Epoxy or Sealant Under Tiles

[9eight7]

I'll be moving soon and am looking to add a sealer or epoxy for my garage concrete before I lay tiles on top (Swisstrax). The main thing I'm looking for is to protect the concrete from oil or other liquids I spill. What would you recommend for my situation? I may wash my car in my garage in the future, but I'm not hot on the idea quite yet.

If there are better options, please let me know.

 

[FMB4]

Is this new freshly poured concrete? If so, some seal/epoxy companies advise that you let the crete cure for at least 6 months.

 

[Shea]

I'll be moving soon and am looking to add a sealer or epoxy for my garage concrete before I lay tiles on top (Swisstrax). The main thing I'm looking for is to protect the concrete from oil or other liquids I spill. What would you recommend for my situation? I may wash my car in my garage in the future, but I'm not hot on the idea quite yet.

If there are better options, please let me know.

A penetrating sealer will provide protection against deep water intrusion, road salts, and other chemicals that can damage the concrete surface over time. It is easy to apply and fairly inexpensive. However, it will not protect the concrete from oil stains and other fluids that can stain, particularly if it will sit for a while.

The only product that will protect the concrete from staining is an actual coating. If that is your concern, then we would recommend applying one of the low quality DIY epoxy kits that you can get from your local home improvement store. Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is an example. The coating itself may incur staining if oils and other fluids sit for long periods, but it will not allow penetration through the coating.

 

[Garage Flooring]

sealers are less likely to cause the floor to slide than a sealer, but are more likely to let a contaminant soak through

 

[9eight7]

Is this new freshly poured concrete? If so, some seal/epoxy companies advise that you let the crete cure for at least 6 months.

No, this house was built in the late 90's.

A penetrating sealer will provide protection against deep water intrusion, road salts, and other chemicals that can damage the concrete surface over time. It is easy to apply and fairly inexpensive. However, it will not protect the concrete from oil stains and other fluids that can stain, particularly if it will sit for a while.

The only product that will protect the concrete from staining is an actual coating. If that is your concern, then we would recommend applying one of the low quality DIY epoxy kits that you can get from your local home improvement store. Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is an example. The coating itself may incur staining if oils and other fluids sit for long periods, but it will not allow penetration through the coating.

It sounds like a sealer isn't the way to go here based on what you've said.

I have used the Rust-Oleum epoxy kit in the past but was thinking it would be marginally cost more for a better epoxy. I've read that there are several types but if you think the Rust-Oleum will do the job then I may go that route.

sealers are less likely to cause the floor to slide than a sealer, but are more likely to let a contaminant soak through

I may go the epoxy route after Shea's comments.



Thanks everyone!

 

[FMB4]

We had some 'hot tire pick-up' issues with our latex G floor paint. This occurred where the tires sat while parked. We finally placed 18"x 18" rubber backed heavy carpet 'tiles' at all four wheels to avoid this minor problem.

 

[9eight7]

I'll be placing tiles over the floor so I'm not too worried about tire marks. I'm mainly looking for a barrier to keep liquids from discoloring the concrete.

Does anyone have experience with Behr Epoxy from HD? I could buy a few gallons of this to cover the floors for pretty cheap.