Epoxy-Coat clear/top question...

[dmw319]

I bought this kit from Lowes.com

http://www.lowes.com/pd_373305-21374-SK-0100_0__?productId=3547122&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-Paint-_-PaintPrimer-_-3547122&CAWELAID=1080021423&kpid=3547122&"cagpspn=pla"

Is it only a base coat and flecks? It looks like it doesnt include a clear coat but is advertised as "high gloss". How does that work?

I am planning on doing my 2-car carport which has some sun exposure at times, but is mostly all covered. I thought about just getting the clear coat with UV additive but then I noticed Epoxy Coat says on their website, "Performance Polyurea is recommended where very high UV resistant is desired with exceptional mar resistance. This is the only product we recommend as a top coat for exterior surfaces exposed to UV."

Does this TAKE THE PLACE of the clear coat? Or does it go on top of clear? I am kind of confused and I want to make sure I do it right. Where can I buy performance polyurea? Anyone have any suggestions for a newb? Thanks!

 

[Shea]

The kit you are referring to is just the base coat with paint chips, no clear coat. The "high gloss" is the finish of the base coat. Think of it in terms of interior paint - flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. It just means it is shiny and light reflective.

Since you are doing a carport, I would highly recommend the polyurea top coat - yes, what they are referring to would be the clear coat. All epoxy will yellow over time, even epoxy with U.V. inhibitors. Since your carport does get some sun, you don't want an epoxy topcoat.

Another option would be to do both the base coat and top coat with a polyurea/polyaspartic coating. That way you will have minimal to no yellowing at all.

 

[bdamico]

The kit you are referring to is just the base coat with paint chips, no clear coat. The "high gloss" is the finish of the base coat. Think of it in terms of interior paint - flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. It just means it is shiny and light reflective.

Since you are doing a carport, I would highly recommend the polyurea top coat - yes, what they are referring to would be the clear coat. All epoxy will yellow over time, even epoxy with U.V. inhibitors. Since your carport does get some sun, you don't want an epoxy topcoat.

Another option would be to do both the base coat and top coat with a polyurea/polyaspartic coating. That way you will have minimal to no yellowing at all.

With just the poly on top, you'd still have yellowing of epoxy underneath (but less of it), right?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Correct. It actually turns amber over time.

 

[Shea]

Correct. It actually turns amber over time.

Yep, that's why I think it's best to use all polyurea for a carport that sees some occasional sun.

 

[dmw319]

so next question, whats a good polyurea coating to use that isnt super expensive?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Diametrically opposed. polyurea vs. expensive.

 

[dmw319]

ok well, what are my options for poly as a top coat?

I already bought my epoxy coat for the base

 

[rugerlady]

You can call me at the office. Your topcoat will need the correct UV filters for going over epoxy. There are polyureas that will block UV from going through to the epoxy. I definitely would not use epoxy for a clearcoat due to your sun exposure.

 

[dmw319]

Thanks Christine, just called but you were on the phone. I left you a voicemail.

 

[dmw319]

http://www.epoxy-coat.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=99

Is this the the clear coat I should go with? I can't tell if its epoxy based or polyurea?

Also, how soon after I do the base coat and flecks should I wait to add the clear coat?

I need a good reccomendation for a clear top coat for a 500 sq ft garage.

 

[dmw319]

also, i was going to use the pressure washer to help clean the concrete the day before, then let it dry 12 hours before applying the base coat. as long as it is truly dry, it is ok to power wash the concrete right? (and yes, I will follow the rest of the prep instructions to a T, just was going to pressure wash it first). The concrete is 50 years old. Its in very good shape and not a lot wrong with it at all, just old so thought a power wash could help.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

100% solids epoxy and water do not mix. You can create a nasty bubbling issue.
This floor should dry for days not hours.

Do a plastic test before you coat to be sure it's all dry.

(sorry if I stepped on Christine's toes)

 

[dmw319]

plastic test?

 

[iibgdi]

I just put this on last night. Thinking about putting some type of clear coat. Need some advice.

How long to wait?

What product to use?

 

[iibgdi]

What's a shame is I used 2 kit thinking I would use a kit and a half and it probably only used 1 kit for the whole job. (I only did half my garage, doing other half in a few weeks)

$100 down the drain....

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

plastic test?

Place 3 or 4 pieces of 24" x 24" clear plastic visqueen, randomly around the garage.
Tape them down tight, all the way around the perimeter using duct tape.

Allow 24 hours to pass. Check for moisture accumulating under the plastic.

If you see moisture you need to consider using a product with a loose molecular lock or perhaps a densifier, etc...

 

[dmw319]

uh visqueen? like.. saran wrap? haha

 

[pauls_workshop]

yes, plastic. If you have moisture there, the epoxy won't hold onto the floor. Generally, wait 1 week after getting it wet to dry before epoxy. - paul

 

[dmw319]

thanks. i guess ill do that test before i start the epoxy. last night i finished prepping and it was completely dry when i went to bed. i left two fans on it today (its a carport and gets a lot of air anyway). I was planning on doing it Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon but I guess we will see.

 

[dmw319]

well epoxy-coat never got back with me so i just painted the floor (no topcoat) this past weekend. it looks really good. i watched it closely throughout and entire day and there is not a lot of area that really gets that much sun. i have lots of huge oak trees so its pretty much all shaded. im not as worried about fading as i was before. i was really happy with how it turned out though! ill post pics soon.

 

[rugerlady]

I was pretty sure I called back. Sorry if we missed each other. I'm glad everything turned out well!

 

[dmw319]

Before/After pics in my build thread:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214954