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Epoxy-Coat Tips for a beginner

Desmo888

Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
5
Hi all,

This is my first post and I would appreciate any assistance, positive or negative, as long as its constructive.

I have read many posts over the past few days and have already picked up some excellent information.

Quick synopsis to date:

Goal; highest quality results for least capital outlay (I am poor, not cheap.) This is not my "dream" garage.

340 SF concrete area to be painted with Epoxy-Coat double kit (+/- 500 sf)

- 1 yr old concrete for home shop, mostly subject to elements, no oil or rubber stains, one small rust stain (1/4" by 3') and a hair-line crack from what I assume to be expansion; however, I really don't know.

- Floor prepped by pressure washing, then scrubbed with EC supplied acid, triple rinsed.

- Dehumidifier drying over past 5 days; its dry.

- have graduated mixing cups, good rollers, larger squeegee, etc.

Based on what I have learned on this board, my next step is to fill any holes and the hair-line crack.

Since I have some Bondo and have read that it can be used, what tips does the GJ community have? With a 3 minute gel time I will have to move quickly. Should I use less hardener? No hardener? Or only mix pea sized portions. Alternatively, should I stay away from Bondo and insist on another method?

Would another expoxy-paste work? PC-7/PC-11 have 30 minute gel times and can be sanded and painted. Wouldn't that work too?

Fumed silica is not retail available in my area (New Orleans), but can be purchased on-line. If it will give better results, I can go this route.

Also I have read that a primer coat and sealer coat is highly recommended. The purchase of both is not financially feasible for me. If I can only have one, which would be better for me long term?

Epoxy-Coat said in Familyof8's email that 6-8% xylene may be added to thin for a primer coat. Should I use 1/3rd of my kit, thin, and make a first coat and then apply the remaining 2/3rds as a final coat? Has anyone ever done this?

These are my questions at the moment, Thanks for the advice in advance!
 
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Desmo888

Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2012
Messages
5
Thanks TD_20,

Just checked out the videos. Nice, quick tutorial. I also enjoyed reading your project details.
 
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csp

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
5,719
Location
Franktown, CO
When you're done rolling an area, don't set the roller down on another section of floor. Have a chunk of cardboard or plastic and set it down on that.

The reason being, epoxy will puddle out of the roller and when you go to apply to that section you will have a puddle that won't roll out. It will show once it's dry. I have three of these spots in my floor and it goes from not noticable to very noticable depending on the light.
 

fstbusa

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
140
Make sure to mark off your areas in the floor so you know exactly what areas you are doing and don't under/overcoat an area.

Don't rush, you will have plenty of time to spread the material. I thought it had to be done in haste but I had plenty of time.

I didnt caulk my expansion joints. Be careful when squeegeeing the material around. My squeegee caught on the joint and flicked material up on the foundation wall and the drywall!!!
 
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