Epoxyshield Pro., Tech support says I cant acid etch, use grinder.

[FL_Javelin]

First all I want to say glad to be here. This is the message board I have been looking for ever since I started my garage back in Jan. After decades of desiring, years of planning and saving, months of permitting, weeks doing the concrete, they built it in 2 days. Heres the garage so far:

Lots to do still, driveway pour is next.

I have 2 kits of Rustoleum Epoxyshield Professional which outlines acid etching but after talking to tech support they do not recomend it with a metal building saying it will damage the metal it touches. As you can see, my garage is all metal. They say I need to grind the floor using a diamond grinder not carbide (sp).

Any help in using the grinder? Do you all agree its not wise to acid etch?

I've read all the threads, most anyways, about Epoxyshield and the product still scares the hell out of me.

Thanks

 

[sjsfire]

I'd probably have to agree with the tech. Acid will do damage you your metal. I read here I think that when someone was acid etching the fumes affected his stereo. I haven't done my garage yet, I'm waiting for spring at this point. But just to be safe I'm going to remove everything in my garage including the stereo and my TV. It might cost you more to diamond grind the floor but with metal you should stay away from the acid etch....corrosion!!

 

[FL_Javelin]

Thanks SJS. I do think I will stay away from the acid, several other people I have talked to that know more than me (but thats not saying much!) agree, no acid.

Another friend who owns a concrete business thinks a good pressure cleaning and scrubing would be more than enough. This is new (2 1/2 months old) concrete, no stains or oil, no traffic, finished smooth.

I've read numerous threads here on preperation is the key, and I agree but what would acid etching do that a good pressure cleaning, stiff brush scrubbing would not?

I am just trying to think of alternatives to acid ecthing other than grinding. I am also open to other flooring options

 

[JohnHenrys48]

what would acid etching do that a good pressure cleaning, stiff brush scrubbing would not?

For the epoxy to work it needs a good mechanical bond with the surface. The etching breaks up the surface of the concrete almost making it like sand paper...allowing a good bond. The same thing can be achieved with a grinder or shot-peening. Just allows more places for the epoxy to attach.