Epoxy vs Acid Stain w/ Acrylic

[dredger]

Hello,

I've bought a new house with a concrete garage floor that I want treated. I plan on having it done professionally.

The use of the garage is for parking and occassional projects, very light duty in terms of hobbie work.

I only want it surfaced so it looks nice, and also to make it easier to clean, ie sweep and mop.

I like the natural concrete color, but also want it to shine some. I had thought epoxy would be best, but one guy suggested acid stain with acrylic finish.

Anyone have an opinion on that? Be great if someone could give me some pro's/cons on either plan.

Does $2-$2.50 a square foot seem a reasonable price for either option, considering it's brand new with no stains. (3-car garage, about 650 sq ft)

Thanks for any help

 

[AlphaGarage]

$2.50 seems reasonable for a acid satin w sealer, but frankly that's too low for an epoxy system, I'd be real concerned about the quality of the materials at that price. And that would lead me to question the quality of the project overall. I know different regions and contractors work on different margins, but that is really cheap for any market, and by "cheap" I don't mean "good value," I mean big box store watered down epoxy that may or may not last 2 years.

Most sealers do not have the chemical resistance, physical durability, and impact absorbing qualities that a good epoxy coating has. But there are high performing quality sealers that outperform low end epoxies.

Get the guy's referrals and call 'em up, while you're at it get another estimate or two, do that due diligence.

 

[ecs guy]

2-2.50 is a good price for the acid and sealer not for a good epoxy. As in everything you get what you you pay for. A good epoxy system should cost somewhere in the 5's

 

[thegarageguy]

I wouldn't recommend an acrylic sealer in a garage but that just me. We normally charge $3 to $8 for an acid stain. It all depends on sqft, current condition and final sealer chosen.

Take Fred's advice and check references, see a job thats a few years old and get a couple more quotes and do the same. Ask for Certificate of Insurance in order to give a deposit.

There are alot of hacks out there. You need to make sure you don't hire one.

 

[rugerlady]

I am going to agree with alpha and the garage guy. Get references and check them, ask to look at jobs at least 2-3 years old. I also would get a copy of their insurance. A reputable company should not have a problem with furnishing these items.