"The truth about epoxies" Part 1

[sameerb]

Re: "The truth about epoxies" Part 2

Hello, it is my first post on this forum. I was planning to put down Quikrete Garage Coating on my garage floor (purchased at Lowes). However, after reading this thread, I am definitely going to put down something that is more durable.

My question is where do I buy the type of epoxy products mentioned by FloorGuy? I do not seemt o find them at Home Depot or Lowes. Also, are there specific brands/ products that I should buy? Thanks for your assistance.

 

[thorpe5278]

I have heard that Durall is a good product but I have no experience with it. I use Valspar Industrial products, not the kind you find in big box stores.

Where is a good place to buy Valspar Industrial products?

 

[gotta56forme]

FloorGuy,

A question for you regarding the surface prep. I have concrete that is about 3 weeks old now. I won't be able to put an epoxy floor covering on it for probably another 6-8 weeks. The finish on the garage floor is without sealer, and very smooth, probably like an old rough formica countertop. Do I want to rough up the surface even more?

Thanks in advance,

Scott/Gotta56forme

 

[///ACS330Ci]

Great post Floorguy, thanks!

 

[enginerd]

Does anyone have experience with Ironite Coatings?

 

[Fast Cop]

Floorguy, I am almost at the decision stage and have narrowed it down to U-Coat-It, Epoxy-Coat and POR-15. Any experience (good and bad) with these products. Thanks in advance for your input

 

[SteveL]

I would be interested in his opinion on those as well. I need to get my floor done in September before it turns cold.

 

[Floorguy]

Fastcop, i have no experience with any of these products but would suggest reading the data sheet and seeing which product has the most solids and the least additives. Again, prep is the key to most flooring so getting it clean and rough is the answer. I highly suggest a clear topcoat, I use a urethane to add protection and durability.

Sorry I could not be of more help with your product questions.

Feel free to PM if you have specific process question.

Floorguy

 

[thegarageguy]

Re: "The truth about epoxies" Part 2

In a separate bucket measure out the resin first and then add the hardener to the resin and mix for 2 minutes. QUOTE]



I know your here to help, but I found a fatal flaw in your prep process that could eventually lead to some failures.


allways pour the hardener first, then add the resin last. if not you will find that when you get to the end of the bucket, you would be spreading pure resin. see pic.

I'm sure it was an oversight. btw, well written.

 

[WolverineCoatings]

I know your here to help, but I found a fatal flaw in your prep process that could eventually lead to some failures.


allways pour the hardener first, then add the resin last. if not you will find that when you get to the end of the bucket, you would be spreading pure resin. see pic.

I'm sure it was an oversight. btw, well written.

There is no ALWAYS to it... FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS of the exact product you are using!!!

Does it matter if you add the resin to the hardener or the hardener to the resin?

In GENERAL... no... BUT... in some remote systems (maybe 0.1% of products) it does matter.

The problem mentioned above sounds to me like they just did a lousy job of mixing and didn't scrape the sides of the bucket or the bottom while mixing.

 

[thegarageguy]

Floorguy was speaking of 100% solid epoxies. In my almost 5 years of experience, I have found that you have a great chance of having gooey spots if you mix the hardener into the resin. Being that floorguy was also speaking to do it yourselfers, they seem like they would have a better chance of not mixing well enough like you mention because of their lack of experience.

btw, where do you get your stats, .01%?? Maybe in solvent rich epoxies like the store bought kinds are. Maybe they dont have to be as precise, I wouldnt know, I too like floorguy use only industrial products that you can't buy at your local hardware or website. I may not be the most eloquent writer on this forum but my knowledge comes from experience.