New Detailing Shop: Best flooring options

[Jarred767]

Hey guys, so I just started a lease on my first detailing shop and am looking to find the best option for the flooring. It will be a working garage and the most important part is functionality, but I want it to look good too, and be able to be somewhat easily cleaned.

Since I'm leasing the property, I don't want to pour too much into it, so budget friendly options are definitely nice. The shop will have indoor water and a drain so that I can wash cars indoors in the winter, so adding as much traction as possible is probably my highest priority.

Currently, the best option I think I've found so far is a matte acrylic concrete sealer with some sort of silica sand (like Skid-Tex) added into the final coat. The shop is brand new construction (concrete poured about 5 months ago) if that makes any difference. The working space is 875 sq ft with roughly another 300-400 in the storage area and restroom.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing any thoughts or suggestions anyone might have. Here's a couple pictures of the shop:

 

[Garage Flooring]

If you are allowed to put a coating down look at TrueLock PPC as it is much more chemical resistant than an acrylic

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Great idea OP. We have some options if you want a matte high performing acrylic MMA.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kerryt1]

Free-flow RaceDeck or SwissTrax?

 

[Jarred767]

If you are allowed to put a coating down look at TrueLock PPC as it is much more chemical resistant than an acrylic

That looks interesting, and application sounds pretty easy, for about $300 (sounds like I'd need three gallons) it seems like a pretty good option to really seal it in. It might be more than I really "need" but sounds like I wouldn't have to deal with for a long time. What's the traction like when wet? especially if there's any soap involved?

Great idea OP. We have some options if you want a matte high performing acrylic MMA.

Hmm, I'll have to look into this, where would I find more info? Sorry I'm not sure what the MMA stands for either.

Free-flow RaceDeck or SwissTrax?

I have thought about them, but for that much space it would be quite pricey. I also wash a lot of cars (especially in the winter) that have caked on sand/gravel/cinders from all the snow and I think it would probably be tough to keep those tiles clean as I would think that stuff would get stuck in the tracks

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

http://www.legacyindustrial.net/products/concrete-sealers/hd6600-mma-concrete-sealer.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RaceDeck1]

FreeFlow could be a great option here. It's designed to let all debris fall through not get stuck. We are out of Salt Lake City and see much of the grit, salt, dirt, etc that you are describing - FreeFlow keeps the garages out here clean and dry no matter the season.

 

[Armorpoxy]

We would recommend a fiat if our SPGX coating with Skid Twx non skid. Inexpensive and just as durable as epoxy and urethane.

 

[Jarred767]

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone, I really appreciate it.

So, many of the things noted are pretty top of the line products, and they all look awesome, but I think a little more than what I have budgeted to spend right now. I'm basically wanting to get something on the floor to protect it and make cleaning easier and add traction without spending a ton of money. I've got a bunch of other expenses for the shop right now, and if it means having to redo the sealer in a few years, then I'm will to have to do that.

With that said, is there a more budget friendly sealer that you guys would recommend based off of what I originally suggested? "Currently, the best option I think I've found so far is a matte acrylic concrete sealer with some sort of silica sand (like Skid-Tex) added into the final coat." I've looked online at places like Home Depot and Amazon and prices are much cheaper, but the product is probably inferior, so maybe looking at something in the middle, or would one of these be okay for a couple years and then reseal the surface if needed at that point. Thanks again!

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi, the SPGX runs about 30 cents/ ft. We will toss in the non skid n/c as a GJ courtesy. Please call to order, many thanks!

 

[MouldsPI]

Hi Jarred,

Exelia could be cost-effective for you! Please check us out as we do have a great sale going on right now http://exeliausa.com/.

Our LW tiles work extremely well in a garage shop setting. Made out of pure PVC, our tiles are very durable and the installation is also extremely easy. It's a DIY process. Exelia is chemical resistant and easy to clean. Another advantage to our tiles is that since you're leasing the property, you can take the tiles and move them with you when you move!

Also, if you're looking for a sealer, you could maybe try Hilway Direct. Their Plus and Primo sealers work great!

Here's a great picture of our tiles installed:

Cheers.

 

[benwah]

Jarred, seeing that you are leasing the property, you probably don't want to make too many drastic permanent changes to the building or floor for that matter. My personal and professional opinion would be to go with a clear acrylic MMA (methyl-methacrylate) sealer. It is easy to apply, has a fast cure time, and is relatively inexpensive. By my calculations you should be able to roll 2 coats on your 875 sq ft. work area with about 6 gallons, maybe 7 at most.

This to me, seems the quickest, most affordable, and easiest avenue.

 

[Jarred767]

Thanks for that info benwah, So i think I'm liking the MMA options and curious if anyone has experience with them ease of application (is it basically like painting a wall) and how they might hold up to this type of environment over time. I wasnt really planning on spending quite this much on it, but if I purchase 10 gallons, I might be able to swallow it (and probably have enough to coat the storage room and bathroom ~325sqft as well).

Couple questions though, what's the difference between the HD6525-MMA and the HD 6600-MMA? I can't seem to find any major differences.

I'm guessing the matte finish would be ideal for my situation?

Are there added "grip" options to help where there will be water on the floor? I'm assuming this would be necessary, correct? Thanks!

 

[mattoehler]

I deal with legacy industrial and their epoxy coatings. I will say their customer service and products are top notch. Give them a call and they will answer all your questions. Just my two cents.

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

 

[benwah]

I think Scotty with Legacy would be able to help you out with those questions, Jarred.

 

[James-W]

Before I did an epoxy coating, or any coating for that matter, I would make sure the building owner approved of it first. Personally, I think you would be better off with plastic floor tiles you could remove, if necessary, when you terminated the lease.

 

[Jarred767]

I deal with legacy industrial and their epoxy coatings. I will say their customer service and products are top notch. Give them a call and they will answer all your questions. Just my two cents.

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

I think Scotty with Legacy would be able to help you out with those questions, Jarred.

Thanks guys! sounds like I need to make a phone call and get some more detailed info directly from the source!

Before I did an epoxy coating, or any coating for that matter, I would make sure the building owner approved of it first. Personally, I think you would be better off with plastic floor tiles you could remove, if necessary, when you terminated the lease.

Yeah, I already checked with them and they are fine with it. I agree, it would be nice to have tiles, but the price is just not comparable or conceivable. For just my 875sqft working space, RaceDeck Free-Flow tiles would run just under $3k after everything. In comparison, the acrylic coating I'm looking at is under $600 and that's enough to do the whole storage area and restroom as well so everything's uniform. I didn't want to spend over $500 and that's why I was looking at cheaper options, but this sounds like it might be the best option and just over that budget. I can't take it with me, but I plan on being here for a while, so that's not a huge concern for me.

 

[Twomato]

Great website BTW. Good luck with your shop.

 

[Garage Flooring]

"That looks interesting, and application sounds pretty easy, for about $300 (sounds like I'd need three gallons) it seems like a pretty good option to really seal it in. It might be more than I really "need" but sounds like I wouldn't have to deal with for a long time. What's the traction like when wet? especially if there's any soap involved? "​

I thought I replied to this... Any floor can be slick when it is wet. This product meets ASTM requirements for traction and builds very little film. THe more coats, the more film and the more potential for being slick.

I did as many as 4 coats and found it acceptable. But it varies so much depending on the surface you are starting with etc

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Thanks for that info benwah, So i think I'm liking the MMA options and curious if anyone has experience with them ease of application (is it basically like painting a wall) and how they might hold up to this type of environment over time. I wasnt really planning on spending quite this much on it, but if I purchase 10 gallons, I might be able to swallow it (and probably have enough to coat the storage room and bathroom ~325sqft as well).

Couple questions though, what's the difference between the HD6525-MMA and the HD 6600-MMA? I can't seem to find any major differences.

I'm guessing the matte finish would be ideal for my situation?

Are there added "grip" options to help where there will be water on the floor? I'm assuming this would be necessary, correct? Thanks!

We developed HD6600MMA from HD6525MMA. It's the same formula plus a much more robust resistance to "salt" and salt water.

We have not pulled HD6525MMA as it has a cult like following. They are the same coverage, same money and are completely compatible. Go with the HD6600MMA.

Our HDGrip-Soft Skid is great, last coat only and most use the Ultra-Fine for these products.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

I deal with legacy industrial and their epoxy coatings. I will say their customer service and products are top notch. Give them a call and they will answer all your questions. Just my two cents.

Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

Thanks Mr. Matt!!

 

[jwcarguy]

Jarred,
I know that is thread is a from a few months ago, but I am curious what product that you ended up going with

I am in similar situation, but I built a new 1000sq ft shop (concrete poured 4 1/2 months ago)

I have been looking at the HD6600MMA as well as the epoxy flooring options, but not looking to spend a ton either

I prefer a solid color or just a clear coat, with anti-skid added, since this will be a mechanical shop doing car restorations

I am hoping to find "holiday specials" also

Please let me know your results

Thanks in advance for your input

Jeff

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi our SPGX would be great choice and our 40% off sale ends today for phone orders! Happy holiday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jwcarguy]

Hi our SPGX would be great choice and our 40% off sale ends today for phone orders! Happy holiday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dam! No pressure! LOL

Our new shop is 38x26 , so guessing on needing 4 gallons

looking at the SPGX in clear with anti-skid additive

shipped to Las Vegas, NV 89131 ?

you can pm me what that would be and see if we can swing it today?

Thanks so much,
Jeff

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Jeff:
Our Nohr-S is the cat's meow but like divorce, it is expensive and worth it!!

 

[jwcarguy]

Jeff:
Our Nohr-S is the cat's meow but like divorce, it is expensive and worth it!!

email / contact form sent