Ok experts what am i doing wrong??? - preperations

[yzman720]

MY CONCRETE WAS FINISHED WITH A VERY SMOOTH FINISH
I RENTED A FLOOR GRINDER WITH DIAMOND BLOCK INSERTS - WENT OVER THE FLOOR 3 TIMES (sorry just relized cap loc was on)
The floor still did not feel like 100 grit and was pretty smooth feeling
So I decided to acid etch and the acid etch did roughen it up more than the grinding but the floor still does not have a 100 grit or even a 120 grit feeling to it. I am about ready to say screw it and just put my epoxy down but I wanted to ask if anyone had a suggestion before I do that. I have spent soo much time effort and money on the prep as I want to do the thing right and my floor to be good and am scarred this is going to be a waste. Input?

 

[AlphaGarage]

Different coatings require different substrates. Contact the distributor of your system and see what they suggest.

 

[yzman720]

Different coatings require different substrates. Contact the distributor of your system and see what they suggest.

This is a 100% solids epoxy paint going down which the manufacturer suggests getting the surface to a 100 grit sandpaper feel

 

[thegarageguy]

To your original question..."What am I doing wrong?"

The answer, "YOU DIDN'T HIRE A PRO!"



Seriously though, 100% solids doesn't quite have the wettability or penetration action sometimes to be used as a primer. I'd suggest using a good primer first or if you had no other choice, add 8 oz of xylene or acetone per gallon and a half mix. This will help your 100% solids wet out and flow better. Be careful though, too much could cause the epoxy to not cure properly if at all. Make sure you completely neutralized the acid, do a ph test, then damp mop it all to ensure there is no dust residue. Make sure it is completely dry before you commence with the epoxy. Good luck!