Warehouse Concrete Floor

[papa1265]

Hi, I'm a newbie to all this so wanted to ask the voices of experience. Just bought a warehouse condo and need to coat the concrete floor (6 yrs old) which has seen almost no use. 4000ft. My concerns are dust suppression, occasional spills of auto fluids, and abrasion (don't want to cause a problem by dropping a tool or dragging something on the floor). Lite use of a small forklift. Don't know if a sealer product like HD6600 is the solution or if I need epoxy or what? I am a little worried about the acrylic content of that product but have no basis for the concern other than warnings from some of you about acrylic products.

If anyone has had HD6600 down for a while, I'd like to know how it is holding up. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[jonathan75]

I want to do a acid stain and seal it. But I will polish the concrete first. I like the look of colored and sealed concrete. Hope you update us after you are done because I would like some feedback too.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Papa, my recommendation would be our Standard Epoxy Clear Sealer.
Two coats and done.

Have completed many warehouses over the years with this, it holds up well.

Link: http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/standard-epoxy-clear-sealer-p-156.html

HD6600 is good but your lift will "point load" like crazy causing wearing near the dock area.


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[papa1265]

Thanks Scotty, then I need to diamabrush the floor? what grit? Is this a finish that will yellow? I've got some sidewall windows. Is this available in tints or colors?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

If the floor is not coated you can go 100. Yes, this product is available in all the normal colors.

Top-coat with Hd322 and it will not amber.

Frankly, if its a warehouse I wouldn't worry about a little ambering over the years.

 

[brownbagg]

why not just leave it alone, its a concrete slab , who cares if it gets dirty

 

[rburke65]

That's where I am at......fighting with myself to leave it alone or ..... apply the shine, which is what I like. I realize it's only concrete, and it's more of a shop.... Not worried about fluids, but...? Just seems like you need a degree in chemistry.....

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Guys, keep in mind an unsealed floor is not only harder to keep clean "looking" but every time you sweep it you are creating dust. This dust gets on your cars, tools and yes it gets inside your lungs.

A treatment of densifier should be considered, at a minimum, in order to control the dust.


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[papa1265]

Have to agree with Scotty on the cleaner you try to keep it without something to suppress the concrete dust the dustier it gets.
Last question Scotty: I have to do this in sections since it's just me doing the work. From other threads it appears that I don't want to try more than 1,000-1250 ft at a time because of the pot-life. Do I create a problem if I just use expansion joints as boundaries and leave them permanently? (maybe moisture getting into the slab thru them later on or something?)

 

[papa1265]

Question to the group...if anyone has put down two coats the Standard Epoxy Sealer 2 or 3 years ago could comment on durability, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[jimgerken]

If you want to seal it to make it easier to sweep and less dusty, a densifier is in order. If you don't want to have to worry about damage to the sealer from solvents or welding, densifier is the answer. If you want to improve the surface integrity, densifier. Why not use the best? the price is right.

I have no affiliation with Ashford. After research it is the only concrete surface treatment I ever need. and I have tried a few and seen some epoxy jobs.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Papa: You can easily handle a (2) gallon unit by yourself, when that one is applied mix the next and continue, especially this time of year. Each unit butts up to the next.

Unless you want to stop after a 1000 sq. If you do stop, try to stop on a natural boundary. Joints are a good boundary.

 

[papa1265]

Thanks Jim, I'll look into that.