Need Prep Advice Please

[SnickSnick]

Am going to use Rustoleum Epoxy Shield (2 part), but before I do, I need to get old paint off cement floor.


- Old paint is seal-krete 1 part epoxy paint, chipping, peeling, etc.
- Will rent tool from Home Depot.
- Can't physically handle diamond grinder. Don't want to use chem stripper.

- Not sure which HD rental sander would be next best tool to get old paint off floor...

"SQUARE BUFF SANDER"
■Removes scratch patterns left by drum or rotary sanders; ideal for interim "screen and recoat" sanding jobs
■1 HP motor; 3450 orbits per minute
■Designed for effective dust containment

OR

"FLOOR MAINTAINER"
■Versatile polisher uses a range of pads to scrub, scour and buff hard surfaces
■Sands decks with grit-brush attachment
■Safety handle reduces operator fatigue
■Dual independent micro-switches reduce down time
■Non-marking, vinyl bumper protects walls and furniture

(The only other one I see is a drum sander, which I don't think is right.)


And what pads, grit paper or whatever should I use with it?


I know prep is critical, and will follow to the letter with etching, drying etc... just can't use the heavy grinder, and don't have anyone who can help. Looking for then next best "rental sander" to use.


Thanks for your help.

 

[gabeancounter]

From your two choces, I would say the square buffer. They have a 32 grit paper. Start with that then 60-80 grit. These will not allow the dust bag to work because it is solid paper and not screens. Best of luck.

 

[iceman536]

Can't physically handle a diamond grinder? They are very easy to operate, have you compared them with your other 2 choices? Granted it may be heavier but IMO that is only an issue loading/unloading from your vehicle. Again the actual operation is very easy. If you have physical issues that preclude you from handling a diamond grinder I would question whether you can physically complete the epoxy application within the necessary time frame if you're working by yourself.

(Without going into details, I am on disability and have some physical limitations, and I found grinding the floor to be easy compared to the epoxy application due mainly to the time constraints of the application)

I would avoid etching, and if you grind or sand I don't see the purpose of etching. In my research I have found that introducing water onto the floor can be a bad idea. I know nearly everyone here promotes etching, and they are more knowledgeable than I, but I am giving you food for thought. Properly etching a floor is tricky - it is difficult to etch it consistently and adequately throughout the entire floor; it must be thoroughly rinsed; and the concrete absorbs water, so when it is "dry" it may not be really dry.

A diamond grinder will take the old Quikrete epoxy off much easier as well. I diamond ground my floor, half had some old paint which came off pretty easily. The other half had old Rustoleum epoxy on it, and it was noticeably harder to remove. Based on that experience I would be concerned a sander would take an exceptionally long time to remove that.

If you're dead set against the grinder I don't know which alternative to suggest. I thought I would still give you my opinion and advice, but apologize if I haven't been helpful. Good luck on your project.

 

[FL_Javelin]

Can't physically handle a diamond grinder? They are very easy to operate,

If you're dead set against the grinder I don't know which alternative to suggest. .

100% agree. Heres a pic of the wife taking a turn on the grinder, very easy to use. I highly recomend grinding over etching. 3 1/2 years later, floor still looks great. See write up below.