Pouring slab tomorrow, question about surface smoothness

[BamfordsGarage]

Hello Forum.

I'm building a detached project/display garage in Edmonton, Canada, size 27'-6" x 28'-0" inside. Thickened-edge foundation, 5" centre thickness with 6" perimeter curb. Not expecting any welding above this floor, but some grinding and also jack wheels, heavy tools, etc from time to time.

We pour tomorrow (Wednesday).

I want a shiny, smooth, mono-colour finish like the one in the photo below. This fellow has what he describes as "aircraft-grade two-part epoxy floor paint", professionally installed 8-10 years ago and he is quite satisfied with durability, although some fuels will permanently stain.

My immediate question is regarding what level of surface finish do I request of the crew tomorrow... I assumed I would want very smooth, in line with my desired final product. On the other hand, I've read references about the need to "rough-up" the concrete finish to provide enough tooth for the epoxy to bond.

1. Which is true, or are they both correct in some way?

2. What finish do I specify of the concrete crew?

3. Is there such a thing as "aircraft grade" epoxy floor paint or is that mostly hype? And if this stuff is a thing, is it worth the extra expense?

Related information... I would like to do the application myself. I'm good at following instructions and willing to take as long as suggested for initial cure, application, and post-application cure. I'm not desperate to get into this space and plan to finish it completely (inside, at least) before moving in.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Standard smooth, troweled finish. No burnishing or power troweling. No sealers. Also hopefully no fiber mesh added.

 

[BamfordsGarage]

Standard smooth, troweled finish. No burnishing or power troweling. No sealers. Also hopefully no fiber mesh added.

Thank you. No fibre mesh was specified. Good to know about the sealer.

What about the "aircraft-grade" question?

 

[ConCretin]

Standard smooth, troweled finish. No burnishing or power troweling. No sealers. Also hopefully no fiber mesh added.

Just to clarify. When you say 'no power troweling', I assume you are referring to the final finish? The OP definitely want power trowels used to float and trowel the floor as this is an important part of getting a flat floor. He just wants them to stop short of a hard troweled of burnished finish.

The terminology here can be tricky when trying to communicate the desired finish to the crew. The more explanation of what you are looking for the better.

 

[BamfordsGarage]

...The OP definitely want power trowels used to float and trowel the floor as this is an important part of getting a flat floor. He just wants them to stop short of a hard troweled of burnished finish.

The terminology here can be tricky when trying to communicate the desired finish to the crew. The more explanation of what you are looking for the better.

Thanks for that. I believe my instruction to the finisher ought to be:

"Standard smooth power-troweled finish, not burnished. No sealer"

Truck is booked for an hour from now. If there is further clarification needed, I will be checking the forum.