Epoxy for recently leveled basement floor

[TXBDan]

Hi all,

I've been doing some research here, but most is related to garage floors.

I have an old basement and just had the floor leveled. The old floor was ground up so any loose bits were removed, a layer of epoxy water mitigation, then a layer (up to 2" in places) of self leveling cement was put down. Finally a finish coat went on today.

The basement has a workshop area and a gym area. Nothing too high traffic. I just want a basic gray epoxy painted floor. I'm thinking about going with Rustoleum Epoxy Shield Basement. It's 2 part epoxy and water based. Seems easy enough.

1. I suppose I should do moisture tests to determine when my cement is fully dry? I plan to wait two weeks, hopefully that is enough time.

2. I don't plan to clean or prep since its brand new cement. Sound ok?

3. The directions for this only mention one coat. Would it be a good idea to do two layers? I don't think it'd be the end of the world to buy more and touch up later if I ever needed.

Think this is an ok plan for light home use? I'm not opposed to spending a little more, but I don't want to spend weeks on this project. :0D

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi, just a note of caution that most levelers do require some prep before coating so check with your manufacturer of what you put down for the proper prep procedure for coating. Lack of proper prep could cause peeling and such which would not be a problem with the coating, but with the installation.

On basements with our epoxy most people don't want to use acid etch, so we recommend mopping down with a water/TSP solution, and then again with water only to clean, and let fully dry. Heat and fans help greatly in these confined spaces to help with floor drying.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hi all,

I've been doing some research here, but most is related to garage floors.

I have an old basement and just had the floor leveled. The old floor was ground up so any loose bits were removed, a layer of epoxy water mitigation, then a layer (up to 2" in places) of self leveling cement was put down. Finally a finish coat went on today.

The basement has a workshop area and a gym area. Nothing too high traffic. I just want a basic gray epoxy painted floor. I'm thinking about going with Rustoleum Epoxy Shield Basement. It's 2 part epoxy and water based. Seems easy enough.

1. I suppose I should do moisture tests to determine when my cement is fully dry? I plan to wait two weeks, hopefully that is enough time.

2. I don't plan to clean or prep since its brand new cement. Sound ok?

3. The directions for this only mention one coat. Would it be a good idea to do two layers? I don't think it'd be the end of the world to buy more and touch up later if I ever needed.

Think this is an ok plan for light home use? I'm not opposed to spending a little more, but I don't want to spend weeks on this project. :0D

You need to etch or grind or coatings will fail.
You definitely want to do a moisture test in a basement

Legacy industrial has some breathable acrylics and stains that might be a better bet. My gym in the garage and I use the Norsk gym tiles we sell

 

[TomC750]

Hi, just a note of caution that most levelers do require some prep before coating so check with your manufacturer of what you put down for the proper prep procedure for coating. Lack of proper prep could cause peeling and such which would not be a problem with the coating, but with the installation.

On basements with our epoxy most people don't want to use acid etch, so we recommend mopping down with a water/TSP solution, and then again with water only to clean, and let fully dry. Heat and fans help greatly in these confined spaces to help with floor drying.

Why do most people do not want to use acid etch on a basement floor? I did note that the instructions for the Rustoleum product I bought says not to use etch on a basement floor. The floor is going on 3 years old with no issues. Going the TSP route will likely be easier as I will use less water.

 

[Shea]

Why do most people do not want to use acid etch on a basement floor? I did note that the instructions for the Rustoleum product I bought says not to use etch on a basement floor. The floor is going on 3 years old with no issues. Going the TSP route will likely be easier as I will use less water.

Muriatic acid etch solutions create a caustic vapor that you do not want in an enclosed space, particularly in a home. Most of the citric acid etches that Rust-Oleum provides in their kits are safe to use indoors.

 

[TomC750]

Muriatic acid etch solutions create a caustic vapor that you do not want in an enclosed space, particularly in a home. Most of the citric acid etches that Rust-Oleum provides in their kits are safe to use indoors.

Thanks Shea, I suspected as much. The etch in the kit is citric, but the instructions say not to use an acid etch in a basement, so I won't I guess.

 

[FJ4FUN]

Strongly suggest sticking to a 100% solids epoxy system in basement applications to avoid excessive fumes.