DIY epoxy 140sq ft garage floor

[Jthenry]

Hey guys,

newby question here. I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

I’ve recently etched my garage floor with muriatic acid. It went really well. I am about to apply the rusteum epoxy shield DIY kit. I had a friend tell me that I should apply the epoxy, lay the chips, razor the chips so the edges don’t collect dust and then apply a clear coat over the top.

My question is, do I need to wait a specific time frame before laying a clear coat? I know rustoleum has their own clear coat. I have not purchased it yet. I’m not sure if there is a better product out there.

TL;DR: etched my garage with muriatic acid. Going to caulk the joints tomorrow and then I want to apply my epoxy and hopefully a clear coat over.

TIA!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hey guys,

newby question here. I apologize if this is in the wrong section.

I’ve recently etched my garage floor with muriatic acid. It went really well. I am about to apply the rusteum epoxy shield DIY kit. I had a friend tell me that I should apply the epoxy, lay the chips, razor the chips so the edges don’t collect dust and then apply a clear coat over the top.

My question is, do I need to wait a specific time frame before laying a clear coat? I know rustoleum has their own clear coat. I have not purchased it yet. I’m not sure if there is a better product out there.

TL;DR: etched my garage with muriatic acid. Going to caulk the joints tomorrow and then I want to apply my epoxy and hopefully a clear coat over.

TIA!

1. Have you neutralized the floor after etching?
2. Check the data sheet from the manufacturer for a max recoat time. Our products are 20-24 hours.
3. I would have everything in hand before starting and verify you have enough material using their TDS as opposed to their sales information.
4. If you have not used a razor on a floor before..... I might suggest a shop vac w/ floor attachment. If the black wears onto the floor you will have to tape the attachment with duct tape.

[All information is given based on our experience with our product and is not a substitute for information directly from the manufacturer or distributor.]

 

[Jthenry]

The floor is neutralized. I then rinsed it, careful to not push the acid into the floor and after it was rinsed I pressure washed it three times with a 3000 PSI washer.

I ran my finger over the floor, it’s about the same as 100 grit sand paper. No debris or dust comes off either.

Appreciate your timely response!

 

[Jthenry]

1. Have you neutralized the floor after etching?

2. Check the data sheet from the manufacturer for a max recoat time. Our products are 20-24 hours.

3. I would have everything in hand before starting and verify you have enough material using their TDS as opposed to their sales information.

4. If you have not used a razor on a floor before..... I might suggest a shop vac w/ floor attachment. If the black wears onto the floor you will have to tape the attachment with duct tape.



[All information is given based on our experience with our product and is not a substitute for information directly from the manufacturer or distributor.]

As far as floor attachments for a shop vac, do you mean a rigid brush attachment? Or something that can pick up the flakes easily?

 

[Jthenry]

Another question.. is one epoxy coat and a clear coat sufficient or do you think I should do 2 epoxy coats (1 and then sand it, cure and apply number two) AND THEN a clear coat? It’s a small garage, meant for one car, low traffic

 

[Chicagodiy]

Call rustoleum and press the button for concrete. Depends on floor condition, how many flakes etc. They are quick and knowledgeable and based in IL (not a foreign call center). They helped walk me through my floor.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Call rustoleum and press the button for concrete. Depends on floor condition, how many flakes etc. They are quick and knowledgeable and based in IL (not a foreign call center). They helped walk me through my floor.

I use the 'floor attachment' and I am not just trying to **** off flake but kind of scraping it at same time

 

[Jthenry]

I use the 'floor attachment' and I am not just trying to **** off flake but kind of scraping it at same time

I appreciate your responses!

It’s all ready, applying first coat Saturday, second coat Sunday, and clear coat shortly after. All of this depending on any set backs. I’ll share a pic for SAG.

Just caulked around the outside with a concrete DAP caulk and am all ready to go. Just need to dust and blow out any residual dirt with compressor.

Thanks again. This has been the most helpful website I’ve encountered. Many resources here.

-Jeff

 

[Jthenry]

1. Have you neutralized the floor after etching?

2. Check the data sheet from the manufacturer for a max recoat time. Our products are 20-24 hours.

3. I would have everything in hand before starting and verify you have enough material using their TDS as opposed to their sales information.

4. If you have not used a razor on a floor before..... I might suggest a shop vac w/ floor attachment. If the black wears onto the floor you will have to tape the attachment with duct tape.



[All information is given based on our experience with our product and is not a substitute for information directly from the manufacturer or distributor.]

All done. Thanks for this amazing website and all of the resources and people within.

Very helpful!

For anyone reading, I live in Phoenix. The biggest problem I had with the primer coat was that it seemed like the pot time was cut in half. I finished the first cost a little too slow, it took me 45 minutes in 96 degree weather. I also did it at the wrong time.

I applied the second coat quickly as I was better at it at 4am. I then applied the clear coat at 3am this morning.

If it was dead summer I can’t see how I would’ve ever been able to do this. It’s way too hot.

Keep the epoxy on ice???

Anyway, thanks!