Stained floor

[hotrodA]

Came over from the HAMB, so I'll jump in here.

I've lurked for awhile and read a lot of opinions and results, so I will try to ask questions that can be answered without a bunch of drama. This is a 28x34 shop, used as a rod building shop, not just a parking garage.

1. What prep does a STAINED concrete floor need before epoxy? I've done a bare floor in another shop, but went the cheap route (Rustoleum) and regretted it. This current floor is over 10 years old and has a lot of color issues with the stain. Plus it's a pukey color.

2. I'm interested in durability. NO hot tire lift. Abrasion and chip resistance.
High gloss. Therefore, is the 100% epoxy, plus clear, the way to go?

3. It has to be DIY friendly.

Thanks!

 

[thegarageguy]

First you may need to degrease your floor, then if epoxy is what you want, then you need to diamond grind your floor. Either find a prep pro and pay for it. ($800 to $1500)

Or you can rent one for $125 to $20 per day.

You may need a water based primer and a 100% solids base coat, then a polyurethane top coat.

 

[Dreamindiesel]

Sorry, I am a bit confused. Are you wanting a decorative stained concrete floor? If so, I would use a quality degreaser and power washer a few times if needed. Then use a ph neutral cleaner and wash again. Next buy a an acid stain of your choice and read everything you can find on this. At about 24 hours after staining, you could use and a UV rated epoxy for the depth and a urethane top coat for chemical and stain resistence as well as UV stability. My .02 only.