I have a new 1000sqft detached garage with a nice smooth concrete finish. Nothing but foot traffic in there so far. Searching yields mixed results on this question...would you grind, etch or both? My first call to the vendor I think I am going with (mentioned often here) didn't seem to strongly recommend grinding for my application although he did say it generally yields the best results. Their kit also comes with the acid so I would likely do that whether I grind or not I guess. I have to get this done asap...it is absolutely killing me to have this new garage and not put anything in it yet. I have a **** ton of work to do...electric, insulating, interior walls, exterior staining, driveway, etc but all I want to do is start moving in!
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
New concrete - grind, etch or both?
- Thread starter Carnut68
- Start date
Shea
Well-known member
Grinding is always the preferred method and does not require acid etching afterwards. Acid etching generally works fine, but sometimes may require grinding afterwards if areas of the slab are particularly hard and not responding as well to the etch. A vendor will rarely recommend that you don't grind unless there is a valid reason not to. A single coat of thinner coating could be an example.
Quality vendors know their product best. We highly recommend following their advice when purchasing product.
Quality vendors know their product best. We highly recommend following their advice when purchasing product.
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have a new 1000sqft detached garage with a nice smooth concrete finish. Nothing but foot traffic in there so far. Searching yields mixed results on this question...would you grind, etch or both? My first call to the vendor I think I am going with (mentioned often here) didn't seem to strongly recommend grinding for my application although he did say it generally yields the best results. Their kit also comes with the acid so I would likely do that whether I grind or not I guess. I have to get this done asap...it is absolutely killing me to have this new garage and not put anything in it yet. I have a **** ton of work to do...electric, insulating, interior walls, exterior staining, driveway, etc but all I want to do is start moving in!
Grinding is always the preferred method and does not require acid etching afterwards. Acid etching generally works fine, but sometimes may require grinding afterwards if areas of the slab are particularly hard and not responding as well to the etch. A vendor will rarely recommend that you don't grind unless there is a valid reason not to. A single coat of thinner coating could be an example.
Quality vendors know their product best. We highly recommend following their advice when purchasing product.
Grinding is best when it comes to high solids and medium to high build epoxy. Its best for almost any application when done properly. They key though is if you are using a thin system you have to make sure you use the right grit... This can pose a different issue. Often we have to start with the heavy grit and do a second pass with the finer grit.
Remember a mil is 1/1000th of an inch. So a thin build system can be as thin as 1/500th of an inch -- which will not do that great of a job covering a 25 grit diamabrush floor
Etching is fine for many applications, grinding is always better. Please note if you grind you need to use the matching primer a grinding opens up the surface a lot and can lead to uneven porosity and sheen if not primed.
samuelscreech
Well-known member
Good info, I'm glad I have 2 more months of research before I have to decide for myself.
ShakeyPuddin55
Well-known member
Subscribing also. My shop is going up in Nov. Thought I read that etching is not recommended for new concrete. I'm trying to keep costs down due to the size of my shop but grinding seems to add a significant labor cost.
Kaizen
Well-known member
If I may hijack with a question on grinding but then no etch.
I just ground mine yesterday and thought I had to etch as well. If I don't etch how do I get the "dust" out? A blower did much but also put it everywhere. the floor looks like it needs a mopping. wouldn't this be a bad foundation for a primer?
I just ground mine yesterday and thought I had to etch as well. If I don't etch how do I get the "dust" out? A blower did much but also put it everywhere. the floor looks like it needs a mopping. wouldn't this be a bad foundation for a primer?