Epoxy Floor Installation Steps

[mikeyandem1]

I am going to be putting in a epoxy floor in my garage using ARMORSEAL 1000 HS. I have read various threads about prepping here as well as other places and my head is starting to spin. Some places say I should use something like muriatic acid, others say to use just a "cleaner", and some say to use either with a floor polisher and a 150 grit disc. So what is the best way? The garage floor is actually in nice condition.. about 10 years old but no major oil or chemical stains anywhere. No cracks whatsoever.. I know prep is 99% of the job, but what prep? And I assume I wash before and after etching, or just after? And how long do I need to wait in between steps like the etching, washing and applying before I move on to the next steps? And finally, what are the best methods/tools for applying this stuff? What rollers/brushes work best? Thanks for the help...

Mike

 

[thundercow]

The ONLY way to prep a floor is with a diamond grinder. Check a rental place near you. Acid is cheaper, but it's a hassle and a half (I have done both). I have an article about this on my site which you can reach through my signature below. (I don't want to post the article because it may be against the rules here).

 

[AlphaGarage]

There are several reason for this. Different manufacturers will have different prep requirements. Not all floors are the same. Not all epoxies are the same. Not all budgets are the same. There can be several ways to prep the same floor, and all of them may do the job just fine.

Your best bet would be to choose the product that fits your needs, and then carefully follow its instructions.

 

[thegarageguy]

Ask the maker of the product your are choosing to use. Follow their instructions and when it fails, you have them to blame.

 

[Floorguy]

While there are endless ways to prep I prefer mechanical prep if possible. While I won't go as far as thundercow and say my way is the only way, I shotblast. Follow the manufacturers instructions and you might be safe.

As far as rollers, if you are using SW products they also sell some nice rollers. Buy the good ones with the plastic tubes inside not the cardboard. They also sell the disposable brushes. I use a 2" version and throw it away. They also have buckets and tape that you will need. If you talk with them they might offer you a discount as their prices are a little hefty.

floorguy

 

[mikeyandem1]

Well I am going to attemp the floor tomorrow.. 18" rollers seem hard to come by for some reason. I bought 2 types and was wondering what would be best?

Sherwin Williams Contractor Series Soft Woven 3/8" nap #180-6736

Wooster Pro Classic 3/8" Nap #48034

The ARMORSEAL 1000HS says woven which the SW one is.. but the wooster doesn't say... does it matter between these two?

 

[mikeyandem1]

Well I put down the first coat on 2 of the 3 sections, and little bugs and dirt kept blowing in and settled on the floor.. anything I can do to fix/prevent this? will be applying 2 coats total...

 

[Floorguy]

I put a sheet of poly into the first gap in the door to seal it up upon completion. Turn the lights off when you are done for sure. PIck them out and apply the next coat.

floorguy

 

[thundercow]

Pardon me--YES, shotblasting is probably superior to grinding. But a shotblaster is a serious machine.

We do pro installs, every one has been with a diamond grinder. Never had a problem, and I don't plan to!

 

[Brickout]

I'm starting my floor this weekend. Originally I was going to go the acid etch route. But I thought "I just spent $1300 on epoxy. Why am I going cheap on the prep?". So I found a place that rented a grinder with the diamond inserts for $175 a day. Thats a small price to pay to do it once and to do it right.