single coat

[jsmith6752]

Has anyone used a single coat epoxy floor application? If so, what are your thoughts? I have a 30 x 44 floor and I can't afford to be wrong. thanks

 

[54FordPanel]

What do you mean by "single coat"? Most epoxy products are single coat.

 

[rugerlady]

Our floor coating is typically a 1 coat process.

 

[bRIZZAd]

Yes. I used EpoxyMaster's product, and it is a single coat.

They do sell a top coat separately, though seem to tout that their single coat is 'good enough' for the majority of situations.

The only scenario where I'd say you need a top coat with this is if you garage facing the sun most of the day and want to keep the door(s) open. The product will yellow more so without a top coat.

If you plan to do a FULL broadcoast of vinyl paint chips/flakes... you most definitely need to do a clear top coat. Otherwise you will have a dry floor of paint chips, even after scraping of those that were rejected and did not sink into the epoxy.

I did a heavy coverage, and did make some 'oops' spots where it was full coverage. These stand out, as no epoxy base coat shines through.

 

[jsmith6752]

Thanks for your feedback. Would it be safe to say that a top coat would be the way to go if you use flakes?

 

[rugerlady]

We feel its only necessary if you use a heavier density of flakes.

 

[bRIZZAd]

As an example, for a FULL broadcast to rejection, you can see how some fresh oil will soak into the paint chips without a top coat on the left, versus that of the right side that has a clear top coat:

This was taken from: http://www.originalcolorchips.com/frequently_asked.html

Here is their claim regarding the photo, so you can take this scenario into consideration:

2. Is the topcoat necessary? I've noticed most brands do not offer the topcoat.
Much of our competition do not offer a clear top coat. We have found that the topcoat is completely necessary. Applying the topcoat will seal in the chips, provide a uniform high gloss sheen and add yet another protective layer to your floor. When we have installed floors without the clear top coat we have found that yellowing (or ambering) is much more likely to occur. Even light traffic can cause the chips to curl or discolor. In most cases dirt and debris gets easily lodged around the chips.

In the example above,half the floor was applied with the clearcoat and half without. We took an oily/dirty rag and rubbed down the entire section on both sides. After waiting 48 hours, we took a clean rag and rubbed the dirt and oil off. You can see that the side with the clearcoat easily wiped clean, while the side without left a dingy residue over the surface.

As RugerLady confirmed... I think this is really only applicable to a really heavy-to-full broadcoast. Otherwise with a single coat for a light-medium broadcast .. the chips easily sink into the single coat and are protected nicely.

 

[jsmith6752]

great info....thanks for taking the time

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Has anyone used a single coat epoxy floor application? If so, what are your thoughts? I have a 30 x 44 floor and I can't afford to be wrong. thanks

What do primers do?
Seals the floor.
Enables a more even topcoat
Fills pores that can create outgassing
Increases topcoat coverage and eveness
Covers stains/issues

Etc...

In the garage DIY industry the primer is typically skipped by supplying thicker 100 percent solids coatings.

In the pro-installer world we don't spec jobs without it.

Personally, I prefer a 2 coat 50 percent solids system compared to the single coat system. We sell both and naturally the single coat system takes the lead 3 to 1.