Newbie Epoxy Q's

[tacoma_2002]

I've been lurking in the shadows for over a year now, reading and gathering all information I could on this kit and prep work etc etc...

I have a 24x30 shop that I built 5 years ago. I used 3500# fibercrete and slick finished it. I'm currently in the process of tearing everything out of it and putting sheetrock in with some sort of Epoxy floor with a clearcoat.

Questions...

What should I do to "prep" this concrete? I've read diamond grinders or muriatic acid. Will I need to grind my concrete even though its slick finished? I'm wanting to do this ONCE and would really like it to last 5-10yrs+. I've looked at the Quikrete kits at Lowe's, and I really like them because you can custom color, but I want something durable.

I will be using the color flakes and a clear coat.

Also...
My shop is insulated, so if I have my rollup door open and its say 40*F or below at night...then I open the door the next day and its say 70+*F the floor sweats due to such rapid temp. change. Will this effect my Epoxy? I have 2 layers of black plastic under the slab so it doesn't sweat unless this happens.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[AlphaGarage]

What should I do to "prep" this concrete? I've read diamond grinders or muriatic acid. Will I need to grind my concrete even though its slick finished? I'm wanting to do this ONCE and would really like it to last 5-10yrs+.

You especially want to profile the floor if it's slick! Either a mechanical or chemical profiling will increase the surface area available for the epoxy to grip, and with a better epoxy to also chemically bond to. Aim for a finished texture similar to 80 - 120 grit sandpaper.

With good prep and materials 10+ years is easy.

I've looked at the Quikrete kits at Lowe's, and I really like them because you can custom color, but I want something durable.

Epoxies and other floor treatments are like automobiles, they come in all styles, prices, and qualities. Just do your due diligence.

My shop is insulated, so if I have my rollup door open and its say 40*F or below at night...then I open the door the next day and its say 70+*F the floor sweats due to such rapid temp. change. Will this effect my Epoxy? I have 2 layers of black plastic under the slab so it doesn't sweat unless this happens.

Those temperature deltas should be okay with good coatings.

 

[TheBanker]

I think what you are looking for is 100% solids epoxy which is much better than the box store stuff. Wolveriene and epoxy-coat have reps here that can help you through the whole process. I just did mine last weekend.