Epoxy install: need spikes if no flakes?

[Mikaman]

Been reading all the great posts on this forum ... I'm about to install Epoxy-Coat, and I don't plan to use any flakes. So do I need the spiked shoes? I have a really long extension pole for the roller, so it seems like I should be able to back-roll each section without having to step on it.

Also, a thread on another site highly recommended a NOTCHED squeegee to spread the epoxy, but the Epoxy-Coat instructions don't mention this. Has anyone used a notched squeegee? I can't find such a thing in the local stores, but I can certainly put notches in a regular squeegee.

 

[dcs Inc]

Too many guys just try to roll it out, thinking they have the thickness correct to only find out they are way short nearing the end. The notched squeegee is made to install an even thickness on the floor. Still need to back roll. Spike shoes are really a good idea to have. You never know when you have to get back into the middle to pick out that horse fly that decided to glue itself to the middle of the floor. They are pretty cheap. I think we sell them for $20.00. No, that doesn't include shipping. The 24" aluminum frame with a 1/8" notch insert is $37.00. These are nice ones. I'm sure you can find cheaper on both.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Ditto. Walking into fresh epoxy without spikes is dangerous.

 

[dcs Inc]

?, cough up a couple bucks and get some spikes. There are different profiles, get the pointed ones and not the blunt ends. Make sure you tighten and clean the spikes well before you use them so you don't contaminate the epoxy. Sometimes there may be a protective coating, (silicone) sprayed on them.

 

[munkey]

Also practice walking in them for a few minutes. In a "regular walk", your heel raises and your foot bends to put your weight on the ball of your foot before lifting off the ground. If you try to do this with spiked shoes on, you will fall and 1. hurt yourself, 2. embarrass yourself, 3. get covered with epoxy, or 4. all of the above. The correct technique is to very deliberately raise each leg high and then lower it, keeping the shoe perpendicular to the floor.

You also have to make an effort to remain conscious of what shoes you are wearing at all times. Your instinct will be to eventually stop worrying about your feet and instead concentrate solely on the epoxy job, and that is when you are at risk. Ask me how I know!

 

[OneAkela]

Too many guys just try to roll it out, thinking they have the thickness correct to only find out they are way short nearing the end. The notched squeegee is made to install an even thickness on the floor. Still need to back roll. Spike shoes are really a good idea to have. You never know when you have to get back into the middle to pick out that horse fly that decided to glue itself to the middle of the floor. They are pretty cheap. I think we sell them for $20.00. No, that doesn't include shipping. The 24" aluminum frame with a 1/8" notch insert is $37.00. These are nice ones. I'm sure you can find cheaper on both.

Gene-- Epoxy-Coat gets to a thickness of 9.7 mils. Doesn't that call for a 1/16" notch rather than a 1/8"? Can you clarify?

 

[dcs Inc]

Ok...... Most of my installers apply at a higher mil thickness. I forgot you guys pull it really thin. So you are correct. The 1/16" is what you are looking for. My applicators use the 1/8" and push forward to get their 10 mil primer coat. gene

 

[csp]

Just to play the devil's advocate, had I not used flakes I would have had no need whatsoever to walk on my epoxy.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who's had a successful install with a regular squeegee.

 

[OneAkela]

You never know when you have to get back into the middle to pick out that horse fly that decided to glue itself to the middle of the floor.

Yes, but one day that fly will be preserved so well, that future scientists will marvel at it and pay top dollar for "fossilized fly preserved in epoxy"...