Sealers and curing agents.

[Hawk231]

I'm considering putting down epoxy paint on my garage floor. I was wondering if there are any specific brands of sealers, or curing agents, that can't be mechanically removed sufficiently to allow for a good epoxy adhesion. I know my floor has some type of sealer on it but I don't know what.

BTW, great site... I've really enjoyed lurking here and reading all the threads and ideas.

 

[rickas]

Given enough effort just about anything used in a home environment can probably be removed. The builder probably used a relatively inexpensive sealer compared to ultra tough industrial sealers. No personnal experience but sanding & shot peening both seem to be recommended here. If you decide on an epoxy to use, call the manufacturers tech line & ask their recommendation & how to check that its all removed.

 

[Hawk231]

Given enough effort just about anything used in a home environment can probably be removed. The builder probably used a relatively inexpensive sealer compared to ultra tough industrial sealers. No personnal experience but sanding & shot peening both seem to be recommended here. If you decide on an epoxy to use, call the manufacturers tech line & ask their recommendation & how to check that its all removed.

Thanks Rick... You're probably right about it being cheap stuff. I tried to get a hold of the builder before I went out of town on business. He hadn't called before I left and the wife said he didn't call back while I was gone. It would be my luck that the particular cheap stuff he used would be the hardest to remove . I'll call him again and try to find out exactly what he put down.

 

[darkside]

Hi, I decided to apply an epoxy paint to my garage floor. I cleaned the floor to the best of my ability but of course maybe not using the proper cleaning agent there was still some sunk in grease, etc, not a lot but some. The paint seemed to go on good but I am not sure it is curing right. It hass been 48 hrs and I applied a second coat with some hesitation. The paint seems to be too easy to rub off with my foot. Should I wait a lot longer for it to cure before sweating it? Is there some sort of sealer I should apply over the paint to protect it and make it harder to come off and if so when should I apply the sealer. I don't want to throw too much money at it if it won't work but I want to save it if possible. Any help would be appreciated. I bought the epoxy painbt at the local hardware store, not sure the name of it but it is supposed to be a real good paint for cement floors. Please help.