I've started my garage floor...

[TheBanker]

So Banker, what paint / chip colors did you end up with? I see what your saying, the heavy chip areas kinda make their own color and the lighter areas let the paint show through. Actually it gives it a sort of artsy mosaic look. Like Nathank said, we are our own worst critics. When your family and friends first see it, they will be just blown away by how awesome it looks!
I'm also going to put down the anti-slip down where the wife will be getting out of her car. That is also the side that has the house door and the sink, so it makes sense anyway.

It started with the Autumn blend from color chips, then I added 5% blue and some silver mettalic. It looked a little to blue so I added the 2 lbs of brown blend from epoxy-coat. Thats why the far riser looks much bluer, it is. Just that additional 2 lbs of multi-brown changed the shade quite a bit.

I am thinking of a couple things I could have done different, at least maybe someone else can learn from me. Since I was doing such a heavy flake I could have went with a very dark base which would be less noticeable on the bare areas. After all was done I swept up about 5 lbs of extra flakes which would have been enough to cover those areas. I should have went ahead and ordered the other 10 lbs that I probably needed and just flaked until rejection. Now I see why they do it that way. It ensures that the coverage is consistant. I should know pros always figure out the best way to do things. (most times)

 

[nokkieny]

Hey Banker,
Floor looks good. I am with Rudy mix two batches. The clear does glide across the floor much easier than the base. My thoughts about it being thin is that 3 gallons over 500sqft is thinner than most people think. Not sure that it was so much your application as the amount of material.

Rustoleum pro is about 3-4 mils thick, add clear coat and your around 7. With EC you should end up with something around 15-17 mils. I know they say 20 but that is perfect application and not sure it considers the amount absorbed into the roller or the waste in the bucket etc. You will still end up being twice as thick as rusto.

My thoughts on all these 100% epoxies is that 125 sqft per gallon would be ideal. I read many brands and they all ranged from 100-165 per gallon. The 165 per gallon is streching the product.

Banker, do not worry, the clear seems to have a much great build up than the base. After laying the clear you will notice that it evens the surface out. The "shadows" of the area smooth out. Applying the flakes that heavy makes the floor seem uneven. Again it will finish out fine.

As far as flakes, I would not break out the scraper unless you have a bunch sticking up or something? Try your blower first to remove all the loose flakes and then feel the floor. It just worries me about using a sharp blade on the floor that is not totally cured, but I did not try it, so unsure?

Can't wait to see it finished! BC

So, do you think using the 15 gallon kit you had suggested, 1 color layer 1 clear on 1150sqft would be a bad idea? I know you said it was rated for 1250, I am not looking for perfection, just don't want to use some cheap HD stuff.

 

[AlphaGarage]

A very light broadcast of flakes, say about 0.01 lbs per ft2, and a full broadcast to rejection, figure 0.15 lbs. per ft2, are usually easy to nail, anything in between can be a bit more challenging.

A couple of points to remember... First is to practice, put down a large sheet of plastic and spend a few minutes seeing what tossing style works for you, or you wait until after the 1first coat is tack free and practice on that before you apply a second coat.

The next trick, and this is the important one, is to just use small handful's of flakes. It's generally easy to quickly go and toss out additional flakes to even things out, but it's impossible to pick any up if a hand full went down too thick.

And if I had to pick a 3rd trick it'd be to make certain to use a pair of spike shoes, in fact maybe that should be #1.

Which would make trick #4 this... I think this floor looks pretty sharp. True, as the DIY craftsman TheBanker will probably see and be a bit bothered by every imperfection he sees, but everyone else who sees the finished project will be pretty impressed. As a DIYer you have to take the same attitude a professional chef does should someone asks about something that's different than they expected, tell them "I meant to do that!"

 

[gabeancounter]

Nokkien,
I would say that kit would be just right for you. I would figure up 400sqft sections and mix in 3 batches for each. (clear and base). Totally different than the HD stuff.

 

[TheBanker]

A very light broadcast of flakes, say about 0.01 lbs per ft2, and a full broadcast to rejection, figure 0.15 lbs. per ft2, are usually easy to nail, anything in between can be a bit more challenging.

A couple of points to remember... First is to practice, put down a large sheet of plastic and spend a few minutes seeing what tossing style works for you, or you wait until after the 1first coat is tack free and practice on that before you apply a second coat.

You know Fred, I have seen you say this a couple times. I admit I kind of laughed it off. But now, I should have practiced!!!

 

[gabeancounter]

Ok I am going to take a vote this time. Look at pic 1 above. I need base boards. I am thinking the diamond plate eddie put down in his thread. Or I could just do regular wood baseboards. Or any other ideas?

My vote is regular wood base boards. Not sure the diamond plate would blend in with everything. Eddie's is different setup that looks great on his. Plus I am a cheap a$$ so the $150 difference is two much.lol

I would leave your floor along for a couple months and let its color settle. Then see what you think in 6 months. If you decide to change then I would do another base color coat then another clear. Would give you a clean slate.

 

[TheBanker]

My vote is regular wood base boards. Not sure the diamond plate would blend in with everything. Eddie's is different setup that looks great on his. Plus I am a cheap a$$ so the $150 difference is two much.lol

I would leave your floor along for a couple months and let its color settle. Then see what you think in 6 months. If you decide to change then I would do another base color coat then another clear. Would give you a clean slate.

I think it will be fine gabean, Im going with I meant to do it, its artsy mosiac look.....lol....see the ideas we get from here.

I am thinking the diamond plate because I need to toughen the place up a bit. I had planned on it and have the work bench with some diamond plate accessories. But then I have over spent already.

 

[TheBanker]

Here are a bunch of pics of my whole project. I thought it would let me put the pics in order but I don't see how to change them. The before pics are actually last.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39499442@N08/?saved=1

 

[rugerlady]

Great looking job!

 

[Ruddy]

Hey Love Monsta, (sorry, couldn't resist) I think the wall system color looks good with the floor. What brand of wall/cabinets is that? Crank up storage neat idea too!

 

[TheBanker]

Hey Love Monsta, (sorry, couldn't resist) I think the wall system color looks good with the floor. What brand of wall/cabinets is that? Crank up storage neat idea too!

LOL, I have only looked at small pics. I did not realize that you could read that! I tried to match the floor with the wall, that was my whole hold up of the thing. Glad you like it. How do you like that idea of mine of the chalkboard paint? Its great to write on for projects and stuff. The cabinets and wall are made by Suncast.

 

[nathank]

The before pics...

I actually really like the idea of the chalkboard paint. I could never use it though. I always have lots of people coming by to drink beer in the shop, there's no telling what would be on the walls.

 

[TheBanker]

 

[gabeancounter]

Banker,
Did you put down some base boards yet or does that take as long as applying epoxy?lol

I just had to look at that flake job again! lol...oh man..."honey can I use one of those area rugs?"

 

[TheBanker]

No base boards yet but hey my flakes are looking real good about now Mr. Pee floor!!

 

[gabeancounter]

Yep. Got to admit it! I would trade. Really not looking forward to scuffing up old yeller and then getting on my knees for a couple hours wiping it down etc. Got my replacement gray today. Fun Fun.

 

[TheBanker]

Man I cannot help but keep thinking there has got to be a better way.

 

[gabeancounter]

Yes, I have looked at that floor until I had a headache. Tried sanding down to see if I could get past the yellow but nope. Kept thinking maybe I can live with it. NO. Really don't have another $300 to toss away but I must.

I like the flake but I really think you have to use a clear epoxy and urethane! So I think I will be fine with no flake.

 

[TheBanker]

You may end up liking it better.

 

[Ruddy]

No base boards yet but hey my flakes are looking real good about now Mr. Pee floor!!

Oh Yeah, Banker getting feisty!

 

[gabeancounter]

Yeah, I figured if it kept on, I could get him fired up. I knew he was sensitive about his flake job so it made an easy target. All in good fun with this stuff. I am enjoying talking with everyone on this site more than I am my floor. I think I am going to change my name to "old yeller". LOL

 

[TheBanker]

I know you are just trying to get me to redo my floor too, aren't you? You figure if you have to do yours then why not banker do his. Here is the major problem with that. As long as it took me to do this one, I would not have a redo done until next year! I mean, I don't even have my damn baseboards up yet!!!!

 

[gabeancounter]

Nope. Can't wait on you to get started. My epoxy would go bad before then. That stuff is only good for one year. If you drive on over to GA and help with my redo, I will give you a bunch of extra base boards I have left over.

Ordered the HPU747 and 1 gallon kit of black epoxy. Should be here by Thursday.

 

[octavio3311]

I think I am going to change my name to "old yeller". LOL

That's funny. Glad to see you have a sense of humor about it!
You're a better man than me - I would've had a **** fit! And it would've stuck in my head until it was resolved!

 

[reggie]

what is the source for the HPU747 ?

 

[gabeancounter]

Octavio
Well, it was pretty obvious epoxy-coat was not going to do anything else. Trust me...I think about it non stop. Eating advil like tic-tacs. Now that I have a game plan and will hopefully fix my floor this weekend, I can deal.

After you walk around on the floor for an hour thinking maybe its not that bad... then you start laughing thinking who pissed on my floor. I don't think I have a dog? Maybe its them deer seeking revenge? no wait its EPOXY-COAT. LOL

 

[gabeancounter]

Reggie,
I purchased it from epoxysuperstore.com.
I am really thinking it is the Devoe 379UVA repackaged. I DON'T know this for sure but I know they use to sell it. Now its HPU747. I purchased one kit (500sqft) $92 and one half kit $50.

 

[reggie]

bean -

is that the same company as the guy on ebay?

 

[reggie]

bean-

if so - what do you think of their colored epoxy? I was planning to go with Epoxy Coat - but I'm a bit leery after reading of your customer service issues with them - imo they should have supplied both the colored AND clear to you - or reimbursed the cost - since it was their product failure.

 

[gabeancounter]

Reggie,
Yes it is the same folks, but the prices on the website are the same as ebay. If you want several products then you save on shipping- almost half. I spoke with Ryan at Norkan about the epoxy. I meant to ask what type epoxy it is ? Alphatic or cycloalphatic? If cyclo - then I would load up! Maybe you can find out for us? Those are some great prices I think. I noticed he seems to be selling alot more than he was when I first started looking so maybe someone can give us a heads up?

I think the same way about what should have been done. So if for some reason anyone using EC has a product failure then just be prepared to repurchase the floor again.

 

[nathank]

Reggie,
Yes it is the same folks, but the prices on the website are the same as ebay. If you want several products then you save on shipping- almost half. I spoke with Ryan at Norkan about the epoxy. I meant to ask what type epoxy it is ? Alphatic or cycloalphatic? If cyclo - then I would load up! Maybe you can find out for us? Those are some great prices I think. I noticed he seems to be selling alot more than he was when I first started looking so maybe someone can give us a heads up?

I think the same way about what should have been done. So if for some reason anyone using EC has a product failure then just be prepared to repurchase the floor again.

Sorry for a question that has obviously already been covered BUT what was EC's final deal? They're replacing only the base coat?

 

[gabeancounter]

They are only replacing the base coat with the EC version. The clear is up to you to purchase. Since I did not purchase the 20lbs of flake from them, they will not cover that either. EC retails for more so they think that is fair.