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My Rock Solid Experience

jordan369

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
154
Hello all,

After much research on this site and with other resources I chose Rocksolid for my garage floor covering. This is my review of Rocksolid after install. I used two full kits and a little bit of a third to complete a 24X25 pad.

This install took place over a brand new concrete slab which was given a month to fully cure.

1. Inspection. This was fairly easy for me. I had no issues with the pad because it was brand new.

2. Etching. The safe etch solution was straightforward and easy to apply. The solution fizzed instantly upon hitting the concrete but did not fiz for the 4-5 minutes indicated in the instructions. After rinsing the concrete 3 times I let it dry overnight.

3. Final prep. I felt the concrete after it was dry and it felt "roughed up" as indicated by the instructions. It was ready to go.

4. Product prep. I took the color tint from the 3 kits and combined them in to ensure a consistent color for all the kits. I returned the color to their individual containers. I mixed the main product bag prior to opening. After combining the color and shaking the bag it was ready to go.

5. Application. When Rocksolid says "a little goes a long way" they mean it. You really only need to pour out a little at a time because it covers really well and you don't want to put it on too thick or waste it. I had my lovely wife help cut in the sides with a brush which helped the process greatly. Working in 4x4 sections was effective and easy. The included chips were plentiful for anyone not expecting/wanting and full chip finish.

6. Result. The floor looks great. To be fair it is not perfect. There are a couple spots where the finish is satin and shows roller marks. I think I caused this by rolling over parts that were already set up when I was completing other sections. I had zero issues with bubbles or any of the other problems I read about on here from epoxy based products.

7. Tips. Have help! This is much easier with help as are most things in life.
Protect your skin! I wore gloves but it was in the mid 80's and I was sweating. I ended up with more product on my face and arms than I care to admit. This stuff is near impossible to remove once it cures.

8. Review. Rocksolid offers a great product that is straightforward and produces a great result. :rocker:

Mike
 

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Theo911

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Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
75
Well done thanks for the write-up. Keep us posted on the long-term condition. I'm looking hard at RockSolid for my garage but I'm a few months away from doing it.
 

dmeadow

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Joined
Sep 3, 2005
Messages
952
Location
Houston, Texas
I understand the potential downside to this product is that it sets up very quickly, particularly when compared to epoxy.

Perhaps that had something to do with the satin areas? Any other comments about the quick set up?
 
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jordan369

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
154
I understand the potential downside to this product is that it sets up very quickly, particularly when compared to epoxy.

Perhaps that had something to do with the satin areas? Any other comments about the quick set up?

It set up fast but I did not think it was unreasonably fast. Ultimately you have to watch the areas that have been down the longest and avoid rolling over them. I can be picky and wanted to give a complete and fair review. All things considered the areas are not that big of a deal. When you are in the garage you can't tell the difference when standing over the area.

Mike
 

-JP

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Joined
Apr 22, 2008
Messages
118
Location
Racing Capitol of the World
Looks great when you first get done. Mine did too.

Just wait until you have used it for a couple years and then you will see what a low quality product Rock Solid is.
 
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jordan369

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Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
154
Looks great when you first get done. Mine did too.

Just wait until you have used it for a couple years and then you will see what a low quality product Rock Solid is.

Sorry your floor didn't work out for you. It seems they may have changed their product and install since you put your floor down two years ago. The way you described your floor install is different than mine. My floor is really nice. I guess I will update in two years to compare.

Mike
 
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jordan369

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Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
154
I had some left over Rock Solid after my garage floor was complete. My shed floor was looking pretty rough and needed some attention. After prepping the floor I coated it with the same process. It turned out great. :thumbup:

Mike
 

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bglad

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Jul 4, 2012
Messages
103
Location
Adirondack Mtns Upstate New York
Well after reading Mike's post I ordered some for a 40 x 40 garage. I've also been reading about the prep. Guess you get an acid wash which is safe for the enviroment but doesn't work to well. I also read some using 100% muratic acid. Is it that necessary?
 
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jordan369

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May 8, 2012
Messages
154
Well after reading Mike's post I ordered some for a 40 x 40 garage. I've also been reading about the prep. Guess you get an acid wash which is safe for the enviroment but doesn't work to well. I also read some using 100% muratic acid. Is it that necessary?

I asked Rock Solid and was told the safe etch is all that is needed. If you want to be extra safe you could get some stronger acid. I did not and have had no problems so far.

Mike
 

ToiletDuck

New member
Joined
May 9, 2011
Messages
4
For anyone looking to buy this, keep an eye out at menards. Mine regularly has these on sale for $99 for 250 square feet kit. I noticed last week they were $59, so I bought a bunch.
 

bglad

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Joined
Jul 4, 2012
Messages
103
Location
Adirondack Mtns Upstate New York
Well I received the rock solid and prepped the floor with the safe etch which seemed to work fairly well. Have to admit that before I etched I used 60 grit some spots that had marks from my scaffolding. Got carried away and sanded the floor (40 x 40) which took about 4 hours. My knees are already in not to good of shape and by the time I was done I was feeling it. Yesterday I put down the product and it does go a long way. It was about 70 out and it still set up very quick. I had numerous brush overlap marks. Probably didn't help that I was doing 20' sections at a time and I did it by myself. Started a 10:00 and finished at 4:30. Went and had a cigar and a beer then put clear over the shop side of the garage. When I checked this morning the clear was more of a satin than a gloss which was fine by me. I'll let it dry for a week although they say it can be driven on in 24 hours. Guess time will tell how durable it is. Ready for framing the interior and then the wiring and plumbing this fall.
 

lopro

New member
Joined
Sep 16, 2012
Messages
2
Location
canada
great job, It sounds like these epoxy's work well, As anything prep is the key I guess.

I need to look into this more

WHat happends if you do not use clear afterwards?
 
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Familyof8kids

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Joined
Aug 2, 2012
Messages
219
Location
Smyrna, TN
WHat happends if you do not use clear afterwards?


Your epoxy money coat will scratch and you will have to live with it. If you apply a clear and it scratches you can apply a simple floor wax and **** like new.

Epoxy floors scratch easily no matter how well you try to protect it.
 

LegacyIndustrial

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Jun 7, 2010
Messages
7,993
Location
deerfield, IL
Family is correct. Clear will protect your investment, seal your flakes, hold your non-skid media much better than a base coat and makes a refresher coat very easy to apply down the road.
 

Malekb

New member
Joined
Sep 14, 2013
Messages
1
Greetings JP,

I'm thinking to coat my garage floor and saw your post. What would you recommend?
Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Baher

ps - I'm in Indy too!
 
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