Confusing floor options

[northern33]

I've gone back to read many of the posts here discussing stain, sealing, epoxy and polyaspartic chemicals. I think I'm now more confused than I was before!
I've built a new garage (37 x 64) with heated slab that now requires some sort of floor treatment.

The garage will be used for car restoration. This means welding, grinding, spilling fluids and dropping tools. I want a floor that is light in color to help keep the shop bright for my aging eyes. I also want a floor that can be easily touched up if I was to scrape or damage the coating. working on cars is my passion, not maintainig my floor. So, I don't want to be a slave to the floor to try and keep it looking good.

Does anyone else on here have any experience and recommendations based on similar use?

The concrete has not anything spilled on it yet. I had it covered with ramboard while all the trades worked on top of it.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Stick with just a sealed floor in knowing the work you are doing. Anything else will be a hassle and just show up damages to it even more.. Epoxies, hard surface tiles, soft tiles, matting, etc. all will take a beating and be a source of discontent. JMO

 

[MPSmith1]

+1

Everything you said SCREAMS sealing the floor.

 

[racerex]

+1

Everything you said SCREAMS sealing the floor.

When you say "sealing", you're referring to a penetrating sealer, correct?

I'm in the exact same boat as the OP (i.e., total information overload as to what to use in my new car resto dedicated garage).

 

[Shea]

If you apply an epoxy primer, plus a light color 100% solids epoxy, and a couple coats of polyurethane, then you will have a very light reflective floor that is extremely tough.

Dropped tools should not be an issue with such a floor. Will it stand up to welding? No, it will show burn marks if you elect not to use a welding blanket. Grinding? I've seen many a floor where grinding is not an issue, but it depends on how much grinding and how close to the floor you are grinding. Will it scratch if you drag sharp metal objects across the floor without caution? Yes it will. However, if you take some basic steps to protect the floor against these few things you will have a floor that will last for years, be very light reflective, and extremely easy to clean.

One of the downsides however is the size. 2368 sf. of coating is not going to be cheap.

Now, if you don't want to spend that kind of money or your garage is mostly for metal work, then the suggestions for sealing the floor instead are a great idea.

We covered just this topic and talk about the different options available for protecting the concrete of a large shop/garage floor. You can read about it here.

 

[bdamico]

same question; same answer

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/search.php?searchid=20453609

 

[northern33]

Bdamico, your link appears to be broken.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a sealer. Particularly sealants available in Canada.

 

[bdamico]

Bdamico, your link appears to be broken.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a sealer. Particularly sealants available in Canada.

search "working" in titles only in flooring. This is the same basic question that comes up every week or so

 

[mnavillus]

I wanted to pick up on the point that Shea was making! Which is all floor systems have there limitations and idiosyncrasies. However if you can determine what performance points are important to your self.

This will help you determine the product best suited for your situation.

good luck

 

[northern33]

Thanks mnavillus. Likely the most important feature would be impact and scrape resistance. I realize that they will all mark up from welding and grinding. Most seem fairly resistant to chemicals. So, the biggest concern will be from dropping and dragging metal car parts.