Concrete primer before epoxy

[Triman8654]

I’m getting ready to epoxy the new floor in man cave. Some one local is telling me I need a special primer due to the fact that the concrete installers used accelerant in the mix.
Any Floor guys that can elaborate before I purchase the kit.? What primer should be used.?

 

[Shea]

What type of kit are you purchasing and how long has your floor been curing? Accelerant in the mix has no bearing.

 

[Triman8654]

I have material estimates from the two larger companies on this forum for a DIY.
My third estimate is from a local epoxy flooring company.concrete was poured in September.
I have just under 1500 sq ft. And was quoted $10,500.. pretty sure I’ll be doing it myself.
I was thinking $5-6k but not $10k

 

[Shea]

If you are getting quotes from any of the vendors that participate on this forum, then please refer to them regarding the use of an epoxy primer with their products. An epoxy primer has many benefits, but it depends on the type of product you are using. Most of the vendors here provide (and recommend) and epoxy primer for their high solids epoxy coating kits. It is not required, however, just because your concrete used an accelerant.

 

[Triman8654]

Just by being in the automotive refinishing industry I know the importance of primer. So it’s a must in my eyes.

 

[Shea]

Just by being in the automotive refinishing industry I know the importance of primer. So it’s a must in my eyes.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

I’m getting ready to epoxy the new floor in man cave. Some one local is telling me I need a special primer due to the fact that the concrete installers used accelerant in the mix.
Any Floor guys that can elaborate before I purchase the kit.? What primer should be used.?

Yes many do. We sell the accelerant but our own install crew does not use it.
Somethings are better left to penetrate, slowly.

 

[CJseven]

I opted for the primer when I did my armorpoxy last fall. Which ever product you go with from the companies on this site, go with there recommendations, and you can’t go wrong.

 

[Triman8654]

Sounds good, thanks for all the help.

 

[Armorpoxy]

PRIME, PRIME, PRIME! Priming always gives a better job, eliminates the chance of uneven sheen due to porosity issues with the floor, plus makes the floor much thicker since the 100% solids epoxy doesn't soak into the concrete since the concrete is sealed.

 

[manwithtools]

What is your location? That can have significant impact on cost.

 

[Triman8654]

Northern Indiana

 

[rburke65]

There is a reason that manufacturers produce primers. The create a bond between the concrete or any substrate, and the finished product.

 

[Armorpoxy]

The primers since they are 'thinner' than the 100% solids epoxy penetrate better into the concrete. They also even out the surface porosity eliminating the chance that the epoxy (if applied w/o primer) would soak in unevenly which can, and does occur sometimes.

By priming the expensive 100% solids 'sits higher' on the floor, making it more durable and more chip resistant. We always recommend priming.

If a homeowner put up new wood shutters or built a new deck, would they put just a single coat on these surfaces? No..concrete is no different.