EpoxyMaster or Epoxy-Coat... Noob needs help.

[jaysen]

So I've got roughly 600 sq. ft to cover for my 3 car garage. I've got a budget of +/- $600 this number should include tools/mateiral.. I've been doing my research and have narrowed it down to two companies that, from what i've read, both have pretty good reputations producing a quality product at competitive pricing; EpoxyMaster and Epoxy Coat.

As of now, I'm leaning a little more towards the EpoxyMaster because of the recent threads I've read involving two members clear coats yellowing with Epoxy Coat however I've not shut the door on them just yet...

Reason for my post is simple - Which would you suggest, and why - if neither, suggest a different company that falls in my price range. Also, ideally I would like to seal either product with a Clear to give it a nice glossy shine and add extra protection... Is it possible to add clear to the EpoxyMaster since it dries glossy?

lastly, what are some cost saving ideas you have when purchasing tools/materials - someone mentioned a gentlemen on ebay but I couldn't find him/business.

 

[TheBanker]

I used epoxy-coat and love it. Keep in mind the yellowing is a different product under performance epoxy company. There has not been any problems with the epoxy-coat.

 

[gabeancounter]

This is the guy with the supplies on the cheap. Also sells epoxy. The next floor I do (main garage) I will probably give them a shot.

http://myworld.ebay.com/norkan_inc/

EC products seem to be holding up better than PE products but if you have a warranty problem with either "look out here comes the shaft!"

 

[jaysen]

Bean & Banker,

Thanks for the replies.... Just realized Epoxy-Coat and Performance Coat are two different products by the same company - which is the superior of the two ?

Also thanks for the link... I saw that he sells epoxy, however anything NOT in a kit im afraid to purchase - remember the title; NOOB needs help. On that note anyone reading this thread ever try the stuff from Norkan ? his prices look competitive.

I'll be posting some pictures here shortly of my garage to give you guys an idea of what I'm working with. I just moved, swept, and power washed everything with plans to start sometime this weekend. An idiotic move on my part, I forgot to check the weather. I've been so spoiled with Southern California weather that I forgot what rain was. Unfortunately were due for some Tue night/Wed morning so everything I put outside needs to go back in

luckily its not much however with everything out right now do you guys suggest I go purchase some etching solution now and etch the garage today, then later on during the week move everything out again and do a real quick sweep/power wash once more ?

What product should I purchase from home depot to etch... I read on these boards that most etching solution is a form muriatic acid - true ?

 

[TheBanker]

I etched a couple weeks before I put the epoxy down and yes from HD. I would not use performance epoxy at this time until they fix the yellowing problem. I saw the norkad stuff and I don't remember why I didn't choose it, maybe because no kit. Make sure and plan to leave enough time for the concrete to dry before coating. It seems mine always took a couple/few days. I did get my paint chips from those guys, good guys. Remember also the epoxy is shipped slowly so plan on that too.

 

[rugerlady]

the Epoxy-Coat is the better product. It is 100% solids, cycloaliphatic epoxy. Let me know if you would like more info on it.

 

[jaysen]

Thanks again for all the replies, I went ahead and purchased my kit(s) directly from EpoxyMaster - It's being mixed tomorrow and shipped same day. I followed the advice from another post and contacted them directly. I was given the Costco only pricing ($250) + purchased the mini/half-kit for the remainder ($180). Total was $464 including some extra Fleck/Chips.

I plan on heading to home depot tonight to purchase some degreaser/muriatic acid and complete the etch today/tomorrow.... Once my epoxy comes in, i'll rent a diamond grinder and finish the floors with that and maybe use the solvent that comes in the kit (most likely not). Overkill, perhaps but from everything I've read the finish results are highly dependent on the prep work - I wanna make certain this comes out GREAT

Also, can anyone recommend a clear that is readily available from Home Depot or Lowes... The rep from EpoxyMaster I spoke to stated with their stuff a clear is not needed however, I'd like the added protection... If HD or Lowes doesn't sell quality Clear, recommend on online place to purchase it from ?

One last question, Is there a ratio of Aluminum Oxide to mix ? I wanna make certain theres enough set down so there's no slippery areas. One thing i've noticed with EpoxyMaster compared to others I've read (unless im wrong) it is applied in the same manner of flake/fleck/chips - sprinkled after its back rolled.

 

[jaysen]

So here are some pics of my garage... In addition to the questions above this post... Do you think I'll have any issues with applying epoxy over this "rubber" spacer between the foundation and cement floor... Don't worry I plan on filling the crack

 

[jaysen]

A couple more questions to ask, however if no one answers them here I'll go ahead and start a new thread...

Is there a problem applying Etch after a floor is diamond grind'd ? I ask because, there are small areas I could not reach with the 10" grinder but want to make sure the surface is well prepped before hand - applying etch and scrubbing with a small scrubber seems like the only way

 

[TheBanker]

As far as I have heard no, there is no problem using etching after grinding.

 

[rugerlady]

There is no problem with using the etch after you grind. Make sure you rinse it at least 3 times.