Epoxy Flooring Suggestions - DIY

[Radams2233]

Hi all,

I would like to ask for some advice. I had a bad experience with a contractor putting in an epoxy flooring (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/epoxy-polyaspartic-floor-fuming.509409/). I eventually resolved it by taking out the flooring and drywall and leveling compounds they used. I've leveled my pad now with Mapei Surface Renew Fine. So I am now very gun shy on my next steps. My concerns are:

1. I need NO or very low VOC epoxy (or other product) because I do NOT want to go through this nightmare again.
2. I've spent stupid money on it all now to put in, take and and fix. So I don't want to blow the bank - but not at the compromise of a decent product.
3. I would like to do it myself. I'm not overly excited to use a contractor again.
4. The Mapei product is lighter then the concrete pad i have, so something that will cover the 2 colors is important.
5. Total of 650 sqf size garage. 3 stalls.
6. Want something that lasts, but the economics of it should make sense.

Currently, I'm thinking of the Rust-Oleum Rock Solid product but it's not cheap, looks like it needs 2 applications and i would need a total of 6-8 packages of it at 300 each. Adds up.

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[thammel]

Check out the armorpoxy package. I did 3 separate layers, each being a 2 part epoxy (primer, color coat with chips and clear coat). I did this 5 years ago and covered 820 square feet for less than $1000. Pretty sure that was the cost. And the results are great!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hi all,

I would like to ask for some advice. I had a bad experience with a contractor putting in an epoxy flooring (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/epoxy-polyaspartic-floor-fuming.509409/). I eventually resolved it by taking out the flooring and drywall and leveling compounds they used. I've leveled my pad now with Mapei Surface Renew Fine. So I am now very gun shy on my next steps. My concerns are:

1. I need NO or very low VOC epoxy (or other product) because I do NOT want to go through this nightmare again.
2. I've spent stupid money on it all now to put in, take and and fix. So I don't want to blow the bank - but not at the compromise of a decent product.
3. I would like to do it myself. I'm not overly excited to use a contractor again.
4. The Mapei product is lighter then the concrete pad i have, so something that will cover the 2 colors is important.
5. Total of 650 sqf size garage. 3 stalls.
6. Want something that lasts, but the economics of it should make sense.

Currently, I'm thinking of the Rust-Oleum Rock Solid product but it's not cheap, looks like it needs 2 applications and i would need a total of 6-8 packages of it at 300 each. Adds up.

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

1. I need NO or very low VOC epoxy (or other products) because I do NOT want to go through this nightmare again.

OK That leaves polyurea out . But the question becomes how far do you want to go and what are the tradeoffs. For example, you could do a SoCal system that is a water-based primer, 100% solids epoxy and clear epoxy on top. Personally I would prefer a urethane top coat. But that will have some VOC.

2. I've spent stupid money on it all now to put in, take and fix. So I don't want to blow the bank - but not at the compromise of a decent product.

A good 100%-solids system will not be cheap. https://www.garageflooringllc.com/product/100-percent-solids-diy-epoxy-kits/

I would like to do it myself. I'm not overly excited to use a contractor again.

We walk people through this all the time.

The Mapei product is lighter then the concrete pad i have, so something that will cover the 2 colors is important.

Would not be an issue


Currently, I'm thinking of the Rust-Oleum Rock Solid product but it's not cheap, looks like it needs 2 applications and i would need a total of 6-8 packages of it at 300 each. Adds up.

You should really do some more research on this There are quality people here that can get you a quality product. Us, Legacy, Armorpoxy, Wolverine etc.

 

[CoRestore]

Hi all,

I would like to ask for some advice. I had a bad experience with a contractor putting in an epoxy flooring (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/epoxy-polyaspartic-floor-fuming.509409/). I eventually resolved it by taking out the flooring and drywall and leveling compounds they used. I've leveled my pad now with Mapei Surface Renew Fine. So I am now very gun shy on my next steps. My concerns are:

1. I need NO or very low VOC epoxy (or other product) because I do NOT want to go through this nightmare again.
2. I've spent stupid money on it all now to put in, take and and fix. So I don't want to blow the bank - but not at the compromise of a decent product.
3. I would like to do it myself. I'm not overly excited to use a contractor again.
4. The Mapei product is lighter then the concrete pad i have, so something that will cover the 2 colors is important.
5. Total of 650 sqf size garage. 3 stalls.
6. Want something that lasts, but the economics of it should make sense.

Currently, I'm thinking of the Rust-Oleum Rock Solid product but it's not cheap, looks like it needs 2 applications and i would need a total of 6-8 packages of it at 300 each. Adds up.

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

Hi Radams,

I would use 100% Epoxy for the basecoat, flake into it, followed by a Polyaspartic top coat. They make very low VOC applications. The smell is usually gone within 24 hours. Make sure you prep the concrete with Diamond grinding, or shot blasting first.

If you do it yourself, make sure you take the time on the prep work. If you have stem walls you will not need to grind those.

If you don't have a grinder, rent one or you could hand grind the floor but its going to take some time.

If you have any questions: Https://www.coloradoconcreterestoration.com 303-222-0061. We do these installs daily! We can walk you through it. thanks.