How dry is dry after concrete etched?

[hwydave]

I etched my 20 by 20 garage floor over the weekend and power washed it a few time. The floor was damp after I pushed out all the waters and thanks to the humid weather, the floor took a day and half to feel dry at all spots. My question is: how dry should the floor be before I start putting down epoxy? Is the concrete floor dry enough for epoxy when it feel dry or should I wait for few more days to let all the moisture evaporated from the concrete (if there is a such thing)? I am using Rust-Oleum Industrial epoxy. Thanks for your inputs.

BTW, I used the respirator during the etching process and it was a hard task to work with the respirator in the hot and humid weather. I can imagine how tough it must be for our men and women in the desert serving our country with their chemical suit. My hat off to them!!

 

[REFLEXX]

The guys I used said 24 hrs to be 100% sure. But more is always better because of your humidity.

It's 104 here in So. Cal. I worked outside for a few hours and lost 2lbs in weight (water). We owe those guys and gals everything!!!

 

[hwydave]

REFLEXX,

Thanks for the suggestion. The temperture is about 79 degreee today, humidity is about 65% in the morning, and with 3 days wait for the floor to dry, I think it is as dry as it could be and so I went ahead and start the first coat of epoxy process.

RO states that one kit is good for 300 to 400 sq ft but I think it is sufficiently good for a little more than 200 sq ft garage. The fume is strong but not as bad I thought it would be. I have the garage door open and all the windows facing away from the garage door opening open to help vent the smell that got into the house.

I'll post some pictures after I am done with the garage. Sorry, no before photos; wife took the camera for her business trip.