I stated previously, had a few problem spots, but overall I’m pretty happy. Can see a few roller marks on the clear coat and some bubble patches. Tried to go nice, slow and even but still proved to be a challenge. Product is very thick and doesn’t spread easily. Learned a bunch and I’m sure in 5+ years when I have to redo it it will come out better.


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