Fiber Mesh hairs

[jhendric]

GUys,

This is my first post on this site. I did do some searching to see if the topic was covered. I could not find where it had been.


I have a 1000' square foot slab as the floor of my garage. Apparently the builder used Fiber Mesh on my floor...my floor is furry, from other posts I have read to burn the fur with a torch...my problem is that I have already epoxied over the fibers.

I am not happy with my floor. I am looking for suggestions as to what to do from here. I would like to have slick industrial tile as my floor. At this point I assume that would require grinding....am I over my head on this? Should I call in the pros?

 

[kyles974]

First, pics are great if you can post them? We love pics.

I would call the tile floor company and ask them.

There are some very knowlege people here, so they may give you a solution.

(also, I would think if you wanted to stay with an epoxy, you would be able to sand the surface and put down some or more clear and this would solve or help the issue?)

 

[Bad Idea]

Taking care of the fibers is not too hard. You can burn them ahead of time like you mentioned. The other way is to put down a primer, let it cure and then use a rotary scrubber / sander with some 80 or 100 grit sand paper to knock down all the fibers that stick through the primer. Then vacuum and apply your final coats of epoxy.

I realize you probably already have your finish coat down, but if you want to avoid bringing in the pros, you can do the sanding and recoat steps on your own. You can rent a decent Clarke rotary buffer from most rental centers for less than $100. Make sure you get plenty of sandpaper because rookies tend to have quite a leaning curve operating a sander like that and tend to rip quite a few pieces of sandpaper before they get the hang of it.

 

[Bad Idea]

Actually, now that I think about it, it's your house and if you are not in a hurry you could use a smaller sander to do the same thing. It would just take much longer.

Call the epoxy manufacturer and make sure a sand and recoat is OK and you won't have any adhesion issues.

 

[rugerlady]

If the fibers have epoxy on them at this point, you should be able to sand them down and recoat.
I agree that you should consult with the mfg of the epoxy for instructions on a recoat.

 

[rlitman]

I don't see why you still couldn't burn them AFTER the epoxy is applied.

Have you seen the "How its made" episode making shoes? Most shoes (and many other products) pass quickly by a flame after stitching. It melts back the loose threads without damaging anything.
You don't need to burn the epoxy. Anything as thin as a hair will melt down way before the epoxy even gets warm.

 

[tncatadjuster]

NO flame on epoxy if you want to stay alive.
I have had mixed luck sanding them off. Sometimes they just wave back and forth without shearing off.

Usually after sanding them they go away with a second coat.

If there is a silver lining to this cloud, it is that your coating is now mechanically anchored to the slab.

 

[dcs Inc]

NO flame on epoxy if you want to stay alive.
I have had mixed luck sanding them off. Sometimes they just wave back and forth without shearing off.

Usually after sanding them they go away with a second coat.

If there is a silver lining to this cloud, it is that your coating is now mechanically anchored to the slab.

tncatadjuster
Help me understand your statement on no flames on epoxy. I have mainly been exposed to just a couple different brands and when doing counter tops, I will use open flames to move/blend colors in wet epoxy. I've also have used open flames to dry a deglossed primer coats. Just wondering if I've missed something. gene

 

[tncatadjuster]

tncatadjuster
Help me understand your statement on no flames on epoxy. I have mainly been exposed to just a couple different brands and when doing counter tops, I will use open flames to move/blend colors in wet epoxy. I've also have used open flames to dry a deglossed primer coats. Just wondering if I've missed something. gene

I have been warned to never get flames near epoxy, I always applied that thought to cured epoxy.

I have no exposure to your methods, also I'm old, don't let it bother you, flame away.

 

[dcs Inc]

Hey I'm getten there too. The only thing I can think of is a less than 100% solids epoxy with a solvent additive. That would only be for wet though. As far as open flame on hardened epoxy, yes it will damge it if you "burn" it. Never had a problem warming it up.

 

[Parrish416]

This is my first post on this site. I did do some searching to see if the topic was covered.

 

[jhendric]

Thanks guys... I can also rent a grinder which I have read is the best way to prep for epoxy anyway.... How hard is a grinder to operate for a novice? Also I assume I would also need to rent the 'edger' to get in the corners...

Thanks for the help....I tried to get some photos with my I phone... They didn't come out too dark...