Scuffing or Sanding a Floor For a Second Coat

[lolaetype]

My garage floors are coated with Rust Oleum's 2 part Epoxy. I've decided to give the floor a second coat. The directions say if the floor has been coated for over 4 days you will need to scuff or sand the existing epoxy to ensure the second coat adheres properly to the first.

Question: What's the best way to scuff the existing coating and how much is enough?

 

[benwah]

Best way I've found is with a 17" swing buffer, and 100 grit sanding screens. Need a green or white "driver pad" to go along with it

once the coating is "deglossed" meaning no more shiny spots, you are good. Give it a good vacuum then a solvent wipe

 

[lolaetype]

Thanks for that. I'm proficient with a swing buffer but would have to rent one and buy the sanding discs. So It's probably easier and less cost to apply the Rust Oleum primer they recommend for a second coat on a fully cured floor.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Rustoleum makes a special primer for painted surfaces...best to use that we would think.

 

[benwah]

For what it's worth I just had a 10 minute conversation with Rustoleum Technical Supprt about this because I was intrigued.

It was pretty clear the guy was reading from some type of script it seemed by his answers...

So I asked about the re-coat primer and he stated it was good to go with their 2-part epoxy home kits as a tie coat. I asked why they use a waterborne acrylic in between coats of epoxy and he had no answer.

I asked for ASTM testing for adhesion and they don't provide any. When asked why not, no ******** he said because this is a homeowner product.

He said they only recommend this product for the basic home kits and not their "industrial" or "commercial" lines. When asked why not, he said they recommend sanding the areas for a better bond (duh).

Asked him if they provide any warranty or guarantee that this will work and not delaminate, the answer was no.

So while this is technically easier, and it may or may not cost less depending on your SF, keep in mind it is a short-cut and may or may not fail in the future!

The tech rep highly suggested testing an area, letting it cure, then trying to scrape it off.

Good luck!

 

[lolaetype]

Benwah, Armorpoxy. Thanks for the input. I'm not doing anything until late fall and will decide then. You've both given me good points to ponder.

Looking around though, I see used swing buffers are cheap and by owning one I can take my time.

 

[Armorpoxy]

No worries, let us know if need anything else and enjoy your summer!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Lightly sand and solvent wipe. That's it. Don't make it complicated

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

A 400 sq ft space will only take 30-40 minutes to properly buff out.
It's a quick process.