Epoxy cure at lower temperatures?

[bratrastered]

Got a new garage slab that has cured for 60 days, and I want to give it an epoxy finish. Don't hate on me, but I've got a Rustoleum EpoxyShield kit; my concern is about ambient temperatures and proper curing. Around here daytime high might be 70F and overnight low 50F. Instructions say "do not apply if temperature will dip below 65F for 24 to 48 hours." Well yeah, temps are definitely going to dip. Wondering if I'm hosed, or if the curing will just take a little longer?

 

[PCustoms]

Using a potentially subpar material knowing specifically that you won't meet manufacturers application requirements will rarely end well


Do you have a heater in the garage?

 

[bratrastered]

I’ve got a little space heater that I could put in there, not sure how effective it would be.

I can always return the EpoxyShield kit and buy a different product if there’s a DIY option that would work better at my temps. I just can’t pay $6K to a professional.

 

[Shea]

I’ve got a little space heater that I could put in there, not sure how effective it would be.

I can always return the EpoxyShield kit and buy a different product if there’s a DIY option that would work better at my temps. I just can’t pay $6K to a professional.

The space heater won't be effective. Additionally, the coating adopts the actual surface temperature of the concrete. I would advise not using EpoxyShield or you risk a permanent stop to the curing process, which ends with a semi-gooey surface that never hardens.

A much better option would be single-part polyurea. Some allow application down to 35 degrees. It's a commercial-quality coating that performs much better than EpoxyShield. A single coat is 30% thicker, it's UV stable, highly chemical and stain resistant, and will last years. There is no comparison. Plus, it's easier to apply. Nohr-S by Legacy Industrial is an example that can be applied below 50 degrees. You can purchase their kits here.

 

[bratrastered]

Thanks @Shea, polyurea is new to me but it sounds like a much better choice for me. I notice that the Nohr-S says that two coats is recommended, but if a single coat is already 30% thicker than epoxy would that be okay?

Looks like I can get Armorpoxy SPGX locally at Lowes; any drawback to SPGX vs Nohr-S?

 

[FJ4FUN]

Sent you a DM

 

[Shea]

Thanks @Shea, polyurea is new to me but it sounds like a much better choice for me. I notice that the Nohr-S says that two coats is recommended, but if a single coat is already 30% thicker than epoxy would that be okay?

Looks like I can get Armorpoxy SPGX locally at Lowes; any drawback to SPGX vs Nohr-S?

SPGX is a good product and will work as well. Application temperature needs to be above 50 degrees, but it will continue to cure as low as 40. So if you apply it during the day, you will be fine.

Single-part polyurea is a commercial coating. The recommendations for two coats are to achieve the best commercial quality performance. Residential quality DIY kits, such as EpoxyShield, are going to recommend the minimum number of coats or thickness in order to keep the price down to attract more buyers. One coat of polyurea is going to perform much better than EpoxyShield, but two coats will provide the best performance. Your budget and how long you want the coating to perform are the ultimate decision-makers.