Epoxy Flooring Step by Step DIY Guide?

[black roadster]

Hello Everyone

A friend turned me onto this forum when I asked him about doing an epoxy floor. I've searched and haven't seen a definitive step-by-step guide to this. Sorry in advance about the length of this post.

Here's the deal. We will be renting a home from a friend and we will have a month to move in. We plan on staying here for many years and may even buy it down the road. The home owner has given me permission to do as we wish in regards to paint, adding lights and epoxying the floor in the garage.

Now I know, "investing" in a home you don't own is not normal but I use the garage as a car enthusiast. For me, it's no different than painting a room. However, I'm not interested in spending a lot of money for obvious reasons. I'd like to keep total expenses at $300-$400 for the whole project. I say all this so the pro's understand why I don't want to "invest" in a $1,000+ professional job.

The home is about 8 years old, previously owned by an older couple that passed away who just parked in the garage over some carpet remnants. It is a north facing 2 1/2 car garage.

I have not looked closely at the concrete but initial glance appears to be that it is relatively smooth, stain and crack free. It is bare concrete.

I've spent a few hours reading on the forum and online. I now have some questions and observations.

1. Initially I researched reviews on Amazon for the Rustoleum Professional box kit and they were all mostly positive. Having read on this forum, it also receives mostly positive reviews from the DIY'ers. I now see there are better products like Armorpoxy that may offer a similar price with a forum member discount. I will be contacting them individually. So thought on kits in my price range?

2. Floor prep seems to be the most critical aspect. I've heard everything from just a sweep, vacuum and muriatic acid wash to renting a floor grinder with different types of discs and multiple vacuuming and power washing. I'm assuming its recommended to tape some plastic on the walls to protect them. What do I REALLY need to do?

3. Benefits and drawbacks to the paint flakes? Do you need to sand them down? I like the looks of the paint flakes but is it harder to find dropped screws? I read they hide imperfections. Lot's of reviews say the more flakes the better, true? With a red tool box and gray and black shelves, what color flakes? I'm thinking light gray epoxy with black, red and dark gray flakes. Black, gray and blue seems more neutral though.

4. Anti-skid? We live in Dallas, Texas so we rarely get snow but we get rain. I will be working on the floor, under the car on occasion so yes or no?

5. How many coats? Is one 2 1/2 car garage kit enough?

6. Paint walls first or floor first? I plan on doing the walls later if that's OK. Do you do the whole garage or one side at a time. It seems lawn aerating spiked sandles are something the vendors sell. Are these recommended. Yes or no?

7. While the paint dries does the garage door need to be left open or can you close it? How long until we can use the floor?

8. Do you need a respirator and/or a fan for this project? What other tools will be needed?

Thanks for your time! I'll definitely create another DIY thread with the knowledge I learn from the project.

 

[texas-saluki]

Floor Prep is the most important part of the job... the better the prep the better the product will last. I would rent the Dyma Grinder from Home Depot... it will take some time but will ensure you get a good bond.

I am in Dallas and did not use a anti-skid but did have flakes which helps but when it is wet it can be slippery.

for tools take a look at the kits some of the better coatings sell such as http://www.legacyindustrial.net/

Your color choices for flakes seem good... you can have heavy or light. The clear coat is critical over the top of it all if you do.

I would do the walls first so you don't have to worry about drips as the grinder is going to take everything off

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hello Everyone

A friend turned me onto this forum when I asked him about doing an epoxy floor. I've searched and haven't seen a definitive step-by-step guide to this. Sorry in advance about the length of this post.

Here's the deal. We will be renting a home from a friend and we will have a month to move in. We plan on staying here for many years and may even buy it down the road. The home owner has given me permission to do as we wish in regards to paint, adding lights and epoxying the floor in the garage.

Now I know, "investing" in a home you don't own is not normal but I use the garage as a car enthusiast. For me, it's no different than painting a room. However, I'm not interested in spending a lot of money for obvious reasons. I'd like to keep total expenses at $300-$400 for the whole project. I say all this so the pro's understand why I don't want to "invest" in a $1,000+ professional job.

The home is about 8 years old, previously owned by an older couple that passed away who just parked in the garage over some carpet remnants. It is a north facing 2 1/2 car garage.

I have not looked closely at the concrete but initial glance appears to be that it is relatively smooth, stain and crack free. It is bare concrete.

I've spent a few hours reading on the forum and online. I now have some questions and observations.

1. Initially I researched reviews on Amazon for the Rustoleum Professional box kit and they were all mostly positive. Having read on this forum, it also receives mostly positive reviews from the DIY'ers. I now see there are better products like Armorpoxy that may offer a similar price with a forum member discount. I will be contacting them individually. So thought on kits in my price range?

2. Floor prep seems to be the most critical aspect. I've heard everything from just a sweep, vacuum and muriatic acid wash to renting a floor grinder with different types of discs and multiple vacuuming and power washing. I'm assuming its recommended to tape some plastic on the walls to protect them. What do I REALLY need to do?

3. Benefits and drawbacks to the paint flakes? Do you need to sand them down? I like the looks of the paint flakes but is it harder to find dropped screws? I read they hide imperfections. Lot's of reviews say the more flakes the better, true? With a red tool box and gray and black shelves, what color flakes? I'm thinking light gray epoxy with black, red and dark gray flakes. Black, gray and blue seems more neutral though.

4. Anti-skid? We live in Dallas, Texas so we rarely get snow but we get rain. I will be working on the floor, under the car on occasion so yes or no?

5. How many coats? Is one 2 1/2 car garage kit enough?

6. Paint walls first or floor first? I plan on doing the walls later if that's OK. Do you do the whole garage or one side at a time. It seems lawn aerating spiked sandles are something the vendors sell. Are these recommended. Yes or no?

7. While the paint dries does the garage door need to be left open or can you close it? How long until we can use the floor?

8. Do you need a respirator and/or a fan for this project? What other tools will be needed?

Thanks for your time! I'll definitely create another DIY thread with the knowledge I learn from the project.

Respirator: Check with whoever you end up purchasing from. Often not required but a good idea on solvent based products and top coats.

Ventilation: Ventilation is key, but leaving a garage door open, can sometimes present issues, so you need to be smart about it. You want to make sure nothing is going to blow on your wet floor and stick to it, and often it is not good to have direct sun beat down on part of the floor.

When to Paint: Personal choice. The last time I had walls done first it was a real PITA because they got stuff on the floor they should not have and it added to my prep work. Just make sure they cover the floor and respect your hard work. It seems people are more likely to do that when it is bright and shiney.

How Many Coats: Depends on the product you end up with and the look you want to achieve. For most of our epoxy systems there is a single primer coat, single base coat and a coat of urethane. Full broadcast systems will vary and you will need at least two coats of urethane or a combo clear epoxy and urethane.

Anti Skid: Wet floors can be slick. Especially with urethane. I would use anti skid, but not all anti skid is created equal.

Flakes: 1# / 100 Sq. Ft is a nice look that is also affordable. They are decorative.

Prep: Epoxy = Grind or better. Some products like the Rust Bullet urethane coatings we sell just require a clean, dry floor. I am not a fan of acid etching on older floors. Its done all the time, but you just don't know the history and a diamond grind is safer.

Stay away from coatings in pretty packages Armorpoxy, Legacy, myself (garageflooringllc.com) and many others on the forum have quality industrial products and the willingness to help you through. Benwah also seems to have tons of connections and can likely hook you up with someone.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Floor Prep is the most important part of the job... the better the prep the better the product will last. I would rent the Dyma Grinder from Home Depot... it will take some time but will ensure you get a good bond.

I am in Dallas and did not use a anti-skid but did have flakes which helps but when it is wet it can be slippery.

for tools take a look at the kits some of the better coatings sell such as http://www.legacyindustrial.net/

Your color choices for flakes seem good... you can have heavy or light. The clear coat is critical over the top of it all if you do.

I would do the walls first so you don't have to worry about drips as the grinder is going to take everything off

Much obliged Stranger!

 

[frank001]

This is how my epoxy floor looks and how I did it:


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284998&highlight=frank001

 

[black roadster]

Thanks everyone for the information. I was able to do some measurements and get some photos. The house is still getting cleared out.

Garage dimensions - 19' 8" x 17' 8" (The raised area is about 3" tall)

Storage Area - 13' 8" x 3' 6"

The slab is in very good shape but not perfect. There are just a few oil spots, some minor cracks and some rough spots. I've attached a link to some photos.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wcurran/shares/505x2p

My biggest concern is the rough edges of the raised parts at the front of the floor by the driveway and inside at the back where the 3" raised position is. The step-up is very rough on the vertical plane. How will I smooth this out? I assume the other problems are easy fixes.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Thanks everyone for the information. I was able to do some measurements and get some photos. The house is still getting cleared out.

Garage dimensions - 19' 8" x 17' 8" (The raised area is about 3" tall)

Storage Area - 13' 8" x 3' 6"

The slab is in very good shape but not perfect. There are just a few oil spots, some minor cracks and some rough spots. I've attached a link to some photos.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wcurran/shares/505x2p

My biggest concern is the rough edges of the raised parts at the front of the floor by the driveway and inside at the back where the 3" raised position is. The step-up is very rough on the vertical plane. How will I smooth this out? I assume the other problems are easy fixes.

Angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HotrodHR]

Hello Everyone

A friend turned me onto this forum when I asked him about doing an epoxy floor. I've searched and haven't seen a definitive step-by-step guide to this. Sorry in advance about the length of this post.

Here's the deal. We will be renting a home from a friend and we will have a month to move in. We plan on staying here for many years and may even buy it down the road. The home owner has given me permission to do as we wish in regards to paint, adding lights and epoxying the floor in the garage.

Now I know, "investing" in a home you don't own is not normal but I use the garage as a car enthusiast. For me, it's no different than painting a room. However, I'm not interested in spending a lot of money for obvious reasons. I'd like to keep total expenses at $300-$400 for the whole project. I say all this so the pro's understand why I don't want to "invest" in a $1,000+ professional job.

The home is about 8 years old, previously owned by an older couple that passed away who just parked in the garage over some carpet remnants. It is a north facing 2 1/2 car garage.

I have not looked closely at the concrete but initial glance appears to be that it is relatively smooth, stain and crack free. It is bare concrete.

I've spent a few hours reading on the forum and online. I now have some questions and observations.

1. Initially I researched reviews on Amazon for the Rustoleum Professional box kit and they were all mostly positive. Having read on this forum, it also receives mostly positive reviews from the DIY'ers. I now see there are better products like Armorpoxy that may offer a similar price with a forum member discount. I will be contacting them individually. So thought on kits in my price range?

2. Floor prep seems to be the most critical aspect. I've heard everything from just a sweep, vacuum and muriatic acid wash to renting a floor grinder with different types of discs and multiple vacuuming and power washing. I'm assuming its recommended to tape some plastic on the walls to protect them. What do I REALLY need to do?

3. Benefits and drawbacks to the paint flakes? Do you need to sand them down? I like the looks of the paint flakes but is it harder to find dropped screws? I read they hide imperfections. Lot's of reviews say the more flakes the better, true? With a red tool box and gray and black shelves, what color flakes? I'm thinking light gray epoxy with black, red and dark gray flakes. Black, gray and blue seems more neutral though.

4. Anti-skid? We live in Dallas, Texas so we rarely get snow but we get rain. I will be working on the floor, under the car on occasion so yes or no?

5. How many coats? Is one 2 1/2 car garage kit enough?

6. Paint walls first or floor first? I plan on doing the walls later if that's OK. Do you do the whole garage or one side at a time. It seems lawn aerating spiked sandles are something the vendors sell. Are these recommended. Yes or no?

7. While the paint dries does the garage door need to be left open or can you close it? How long until we can use the floor?

8. Do you need a respirator and/or a fan for this project? What other tools will be needed?

Thanks for your time! I'll definitely create another DIY thread with the knowledge I learn from the project.

You can find my floor project musings on garagejournal at:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192328&highlight=HotrodHR

I think the key to doing this (and other projects) is to dispense with the "hand wringing" and get to it. Also, follow the manufacturer's instructions...

Good luck!

 

[MagicMarker]

Here's my epoxy experience.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=298129

 

[black roadster]

Thinking of using Rust Bullet unless someone has a better suggestion. It seems to be the easiest to install for a DIY person.