Final prep questions before starting my epoxy job

[Naplesbound]

Hey guys, so I had another thread going about my epoxy flooring but just wanted to ask a few prep questions before starting the job. I have already used a Diamabrush but with a rented Home Depot machine and done most of the heavy prep on the floor. I wasn't however able to get into the corners or get the kick plates, which seem to be of a different consistency anyways. I have a 5" orbital sander, but it doesn't seem to take long to burn through a 60 grit pad. In all honesty, it doesn't seem like it is doing much of anything really.

So, to the quick questions and the photos:

1. Here are the before and after shots of all the machining. Do you feel this is satisfactory:
Before:

 

[Naplesbound]

Here is the after:

 

[Naplesbound]

It seems as if there is still a varying degree by looking at the floors various shades. Is this normal and ok to proceed?

 

[Naplesbound]

As for the kick plates, here is a close up of spot along the kick plate. Is this ok to epoxy over or will it show through? It also seems as if it is not "sealed"

 

[Naplesbound]

Keep in mind, this is an all new slab that was poured about a year ago. I only parked in the garage maybe a handful of times. Maybe I am over analyzing it, but I am OCD and really want to do a bang on job. Wanting it to be as perfect as possible.

Thanks for all help guys, I really appreciate it.

Chris

 

[NitroShark]

Use surfacing epoxy for the kick plates or you will see the irregularities.

To get all the way to the edges you should use a hand grinder with a flip up edge dust guard like below. Notice how close I could get to the edges with this type of tool.

Test pour a splash of water in the areas of question and you should not see any “beading” up of water only it soaking in.

Then you are good to go.

Shawn

 

[O RLY]

We use a Metabo hand grinder for edging and then vacuum and blow out the floor before applying epoxy base coat and resin chips. Your floor should be pretty soft since it's only about a year old.

 

[Naplesbound]

Well I have a couple of Makita Angle grinders. Ill just use those with a standard grinding disc to get the job done then... If that sounds about right.

And surfacing epoxy? I am not sure if I follow you. (Sorry, definite newbie to this kind of stuff). Wouldn't using the grinder take care of that? Also, do you recommend using a wire wheel or the grinding disc? Thanks

Chris

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Chris, you need a grinder with either a diamond cup wheel or a diamabrush concrete hand tool attached. The grinder needs to be outfitted with a shroud, connected to a vac for dust.

This can be used around the perimeter. A walk behind edco grindet or buffer with a diamabrush concrete prep tool should be used for the bulk of it.

If you are into self-punishment use the small grinder for the entire job.


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[Naplesbound]

Scotty, I used your advice and rented the machine and did the bulk of the garage with the buffer and Diamabrush bit. Now just trying to get into the corners. I spoke to Home Depot and they don't have the Diamabrush hand grinder bit, but they do have the diamond discs in hardware that I could attach to my angle grinder. I don't have a way to keep the dust down, but I can just hose it out when done and let dry for a few days. Shouldn't be a problem. I just didn't realize how much prep work has to go into a job like this with new concrete. I can only imagine an old slab!!

Chris

 

[teamextreme]

The diamond disc from the hardware dept is what I got for my 4.5" hand grinder to get the corners. Worked great. I also did not have a dust collection method, unless you count my clothes and hair, but they did a terrible job. There's a huge mess to clean up after the diamabrushing, this just adds more of the same to it. Be prepared though, you will be doused in concrete dust as you are right down in it when grinding. You absolutely need a good respirator, not a cheapo paper dust mask.

 

[NitroShark]

And surfacing epoxy? I am not sure if I follow you. (Sorry, definite newbie to this kind of stuff). Chris

That's the "white stuff" in the photo, 100% epoxy won't shrink or crack in your control joints and surface irregularities.

Shawn

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Believe it or not, With the right tools and vac equipment an installer can fully prep a floor like yours in under one hour.

If you can't get a diamond cup at thd. Try an abrasive wheel/disc.
If your edging is slight, this might just do it.