New floor, unsure what we are doing

[Dirtdigger6113]

We are pouring 30x40 garage on Friday morning. Ultimately we want to have a finish of some sort, probably not til spring at this point with the northeast Ohio winter on the horizon. Looking at all options. Densifier, VCT, and a simple epoxy. With these three options, should I still cure and seal the concrete after its poured? Or should I leave it bare and water it during the curing process? Also if we go for the densifier option and we want the big box store polished dark charcoal look, do we need to use power trowel or will a hand steel trowel finish still work?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

If you want the big box look...
They need to slick trowel that floor using a power trowel machine. Densifiy as soon as you can walk on it and then use a product like our HD40 Concrete StainGuard (following the install instructions). You cannot get this done by hand troweling.

http://www.legacyindustrial.net/products/densifiers/hd40-concrete-stainguard.html

 

[Dirtdigger6113]

thank you. if I were to use a densifier or a cure and seal product, will I still be able to do VCT or Epoxy at a later date? I did read through the searches that a slick power troweled surface will need to be etched or grinded to allow the application of VCT or Epoxy.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Yes. However Densifier is far different than cure n seal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Garage Flooring]

thank you. if I were to use a densifier or a cure and seal product, will I still be able to do VCT or Epoxy at a later date? I did read through the searches that a slick power troweled surface will need to be etched or grinded to allow the application of VCT or Epoxy.

As Scotty said there is a definite difference between densifier and cure n seal. If you are going to do an epoxy I would avoid the cure n seal products and even some densifiers. If you are going to protect the floor for now, and come back later and do something, save the label from whatever you decide to use.

I have seen some variation with densifiers and cure n seal products depending on when they are applied and how cured the concrete is. The further they soak in the harder it can be to get good adhesion -- even with a grind.

I believe it is Covey who said start with the end in mind.... Good rule of thumb here

 

[Armorpoxy]

We always advise staying away from curing or sealing agents if you plan on applying a coating. What you put on now will most likely need to be removed later on by grinding.

Plenty of time in this season to apply a good coating system. The polished concrete look can be achieved by staining the floor dark and using our SPGX on top as a coating. Low cost, easy to apply.

 

[Dirtdigger6113]

Thanks to all for the comments