Question about new layer of epoxy

[dtinsman75]

I currently have a 5 year old coat of 2 part epoxy on my garage floor. Its solid, no peeling or issues like that. I am just ready for a fresh coat with a new color. I also didnt mix in any anti skid the first time around and it gets a little slippery, especially in some areas where water will pool up when the floor is wet. I contacted Valspar (I used their product from Lowe's originally) to consult them on how I should prep the surface for a second coat. The lady I spoke with was very knowledgable and asked me alot of questions before answering. Once she understood my situation she suggested that I do the following. Clean the floor very good with TSP and let it dry. Secondly, use 80 grit sandpaper and scuff the floor (the idea was not to remove the current epoxy) but rather to give it some etching. Lastly she told me to blow all the dust out and then use the "duct tape test". She said put stick some duct tape down and pull it up quickly from the floor. If nothing peels up on the tape then I am ready to go with the fresh coat. I also consulted with a very knowledgable Lowe's worker yesterday and he suggested using muratic acid 1:1 and this would accomplish the same thing. Also, I plan to use another 2 part epoxy from Valspar that Lowe's sells.

My question for the board is basically what route do I take here? I am a perfectionist and do not want this to be a maintenance nightmare with the new coat peeling up but at the same time I think grinding the entire old coat off may be overkill, at least according to the people I have spoken with. I would appriciate any help.

Thanks!

 

[Jsf721]

I just did something similar and decided to have a company grin of the older 95% instact layer of epoxy. If you want close to perfect, or as close as possible grind off the old coating. I am a perfectionist and had a proferssional company do the work. NOTHING IS PERFECT and I do see some defects showing through and a drip here and there. Overall, it is excellent. Perfect is the enemy of excellent. I was in heavy duty Ananlyis Lock and now that it is done, I am happy

 

[Shea]

I also consulted with a very knowledgable Lowe's worker yesterday and he suggested using muratic acid 1:1 and this would accomplish the same thing.

No, no, no. This is why many people have problems applying epoxy floors on their own- listening to the so called knowledgeable guy at the local home improvement center. They mean well and you have no reason to doubt them unless you do a little research as you have done here.

You did the right thing by contacting the manufacturer. Everything suggested is right on par with the exception that I would recommend wiping the floor with denatured alcohol after you have swept out or blown out the residue. This will ensure that you have no contaminants in the new coat you apply. You can also apply the anti-skid with the new coat to alleviate you slippery issues.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

The muriatic acid over a coated floor is not useful, at all.
It is only useful on raw, unsealed concrete.