Sanding Epoxy Floor

[zooyorq]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

So last year I started a solid epoxy project at my hobby garage, I underestimated the amount of coverage of the solid epoxy and its ability to even out some of the bumps and grooves/etc.. so I purchased a significant amount more of their base stuff and was told it would work better with some toledo sand mixed in.. yeah, that was not a good idea, after the first 100sqft or so I realized the sand was making the super smooth surface into a sand paper type finish and even after covering it with another coat of solid epoxy (extra thick) the sand granulars were still poking through making for a pretty obnoxious surface for pushing a toolbox/etc across.

So that said I would like to sand that area down and then put another coat across the entire workshop, extra thick. Hoping to now achieve a incredibly smooth surface.

What would you use for sanding that.. between coats while waiting for the new base stuff I sanded with a vibrating 12x18 sander rented from home depot and what felt like 100 60grit-120grit pads that didn't seem to do much of anything at all and wore out fast.

Has anyone, or would anyone recommend using a belt sander or orbital sander instead?

 

[Winmon]

I had a issue with my epoxy floor and had to recoat it. I used 60 grit if I remember correctly....I actually used a palm sander!

 

[zooyorq]

I had a issue with my epoxy floor and had to recoat it. I used 60 grit if I remember correctly....I actually used a palm sander!

Ok, and palm sanders are similar to the 12x18 floor sanders in that they are random direction/vibration not orbital right?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Sander used for wood floors is good using the same type screens.
The grit sticking through may be an issue no matter what.

 

[zooyorq]

Sander used for wood floors is good using the same type screens.
The grit sticking through may be an issue no matter what.

Wonder if I'd have any luck (or make it worse) tackling the sandy spots with a angle grinder and more abrasive disk.

 

[hofiveo]

Yeah, use a 4.5" or 7" grinder to get sand down. You can use a sand flap disk or something similar. Just move fast so as not to gouge the epoxy to deep. We use swing machine/Clarke floor buffer with sanding plate and 80-120 grit sandpaper, I think they still rent them at Home Depot. Fether the edge while you are at it.

 

[jose jj jacinto]

in order to make the texture disappear and not show up over time through wear and tear is to diamond grind the floor smooth again and repapply the epoxy. the best way to reapply the epoxy is use a knotch squeegee, something like a knotched trowel that is used when placing mastic. using the knotch squeegee will give you the consistent coverage over the floor with the correct amounts over high and low spots..