More Epoxy Coat Questions?

[jlansaw]

I just bought 3 full EC kits from my local Lowe's for my new 1500 sq.ft. shop.

(Btw Lowe's has no clue about Epoxy Coat. Only one of three central Il. stores I checked carried it and anyone I talked to didn't know EC was a brand. When asked if they carried EC they said sure we carry several different epoxy for floors but no one new EC was a specific brand. I think it is possible some Lowe's stores carry EC and don't know it.)

First, I was planning on filling the saw cuts in my floor with SL1 but then wondered how the Epoxy Coat would perform over these filled joints since SL1 doesn't get really hard. Is there something better to use for filling joints under EC or is SL1 ok to use?

And second, I think I know the answer to this but just need to hear it from all you EC users, Do I clear coat or not?

Thanks in advance for the help, sorry if this has already been discussed!

 

[MAYOR28]

I am interested to hear about this as well. I have been considering EC for my new 2 car garage.

Does anyone have pictures of their floor with clear coat over top and pictures of floors with no clear coat????? I would like to compare the two looks.......

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

I am interested to hear about this as well. I have been considering EC for my new 2 car garage.

Does anyone have pictures of their floor with clear coat over top and pictures of floors with no clear coat????? I would like to compare the two looks.......

I'd like to see the same.

 

[rickairmedic]

Well an easy option would be to go through this forum , There are already several threads here using EC and I know I have seen a few before and after clear coat pictures.


Rick

 

[budk]

What I don't understand is why does Epoxy-Coat sell a clear coat if they don't recommend it? For a residential garage, I was specifly told by EC that a clear coat is not recommended. I guess I would like to hear from EC when exactly should a CC be used or not used.

Luckily, my EC project won't start for another month or two.

 

[rugerlady]

We recommend clear coats if you are going heavy on the flake, if your floor will be taking alot of abuse (scratching), if you are putting a decal on the floor.
We feel it is not necessary to clear coat in most normal garages. The flakes are embedded into the epoxy and the floor still has a very high gloss shine. Clear epoxy coats can also amber more quickly when exposed to UV light than colored epoxy.

 

[budk]

Thanks for the quick response. Now I just have to figure out if a working residential garage would cause enough scratching to warrant the clear coat.

I'm have go-jaks (HF's version) that I use that have steel wheels on them. As well as a couple of jacks and a tractor that has chains on the tires during the winter. I'm thinking that I may be a candidate for the clear coat. I'm anxious to get started as the whole reason I want to do the floor with EC is because my wife bought me a lift a few days ago for my B-day. Once the lift goes in it's not coming out so I want to do the floor first!

 

[Freefallin2000]

I didn't use a clear coat on mine and it turned out nice and shiny. Clear would make it look so rich. However, I am going to re-do my floor. Christine is awesome; definitely buy EC from her.

 

[fountainpenracing]

If the non-slip additive is used, does this require the clear coat?

 

[rugerlady]

No, the non skid goes in the top coat. whether its clear or colored.