Repair Clear Coat on Epoxy Flake Floor

[thompsdw]

Hi everyone. I paged through about 10 pages on this forum and didn't see anything about re-coating an epoxy floor (most are new installs). I have an epoxy floor that is about 6 years old. Need to do some touch up on the grey and then reapply several coats of clear. I think the original clear was called Pitthane (PPG), but I am going by memory. I'm kinda disappointed it didn't hold up longer than this, but oh well.

I have a couple of questions:
1. Can anyone provide some guidance (or a link) to prep prior to applying the clear over the existing floor?
2. What is the "best" clear that I can DIY apply myself? I am planning on doing it in two parts (move everything to third bay) and then move stuff back and do the 3rd bay. I live in a very dry climate, so I am a bit worried about dry time?

Anything else I am missing? Thanks for the help in advance.

 

[FJ4FUN]

Here is a detailed re-coat technical bulletin: WCC TB

For a best-in-class hybrid urethane clear coat: EnduraShield 2254
(it's also available in .625gal kits)

 

[Andy Smith Jr.]

I would suggest 2 part clear urethane with a long working time. If you are not experienced with installs a short work time can be very difficult to use.

 

[thompsdw]

Yes, and I will be doing it myself so I am suspicious it will not go lightning fast. Most of these coating specify a tack free time, but not a working time. Maybe they are the same. I can close the garage up so cure time really isn't a big deal in my case. What is a good, but long working time coating?

 

[thompsdw]

Here is a detailed re-coat technical bulletin: WCC TB

For a best-in-class hybrid urethane clear coat: EnduraShield 2254
(it's also available in .625gal kits)

Any idea how much working time this urethane has in a very dry climate? I can control the temperature as my garage is air conditioned.

 

[FJ4FUN]

Yes, and I will be doing it myself so I am suspicious it will not go lightning fast. Most of these coating specify a tack free time, but not a working time. Maybe they are the same. I can close the garage up so cure time really isn't a big deal in my case. What is a good, but long working time coating?

How many square feet?
We've never had an issue with customers running out of time with our EnduraShield. The TDS states 20min working time but in practical applications its much longer than that. It also stays in the mix bucket and is poured into a rolling tray incrementally much like house paint unlike our epoxies. Keep in mind, I'm not suggesting that you mix up a batch and then go grab lunch... You set up your tools (couple of 1/4" nap shed free rollers w/ ext pole, clean roller pan) mark out a 4' x 4' grid (many people will do this by placing tape on the walls on 4' spacing and then visually triangulating off of this), give the floor one final wipe down with denatured alcohol, then mix and start rolling/back rolling onto the "grid". If you do this you'll have plenty of time.

 

[thompsdw]

My garage is around 900 ft2. So its a single part urethane?

 

[FJ4FUN]

No, it's a 2k urethane.

For 900sf you'd want 2.5 gal. with, or without traction additive.

 

[thompsdw]

The original contractor did not put a traction additive. I about bust my **** after entering the garage when blowing snow. I am definitely going to add that to the list this time.

 

[FJ4FUN]

The original contractor did not put a traction additive. I about bust my **** after entering the garage when blowing snow. I am definitely going to add that to the list this time.

Our SpheriTex is awesome stuff! Transforms the finish into a beautiful matte finish when looking at it from a distance (great for camouflaging dust) but is clear when looking directly down at your floor. Non-abrasive so it won't snag mops or dirt and is easy on the knees, back if you're into wrenching on your cars.