Epoxy-Coat or EpoxyMaster?

[Saldanhat]

Hi - I’m new to the forum. I’m thinking of using Epoxy on my garage - about 800 sqft, 3 car, very good cement floor. I’ve narrowed it down to either Epoxy-coat or EpoxyMaster. I’m looking at either the - Epoxy-coat kit $1400 for 750 sq ft incl. basecoat, clear coat, polyurethane and flakes - or the GarageMaster 3 gal. Kit plus a clear top coat and an additional satin coat for another extra layer for about $1300.

Am I overdoing the specs? The Epoxy-coat kit delivers a 43mil layer and I’m assuming the multiple clear coats on GarageMaster will give a 20-30mil layer.

Second - neither kit comes with a primer. I’ve read that this is important. Any advice?

Third - both kits come with a chemical etching prep. I’m hoping that’s good enough for a great condition floor (20 yrs old, not much used). Or do I need grinding?

Finally - any different epoxy products that you’d suggest? My primary goal is to ensure the floor doesn’t need maintenance for 10-20 years on the flooring.

Thanks for any advice. Would really appreciate it.

Sal.

 

[SolarColumbia]

Either way, etch or grind an epoxy primer is recommended. I have no familiarity with either of those brands so I can't advise you on that. You might get several years without any need to recoat but it depends on how clean you keep it.

 

[benwah]

Is your floor power troweled or broom finished? Etching is never recommended, it's the least amount of prep you can do. Grinding is always recommended.

I've never used either of those brands, but a primer is always recommended and is a good idea.

 

[HoZr]

We just put down Devoe Pre-Prime 167 today and we are doing Norklad 200 tomorrow. The pre-prime is an easy roll on sealer/primer that promotes adhesion and fills all the little nooks and crannys.

This is on a fresh troweled slab.

 

[Shea]

Hi - I’m new to the forum. I’m thinking of using Epoxy on my garage - about 800 sqft, 3 car, very good cement floor. I’ve narrowed it down to either Epoxy-coat or EpoxyMaster. I’m looking at either the - Epoxy-coat kit $1400 for 750 sq ft incl. basecoat, clear coat, polyurethane and flakes - or the GarageMaster 3 gal. Kit plus a clear top coat and an additional satin coat for another extra layer for about $1300.

Am I overdoing the specs? The Epoxy-coat kit delivers a 43mil layer and I’m assuming the multiple clear coats on GarageMaster will give a 20-30mil layer.

Second - neither kit comes with a primer. I’ve read that this is important. Any advice?

Third - both kits come with a chemical etching prep. I’m hoping that’s good enough for a great condition floor (20 yrs old, not much used). Or do I need grinding?

Finally - any different epoxy products that you’d suggest? My primary goal is to ensure the floor doesn’t need maintenance for 10-20 years on the flooring.

Thanks for any advice. Would really appreciate it.

Sal.

Epoxy-Coat does carry a primer. They just don't do a very good job of promoting it. You can find it here - https://www.epoxy-coat.com/?s=primer&dgwt-wcas-search-submit=&post_type=product&dgwt_wcas=1

 

[GG441]

Check the pros cons below to get a better result.

Pros

1. Reasonably-priced alternative as long as the installation is done properly
2. Fairly durable – dries super hard so it withstands heavy traffic and weight
3. Epoxy concrete coatings are waterproof and flame retardant
Easy to clean
4 Stain-resistant and chemical-resistant
5. Dries clear like a glass surface for a beautiful finish
6. Customizable with a variety of color/blend/metallic choices to choose from

Cons

1. Epoxy garage coatings can’t be used in locations that are consistently damp or where moisture comes up from the ground and through concrete because coating won’t adhere
2. It can take hours or even days to prepare concrete before applying
3. The surface must be free of dirt, grease or prior sealers and coatings – removal of prior coatings can be quite a labor intensive
4. Prep can include power washing and even acid washing to ready for adhesion
5. Any cracks, holes or surface imperfections will be highlighted in the finished project
6. The two-step process of primer then epoxy
7. Effective application is dependent on weather, temperature and humidity levels
8. There is drying/curing time between each process and you might not be able to use your garage for up to a week
9. Not for every DIYer has the skill level or patience for epoxy; costly to hire a professional installer
10. Dries fast so it has to be worked with quickly
11. A second coat or sealer is suggested for better durability
12. May need to be reapplied as often as every 1-3 years
13. Can chip and crack if heavy objects are dropped on it
14. May suffer from hot tire pick up

 

[Rynoman27]

Have you looked into a pro doing it? Might only be a bit more.

 

[pima67]

On your third point: When I did the 4 ft wide steps in my garage with the Quikcrete kit, the etcher provided didn't seem to get it down to 80 grit feel. So I used muriatic (pool) acid to get the desired roughness. None of it has delaminated in 10 plus years.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Always use a matching primer.