sounds like your dotting your I's and crossing your T's. I've attached a few basics about epoxy floors and polyasparics to help you further understand your options? SEE PRO AND CON SHEET LISTED BELOW:
Assuming his diamonds are in good shape,the Werkmester prep machine should make short work of the existing Rustoleum products. That's a good thing!
Glad to hear you guys discussed moisture transfer, if he used the same products on your neighbors and it's performing than you should be in good shape!
Let me know should you have questions?
good luck!
Epoxy Coatings vs. Polyaspartic Coatings
Ever since the construction of the first concrete floor, humanity has searched for a way to protect and beautify the surface. Epoxy coatings have been around for some time and have been popular protectors of concrete floors Fairly new to the party, polyurea polyaspartic coatings have quickly become the darlings of those who want a fast dry time. Let’s examine each of these contenders and see how they stack up against each other.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxies are resin polymers composed of epoxide units, which are cyclic three-atom ether rings containing an oxygen atom and two carbon side-groups. The triangular units are electronically strained and are therefore quite reactive. Normally, epoxy resin is formed by reacting bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin, but variants popular for concrete floor applications include novolac and aliphatic epoxy resins. A typical application consists of an epoxy primer, a color base coat and two layers of polyurethane. 100% broadcast flake will eliminate yellowing concerns
Pros:
Not expensive
Creates a hard, beautiful finish
You have many finish options, including color and mix-ins
Highly durable
Resistant to chemicals
Good adhesion — won’t lift
Long pot life, allowing application with a manual gun
Cons:
Less flexible and less resistant to abrasion
Can be somewhat difficult to apply in hot or cold conditions
Has a long drying time
Has potentially hazardous vapors, although new formulations address this
May not be colorfast — subject to fading or yellowing from UV exposure, though many formulations include UV protection
Cannot be applied when temperature below freezing
Polyaspartic Coatings
First introduced in the 1990’s, polyaspartic coatings derive from aliphatic polyisocyanate reacting with polyaspartic ester, a diamine. The compound is known as an aliphatic polyurea, which is quite different from conventional polyureas and in many ways superior. By tailoring the relative amount of the ester, scientists can craft a variety of coatings with different characteristics. For garage floor applications, the ester is the main component, resulting in low emissions and quick drying. When applied to grey concrete floors, polyaspartic coatings produce a glossy, almost watery tone that customers can color. In some applications, decorative chips are broadcast on the still-wet topcoat.
Pros:
Easier application in a wide variety of weather and temperature conditions
Hard, smooth finish that is stain- and scratch-resistant, good for high-traffic areas
Clear and non-sticky when dry
Fast drying times, cures to full strength in 1/2 to 1 hour
Colors and decorative chips available
Colorfast, even when applied to slightly damp concrete
Low VOCs and odor
Low viscosity gives its good wetting ability on concrete, but requires reduced percentage of solids
High, controllable film build-up
Less likely to bubble from outgassing
Cons:
Relatively new product, professional application recommended
Short pot life requires use of automatic application guns
Two to three times more expensive to purchase and apply
Must avoid high moisture vapor emission rate conditions when applying
Might have to thin the first coat for better adhesion
Doesn’t stand up as well to battery acids
Very slippery when wet, so a top aggregate such as chips recommended
Well Said!