I just completed applying epoxy to my floor. I used Epoxy-Coat. I called Christine and she shipped it to me for free. As you can see, I used a gray base coat with blue-black-white flakes and then applied a clear top coat.
Prior to applying the epoxy, I cleaned the floor as good as possible, and then I used the Phosphoric acid powder that you mix with water (this came in the kit). As far as I'm concerned, this acid is a total waste of time. First - I could not get it to dilute very well, and so it would clog my hand sprayer. In addition, I tried applying it as thick as possible, but it would not etch well. So, after trying to etch the entire floor with this method, I purchased some Muriatic acid, and mixed it with 2 parts of water. I put this on very heavy (on a damp floor) and it worked very well. I rinsed really well and then neutralized everything with a soda wash and a lot of pressure wash rinsing.
Next, I put screen spline (rubber string) into my expansion saw cuts, and then put latex epoxy (concrete colored stuff from ACE Hardware) in the joints. I was really happy with that stuff, as my seams look really nice.
Finally, I applied the base epoxy, the chips and then the top coat. During this process, I ran into two problems. First - I was not able to apply it fast enough (really a 2 person job), so there are a bunch of areas where I rolled it when it was setting up and it has a nap in those areas. Second - I have lots of small (very small) fisheyes in the finish, all over the floor. I really think that the floor was VERY clean, so I am a bit disappointed they showed up, but no one (but me) has noticed them, so it probably isn't a bit deal.
Overall, I'm really happy with it, and looking forward to finishing the trim work. I've got pics of my project on "New 40x60 colonial" in the garage gallery.
Prior to applying the epoxy, I cleaned the floor as good as possible, and then I used the Phosphoric acid powder that you mix with water (this came in the kit). As far as I'm concerned, this acid is a total waste of time. First - I could not get it to dilute very well, and so it would clog my hand sprayer. In addition, I tried applying it as thick as possible, but it would not etch well. So, after trying to etch the entire floor with this method, I purchased some Muriatic acid, and mixed it with 2 parts of water. I put this on very heavy (on a damp floor) and it worked very well. I rinsed really well and then neutralized everything with a soda wash and a lot of pressure wash rinsing.
Next, I put screen spline (rubber string) into my expansion saw cuts, and then put latex epoxy (concrete colored stuff from ACE Hardware) in the joints. I was really happy with that stuff, as my seams look really nice.
Finally, I applied the base epoxy, the chips and then the top coat. During this process, I ran into two problems. First - I was not able to apply it fast enough (really a 2 person job), so there are a bunch of areas where I rolled it when it was setting up and it has a nap in those areas. Second - I have lots of small (very small) fisheyes in the finish, all over the floor. I really think that the floor was VERY clean, so I am a bit disappointed they showed up, but no one (but me) has noticed them, so it probably isn't a bit deal.
Overall, I'm really happy with it, and looking forward to finishing the trim work. I've got pics of my project on "New 40x60 colonial" in the garage gallery.
