Flooring - I'd like to do some welding

[markb57]

Hope I'm not repeating a previous thread here, but I've poked around a bit and not seen this directly addressed.

I'm planning to coat my garage extension floor. 20x30 size. It will be mostly a work area for a vintage car project, other random projects, and maybe some fabrication that would include some welding, with a mancave vibe in one corner. My understanding is that the "normal" epoxy and polyuric choices don't do well with weld splatter, but Hellfire adverts they they are flame robust. I do want it to look nice, but working well is most important. Does anyone have knowledge/experience with this, and/or helpful advice? I appreciate any insight offered!

Thanks,
Mark
Greater Indianapolis

 

[bornbadbob]

Not many floor coverings stand up to weld spatter well. I suggest a piece of 1/8 Steel 2’x4’ directly under where you are working, could even be bigger. Way cheaper than trying to repair the floor down the road.

 

[lolaetype]

Why not put something down when you want to weld and take it up when you are done? They make rubber floor mats specifically for areas where welding takes place. And they make welding blankets to protect areas from spatter but those are generally hung vertically. I don't know how well they would work to protect a floor.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would look for a tarp of some sort that will be resistant to sparks etc. lay that down when you're welding.
otherwise keep it simple & just an oil base paint job and re do it every so often .

 

[bwringer]

I would look for a tarp of some sort that will be resistant to sparks etc. lay that down when you're welding.
otherwise keep it simple & just an oil base paint job and re do it every so often .

Yah, shops that do welding always seem to have bare concrete or simple painted concrete floors.

Now that I think about it, I wonder what sort of exotic fumes are released by epoxy when it's spattered with red-hot bits of steel. I know powder coat gets pretty damn stinky.

Or go super old school, with the blacksmith's classic, a dirt floor. Maybe a fine gravel, one of the grades that packs down easily.

 

[Bert_]

They came up with this crazy new shop floor that holds up to all kinds of use. I think they call it concrete!

 

[kabinenroller]

In my building I do quite a bit of fabrication including welding, grinding, and machining. I have a small room were the machines and welders are located but I also move the welders into the main shop when necessary. I also have a four post lift, and motorcycle lift, and assorted floor jacks that are used quite frequently.
My floor is sealed concrete, not coated or painted just a clear sealer. It sweeps well and I wet mop it periodically with no issues. As for the “man cave“ area, ( I hate that term) I have an area where I display a couple microcars and some petrolina, that area has Race Deck free flow tiles. I really like the Race Deck. I chose the free flow because I have hydronic heat and did not want to disrupt the heating system.

 

[markb57]

Wow - a lot of great suggestions, so a lot to consider. THx for getting me out of the box I had put myself in for solutions!

Best to all,
Mark

 

[markb57]

In my building I do quite a bit of fabrication including welding, grinding, and machining. I have a small room were the machines and welders are located but I also move the welders into the main shop when necessary. I also have a four post lift, and motorcycle lift, and assorted floor jacks that are used quite frequently.
My floor is sealed concrete, not coated or painted just a clear sealer. It sweeps well and I wet mop it periodically with no issues. As for the “man cave“ area, ( I hate that term) I have an area where I display a couple microcars and some petrolina, that area has Race Deck free flow tiles. I really like the Race Deck. I chose the free flow because I have hydronic heat and did not want to disrupt the heating system.

Yeah....I'm not crazy about "man cave" either, but people understand. It's shorter than saying "You know, the corner of the garage or basement that smelled faintly of turpentine and 3-in-1 oil where your Dad kept the various half-finished projects he was working on just 'cause he wanted to, and he had rescued the recliner Mom threw out of the house and on a shelf above the bench he had the tiny B&W TV that made way for the new color set and you'd find him and a buddy sittin watching the game even tho it came on better in the living room." It's gonna be like that, only, I hope with more of the projects actually completed...

 

[rsanter]

I used basic garage floor paint.
it was easy to patch up/touch up when needed
I don’t recall any weld splatter damage but I did scratch it dragging things across

 

[Codyboy]

In my building I do quite a bit of fabrication including welding, grinding, and machining. I have a small room were the machines and welders are located but I also move the welders into the main shop when necessary. I also have a four post lift, and motorcycle lift, and assorted floor jacks that are used quite frequently.
My floor is sealed concrete, not coated or painted just a clear sealer. It sweeps well and I wet mop it periodically with no issues. As for the “man cave“ area, ( I hate that term) I have an area where I display a couple microcars and some petrolina, that area has Race Deck free flow tiles. I really like the Race Deck. I chose the free flow because I have hydronic heat and did not want to disrupt the heating system.

I keep reading about "just a clear sealer" .
What are yall using ?
In my thread shea recommended TS210.
It actually looks pretty good but still open for other options as well.
I hate procrastination but it seems nowadays its warranted because of all the different products to choose from.

 

[kabinenroller]

I keep reading about "just a clear sealer" .
What are yall using ?
In my thread shea recommended TS210.
It actually looks pretty good but still open for other options as well.
I hate procrastination but it seems nowadays its warranted because of all the different products to choose from.

To tell you the truth I cannot remember what sealer I put down. I sealed the floor a few weeks after it was poured and that was almost 13 years ago. I sprayed it on with a large pump sprayer that was made for concrete sealer, I believe I bought it from McMaster. The sealer has help up well, it is susceptible to fuel or thinner spills but I have found that the best way to clean the spill is to let it evaporate and not touch it. Sorry I was not more help.