new slab, when can I epoxy?

[scottzilla]

I have a brand new slab (1 month old). How long should I wait before applying one of those epoxy concrete paints?
I'm not getitng consistant advice from anyone on this one!

 

[dvracer4life]

im in the same boat mines 41 days old when can i aply

 

[rugerlady]

We recommend 30 days after the concrete has been poured.

 

[Cryptic1911]

yeah the 30 days sounds about right.. from what I've read, it takes like 28 days for concrete to fully cure, so I would guess any time after that is done

 

[scottzilla]

Thanks. I've had people tell me to wait a year!

 

[tncatadjuster]

Concrete never fully cures, but it should support the rated load at 28 days if everything is right with the mix. Most coatings can be applied after 28 days.

 

[Kriilin]

I used to be a paint chemist (not currently employed by any paint co. therefore unbiased), and 28 days is the industry standard. I would talk to the concrete guy to see if they applied a "cure and seal" type coating when they did it (good contractors will). It may be incompatible with other coatings, and may have to be removed. As well, remember to acid etch (and properly rinse) and let dry before application. Prep work is the boring, un-****, but critical part of any successful paint job. Don't rely on the paint to make up for bad prep.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You need to do a test.

Cut a piece of clear plastic "visqueen", 2' x 2'.

Tape it down onto the concrete floor, do it in a few places.
The edges need to be completely covered by the duct tape.

Let sit down for 24 hours minimum.

You see moisture on the plastic, no coatings. Retry in a few weeks.

You see dry plastic, you are ready to go!!

Good luck.
-Scott
http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/index.php

 

[oldwino]

yeah, what Legacy Industrial said...right on the money...I don't know the ASTM test number off the top of my head, but he discribes it perfectly.

 

[TheBanker]

I have not heard anyone suggest this but when rinsing I checked for outgassing by looking for bubbles in the water. I have heard complaints of outgassing on this forum mainly from new concrete. If anyone knows more about that.

 

[nate379]

Concrete never fully "cures", older it gets, harder it gets.

28 days is correct though.

yeah the 30 days sounds about right.. from what I've read, it takes like 28 days for concrete to fully cure, so I would guess any time after that is done