Planning for garage - Epoxy-Coat + Rustoleum Clear Coat?

[etcalias]

Hi everyone,

New to the forums. Been planning to Epoxy our garage floor. Read some of the other posts. Now I have a specific question.

From what I've been reading, Epoxy-Coat seems to get pretty good reviews. The local Lowe's has it in stock for the "full-kit" and at a pretty good price, and I can also use the 10% off coupon and even their 10% tax break gift card - so the price is even better!

I'd like to add some of the Sherman-Williams Shark Grip - which I've seen some other posters added to their Epoxy.

Here's my question. Epoxy-Coat comes with Aluminum Oxide for traction - which I've read is very abrasive and you don't want to fall on it! Shark Grip seems to get good reviews - but people typically put in into a Clear Coat over the Epoxy. I can't spend the money for the full Epoxy-Coat kit + Clear Coat, so I'm thinking about buying the Epoxy-Coat kit from Lowe's, and then using the Rustoleum Clear Coat with Shark Grip added.

I have a standard 2-car garage - mainly for everyday home use. No heavy lifting or car work. Built in 2005. Never been coated. I live in Temecula, CA zip 92591.

Can I add the Shark Grip to the Epoxy-Coat layer? Or, is it more advisable to use the Clear Coat? The Clear Coat will be another $99.

Also, what's the feeling on Acid prep vs. Diamond Grind? Diamond Grind seems better but I can't find anywhere locally to rent it - or rental will be over $100.

Thanks!

 

[cowboyjosh]

Im a real SOB for consistency, so I would suggest either do the whole garage with Epoxy-Coat clear coat and all, or don't do it at all. I personally wouldn't mix brands of epoxy, clear, and anti-slip, in order to save a few bucks. I also reckon if the clear fails or the epoxy coat fails neither Rust Oleum or Epoxy Coat is going to warrant it since you mixed brands. Im probably wrong, but its my opinion.

Yes, diamond grinding is the better way to go.

On epoxy your better off paying for the diamond grind, and the entire Epoxy-Coat system including their clear and their anti slip, then to try to bastardize, otherwise you'll be out more money when the floor looks like **** and is peeling and you have to re-do.

 

[etcalias]

Thanks for the input, cowboyjosh. I am checking with Rugerlady to see how much the Clear Coat would be separately.

Anyone have any ideas where I can rent a diamond grinder in the Temecula area of So Cal?

 

[AlphaGarage]

Anyone have any ideas where I can rent a diamond grinder in the Temecula area of So Cal?

Many equipment rental yards carry them - SunBelt, USRental, even a few Home Depots. If you have trouble locating one, drop me a PM.

BTW - Figure on $150 - 200 for the day.

 

[rugerlady]

Diamond Grinding is the preferred method of prep. The acid does come in the kit. AG is correct in the pricing of the rental $150-$200 per day is about the norm.
I also agree with cowboyjosh. You will have warranty issues if you apply another clear product over ours, especially water based. Call me at the office and we can go over costs of clear.

 

[awakeinAZ]

agree with the above

 

[redlinetoys]

Also agree with sticking with one system.

I personally like the solvent base Rustoleum with Rustoleum clearcoat, but have no experience with the Epoxy-Coat to compare the two. I am sure they are both good and it is nice to have the support of Christine for sure.

If you like the Epoxy-Coat color coating, then you should buy the whole system. The extra couple of bucks will ensure a nice job short and long term.