Concrete primer now and epoxy in the spring?

[CreekRat]

I have a new concrete slab that was poured on Oct 7th and diamond ground about a week later. I'd like to put down epoxy since it was ground down so much but the nights are already falling into the upper 20's and I'm afraid even after a month it won't be cured enough to take a good coat of epoxy.

Would be a good idea to at least prime after four weeks of cure to get the floor through the winter in good shape and epoxy in the spring or would the primer fail as well?

 

[AlphaGarage]

Yes, that's done in new construction or when space is rehabbed.. The primer is applied, then the subs come in and install HVAC, electrical, walls, whatever build out needs to be done. When the subs leave, depending on the work there may be a few spots to re-prime (although small nicks & dings can just be coated over with top coat), the primer coat needs to be lightly scuffed up (low speed floor buffer w 80 grit screen), but generally there's not much to be done. Then they apply the top coat & clear coat.

During the build out, or winter in your case, spills and dirt is easier to clean up, no concrete dust, looks sharper, and even the primer coat by itself will prevent a lot of chips and stuff.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

what's the slab temp? The material takes the slab temp immediately.

 

[CreekRat]

I guess that's the issue, in two weeks time the slab could be 50 degrees or less and dropping every day.

 

[SpaceEnvy]

Traditional coatings usually require 50 degrees, but depending on the product type and manufaturer this can be pushed if you know what you are doing. Generally speaking, if it was prepped a month ago, I would wait until Spring to do anything. The floor could have taken on dust, dirt or debris. I am a big advocate of prep and coat right away, it avoids potnetial problems later.

 

[willymakeit]

Do a moisture test on the concrete. Your not past the 28 day cycle.