patch then etch OR etch then patch?

[index]

i'm in the process of epoxy coating my garage floor.
do i patch first, then etch?
or do i etch first, then patch?

also, how long do i need to wait after patching (using regular pre-mixed concrete patch out of the tube) to apply epoxy over it?

 

[Randall Edge]

I would patch then etch, so the epoxy gets a good bond to the patch. Wait time varies with the size of the patch. What I gather is anywhere from 24 hours up to 6 weeks. I'm having stained concrete floors put in my new house with an epoxy sealer. I had a patch 3/4" thick by about 4" wide by 6' long. The floor stain guy tells me it needs to dry for a couple of days before he can stain and seal it. I had another patch 4" wide by 4" deep by 4' long. They suggested that one dry for at least a week.