Doing my first floor, getting started and question.

[oregonmon]

Great forum!
I've been researching and reading and after much deliberation I'm going to try H&C Solid Stain and Sealer, which color I'm unsure. Predictable grey or do something unique.
I've got everything moved out and today started the actually prep. I used Simple Green's Pro HD cleaner/degreaser with scrub brush and rinse. The per instructions followed up with H&C etching solution. Basically phosphoric acid, well after diluting and applying it wasn't really foaming like it said it would just a little bubbly. It did foam when I dripped a little of the full strength stuff on the ground when mixing.
So after it dried it, I inspected the surface and it became apparent that the acid was to dilute (1gallon water to 1/2gallon etching solution). A couple areas where full strength solution hit the ground turned out very flat opposed to most areas looking a little shiny. I guess the floor had more sealer on it than I expected.
So I will be apply more etching solution tomorrow at full strength or closed to it.
Am I on the right on my assessment?


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.356943,-122.785158

 

[Edger]

You absolutely have to remove any shiny areas.

 

[Brentocool]

Went with the Rustoleum Pro last week I like it so far. Brick Red. Doing complete overhaul on garage. Putting Cabs in today.

 

[Jaguar Fan]

I'd etch it again, and use a nylon bush on a broom handle during the process.

Are you power washing afterwards?

 

[holland_patrick]

Went with the Rustoleum Pro last week I like it so far. Brick Red. Doing complete overhaul on garage. Putting Cabs in today.

Nice I like the brick red

I used The BEHR 1-Gallon Satin 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Concrete and Garage Floor Paint

 

[oregonmon]

Brick red?
This is our recent exterior color change. Maybe something similar for the garage floor?


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[oregonmon]

Hey all,
Well yesterday I etched again but using the etching solution at full strength. Here's the results. Definitely mote "etched".
The color we are leaning towards is similar to some others I've seen on here. H&C "muddy grey" for the floor, then, matching grey halfway up the wall, 6inch black stripe, then off white top half of the wall. Cabinets painted grey as well.

 

[Flooring For Garage]

Good call on the mid-dark grey color... I think it's best at hiding floor dirt and grime and will retain it's good looks longest.

 

[oregonmon]

Here's application of H&C's "Muddy Gray".
It's thicker than I thought it would be, I did a pretty light 1st coat and it IS pretty smelly stuff. I did use a respirator.
With the light first coat, the variations of concrete texture show up a lot. I'm hoping the second coat will hide that more and maybe even a third coat. We will see.
I'm thinking of different plans though. Now I'm liking the idea of doing a 6 inch black stripe at the floor base. Also painting the cabinets black and doing stainless metal handles.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.392629,-122.750134

 

[Edger]

Second coat will definitely cover patchy areas with an even shine. It is normal for the first coat to soak into the more absorbent parts and look flat and lifeless.

 

[oregonmon]

Thanks that's reassuring.

 

[oregonmon]

Here's after second coat which I applied heavier than the first. I like the way it layed and came out but the variations in concrete do still show. It's mainly the areas that were etched/porous more that still show through. I guess I shouldn't expect the look of epoxy with a stain. I do like the satin (slight sheen) that came through. Anyway, if it were up to me and I didn't have to wait another 12 hours I'd do a third coat but this will do and I'm 85% happy with the look.
I will update with feedback.
I wonder when I should start moving things back in, it says heavy traffic 72-96 hours.

 

[Edger]

Sorry Oregonmon, I thought you were putting down epoxy.

 

[USCME]

Oregonmon, I like it, the muddy gray looks really good! I've been back and forth on whether or not to do any color on my garage floor and I think you've just sold me on it, that's a nice change from how the floor was before.

 

[oregonmon]

Wow, first thread and I may have helped someone already. If you're looking for an even more concrete color, I'd probably go with their more taupe colors.

 

[oregonmon]

Well here's an update with some pics of the floor done and the walls patched and painted. Went with a 12 inch floor color grey on the walls and white painted cabinets.

 

[thegarageguy]

I don't know why these Companies do this....this is not a concrete stain but rather a pigmented acrylic coating.

Please let us know how this holds up to your daily use...looking forward to your honest updates.

 

[oregonmon]

Right, acrylic coating, probably to fool unknowing folk like me. It was quite fumey while applying but so far no tire issues and my little Miata has dripped a little oil and what may be coolant. Wiped right up hopefully it lasts for a while.

 

[Dolfan]

I can chime in on this one. I put down H&C on my new garage floor 9 years ago. I used it as I was moving into a new house, fresh concrete and wanted "some" protection as the floor would see various auto projects. In my opinion it has help up pretty well especially given that I only put down a single coat 9 years ago due to move in pressure from on home to the other.

Harsh chemicals like PB Blaster, brake cleaners are tough on the floor, but for standard fluids (oil, trans, diff, brake, coolant) it mostly wipes up far better than bare concrete.

I'm getting ready to install another lift so this weekend I decided to "quickly" give it another coat since I had so much left over ( Yes, stored in the basement for 9 years) and wanted to freshen up the floor. I used a concrete cleaner mixed for general cleaning and spot cleaned the areas around the wheels that see the most work and grime. It wen down great and did seem to bond well. The second coat covered everything and did add a bit of noticeable thickness to the coating. I wish I had the time to throw on another coat but other project have to get moving.


In my opinion, this product works pretty well. Not a full blown epoxy finish but way better than bare concrete. And at about $35 a gallon a pretty inexpensive way to give the garage a clean look and help with spilled fluids.

 

[Dolfan]

Here are a few pics of the wear and tear of 9 year on the H&C stain. Just the usual staining from brake dust, grease, fluids

Here is a a look after a quick cleaning and a second coat. I think it will be even better with a better base now.

I could use their clear product to go over it but I need my garage back! Too many things to do can't wait!

 

[Edger]

I used to see a lot of coatings that were "worn out" and I found that the acrylics were OK, good for the price, but with constant wear they lasted about 18 mths in the walkways. In a garage it could last 30 times longer.

As a coating they are good, not nearly as chemical resistant as epoxy, but fine if you clean up regularly however they are much softer and thinner so they do not stand up to constant wear like foot traffic along walkways in a factory. The wear in a garage is only a fraction so it should last many years.

Acrylics are too soft to successfully use anti slip because it just pulls out with any stress, but they probably hold their shine better than epoxy.

I like the epoxy with flakes look, but acrylic coatings look very good especially for the price - plenty good enough for most garages and if you did not know you would find it very difficult to tell them apart. WTH is with calling it a concrete stain though, that is just ridiculous!

 

[oregonmon]

Good feedback guys, hindsight I would do it again.