My Epoxy-Coat Adventure!!!

[mat_GTI-R]

Ok! My Epoxy-Coat adventure begins!!! I am the lucky winner of the Epoxy-Coat contest! A full kit is already in its way!!!

This will be my 4th floor to cover with Epoxy… first experience with 100% solid epoxy. So prep is everything and I find my slab to be very smooth and I have 3 cracks that have been filled up with epoxy and must be grinded down even with the floor. So I’m looking into diamond grinding, hopefully my local tool rental shop has a diamond grinder available!

My garage is a single car garage, 12x19 rectangular shape with a drain in the middle. So I’m thinking 2 coats and flakes. My question is, can I divide my garage into 2 sections at the drain having 2 areas of 12’ wide (full width of garage) by 9.5’ deep, making it easy to start from the back of the garage and work my way out…but how would I batch mix? I would need a quarter of the full kit for every batch? How much sq. ft. does one batch cover? I’m guessing I’ll need extra buckets if I’m doing 4 batches…?

Any comments/suggestions are welcomed.

I will post pictures when I start.

Thanks!


mat

 

[rugerlady]

Mat,
Call me at the office, I can answer all the questions about the batching and mixing (multiple buckets are not needed). Just so you know, the kit comes with a measuring stick that shows how to measure out 4 batches for the kit.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Here are 2 pics showing the slab back in February. If anyone has ideas on what I could do with that styrofoam around the perimeter of the slab, I'm listening! LOL!

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Ok, so my local tool rental shop rents the edco grinder with vaccum, great!

If a batch covers 100 sq. ft. am I pushing it by trying to cover 114 sq. ft. (2 sections of 12'x9.5') ???

Instructions say to apply second coat within 18 hours of first coat... Can I apply the second coat after 4 hours ???

 

[rugerlady]

Ok, so my local tool rental shop rents the edco grinder with vaccum, great!

If a batch covers 100 sq. ft. am I pushing it by trying to cover 114 sq. ft. (2 sections of 12'x9.5') ???

Instructions say to apply second coat within 18 hours of first coat... Can I apply the second coat after 4 hours ???

Actually each batch should cover a 10 x 12 section (120SF), you can do the 9.5 x 12.
You want to apply the second coat in about 18-24 hours. If its more than 24 hours you have to lightly rough up the surface before application of the next coat. If the floor is hard enough to walk on before 18 hours (temp & humidity come into play here), you can apply the next coat earlier.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

oh ok, I thought I read each batch covered 100 sq. ft., if it covers 120 sq. ft. than I good to split my garage into two section, great!

I understand drying time varies depending on alot of things, basically all I wanted to know is if I can apply 2 coats, flakes and all in the same day.... guess I'm better off starting the first coat in the afternoon and the second coat would be the next morning (within 24h).

Thanks for the info!

 

[jhelrey]

Cut the foam flush to the floor.

It is there so the slab can flex and move without messing up your foundation.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

I did that near the door, but it's still bothers me, lol. I'll apply the epoxy right to the styrofoam and deal with that later I think.

My other option would be to bring the drywall over the foundation wall down to the floor and finish off with those vinyl cove baseboards...

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Christine, when diamond grinding, do I ask for a specific type of diamond wheel? I'm asking because the guy at the rental shop told me they have different types of wheels for different finishes. If I say I want a 120 grit finish, is that enough?

Also, If I diamond grind, do I need to use the prep solution? Might as well if I have it...

 

[Call me the Breeze]

Good Luck with it Matt! Looking forward to seeing it done!

 

[rugerlady]

Christine, when diamond grinding, do I ask for a specific type of diamond wheel? I'm asking because the guy at the rental shop told me they have different types of wheels for different finishes. If I say I want a 120 grit finish, is that enough?

Also, If I diamond grind, do I need to use the prep solution? Might as well if I have it...

Yes, that should be enough, just tell him exactly what your trying to achieve.
If you want to use the acid, you can, it really is not necessary.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Got my Kit today! Thanks again Christine!!!! Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer all of my questions, really appreciate it!!!

 

[rugerlady]

Got my Kit today! Thanks again Christine!!!! Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer all of my questions, really appreciate it!!!

No problem at all. When are you applying it? This weekend? If you need anything my number is on the website or the answering service will give it you. Christine

 

[mat_GTI-R]

I'm not sure when I'll be applying yet. I need to diamond grind first and I'm racing Sunday, so this weekend isn't a good time for me.

Oh, more questions LOL!

After applying the first batch, squegee, backroll once... I move on to another section. At that point, can I re-use the 6 galon bucket to mix the second batch?

The instructions say that once you squegee and backroll the second section to go back to the first section and backroll a second time... but it mentions to do this within 10min of the first backroll. I'm wondering, the time it takes to mix the second batch (3min mixing), applying, squegee and first backroll... won't I exceed by far the 10min period?

 

[evilcheese]

The instructions say that once you squegee and backroll the second section to go back to the first section and backroll a second time... but it mentions to do this within 10min of the first backroll. I'm wondering, the time it takes to mix the second batch (3min mixing), applying, squegee and first backroll... won't I exceed by far the 10min period?

Excellent question. I'd like to know as well.

 

[Redshift]

Excellent question. I'd like to know as well.

In my experience, I was not able to get it done fast enough. I divided my floor into 5 sections and began the first as instructed, then backrolled once, began the second section, and by the time I finished backrolling the 2nd section and went to backroll the 1st again, it had hardened significantly and backrolling was challenging as heck. I posted a lot of pics and details in a separate thread if you want to search for it.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

So what would be best, having someone mix the second batch while backrolling the first section? then I would be ready to apply the epoxy to the second section hoping it will blend in well with the first. Then as soon as I'm done with the first backroll of the second section I go back and do the second backroll on the first section?

 

[mat_GTI-R]

oh and can I use the 6 gallon bucket for every batch?

 

[Redshift]

So what would be best, having someone mix the second batch while backrolling the first section? then I would be ready to apply the epoxy to the second section hoping it will blend in well with the first. Then as soon as I'm done with the first backroll of the second section I go back and do the second backroll on the first section?

I had a friend and it was still drying too quickly to work with. In my other separate thread, I've asked rugerlady (Christine from Epoxy-Coat) for feedback on how to overcome this problem because I plan on doing my other garage floor very soon.

 

[Redshift]

oh and can I use the 6 gallon bucket for every batch?

Yes, you sure can.

 

[rugerlady]

You can use the same bucket for each batch. DO NOT scrape the sides of the bucket with the squeegee to get every bit out, keep in mind some of the stuff on the side may not be mixed thoroughly. A little epoxy left in the bucket is no big deal.
I would keep it simple and work one section in its entirety, then move on to the next. You should not have a problem with a wet edge.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Christine, so you suggest applying epoxy to one section, squegee, backroll, wait approx. 10 min then backroll a second time ...... then mix a second batch and repeat steps for the second section??? If so, that would be way easier!

Then the next day (within 24h) I could apply a second coat to both sections and apply flakes!!!

 

[rugerlady]

That is correct. I would suggest doing 1 section to completion at a time.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Perfect! I think I'm ready to diamond grind first thing Saturday morning!

Thanks Christine!

 

[Redshift]

That is correct. I would suggest doing 1 section to completion at a time.

Not meaning including flakes and anti-skid, or yes, including those???

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Redshift, I'm guessing yes.... Christine says 1 section to completion...

From your experience, you don't think this would be a good idea?

 

[Redshift]

Redshift, I'm guessing yes.... Christine says 1 section to completion...

From your experience, you don't think this would be a good idea?

It's very tricky to get the same thickness when you have to end up overlapping sections, and if you flake the entire section then you end up going over the flakes with more epoxy and it looks terrible.

 

[rugerlady]

If you just overlap a little bit, its not a big issue. When doing the first section, do not flake all the way to the edge, leave a few inches unflaked. This way the flake does not get on the roller when you go back over it.

 

[Redshift]

If you just overlap a little bit, its not a big issue. When doing the first section, do not flake all the way to the edge, leave a few inches unflaked. This way the flake does not get on the roller when you go back over it.

With the double coat thickness I did (20mil), I don't see how it's possible for an amateur to do a layer and NOT see roller marks or overlap marks...how do you do this?

 

[mat_GTI-R]

ok, so I got everything out of the garage, I trimmed out that styrofoam sticking out around the slab... at least now I'll be able to go right up to the edge with the grinder.

And this is one reason I'm diamond grinding the whole floor

I have to smooth down those epoxy filled cracks. Hopefully I'm grinding Saturday morning!!!

 

[bazzateer]

If you're doing two coats and dividing the floor into two sections, would it be better to have the first coat/sections divided halfway along the floor as you have described but then divide the floor lengthways for the second coat? This way you may have less of a defined 'join' across the middle of the garage.

Just a suggestion, never done it before so feel free to shoot me down if it's a daft idea!

 

[mat_GTI-R]

hummmm, I think thats a great idea! Let's ask the expert, ... What do you think Christine? Would this help to hide the joints between coats?

Thanks bazzateer!

 

[rugerlady]

It sure sounds worth a try! I really do not get many people that have an issue with the sections joining properly, so this has really not come up.
With the Epoxy-Coat being self leveling, as long as you don't back roll too long into the process, it should not be an issue.

 

[DzNuts]

Am I missing something here.? Why are you trying to divide the floor into two sections than sections again? A 12x19 floor isn't real huge (same as mine), so if you roll the whole back quarter at once, throw down some flakes, than move ahead to the next quarter rolling that out, lay the flakes, move ahead.... It may take a second person to mix the batches for you but with them there you could prolly do that all without losing a wet edge. Again, I may be lost on what you are doing here.?

Ryan D

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Ryan, you are correct, it's only 12x19. I was just planning according to the single batch mix that should cover approx. half the floor. I'm also applying 2 coats.

I could also mix a double batch, pour the whole double batch around the perimeter of the garage and squegee all the epoxy towards the center of the garage, then backroll everything.... my only concern is the 15min window to apply the epoxy...

I might do the first coat in two sections, if it goes well and I fell like I have enough time, maybe I could do the second coat in one shot making it seemless...

still debating :-\

 

[mat_GTI-R]

ok, I went to rent out the Edco grinder with diamond stones to grind the floor... 140$ not cheap for a 4 hour use.

Epoxy filled crack before grinding

Epoxy filled crack after one pass

The grinding continues

And more grinding

Not as dusty as I was expecting

Almost done

Decided to use the prep solution since I had it

Prep solution done, rinsed and neutralized with baking soda

Triple rinsed and waiting for everything to dry

Improvised spike boots

Still waiting for everything to be dry

That's it for now, it's been drying for about 3 hours with a heater and a de-humidifier... going to apply the first coat shortly... more to come.

 

[beltfeed]

You may want to re-think your spike boots. Unless you weigh under 100 pounds I think those nails will fold over on you. Plus they are a lot longer then needed. You may want to snip them down to 1/4"-1/2" long protruding. That would reduce the chance of bending them. All in all it looks like you are doing a great job with the prep. I would like to epoxy my floor someday, but I have to much **** in my garage.

 

[mat_GTI-R]

Thanks for the advice beltfeed, but the spike boats actually worked good, their 4" deck screws and theirs 15 under each boot and I weight close to 200lbs.

A few pics a few hours after first coat

Here's a few pics 16 hours after first coat...

The first coat looks good, very shinny and you can feel the thickness and strength! I did notice a lot of air bubbles that I popped a little too late... I think the second coat+flakes+sand will hide all imperfections in the first coat. I ended up spliting the garage in two sections, working pretty fast between two sections no seem between sections can be noticed!!!

2nd coat going down in approx 2 hours

 

[mat_GTI-R]

2nd coat applied, sand and flakes!

Fingers crossed for no bubbles...

 

[7speed]

floor looks great so far