WHEN to epoxy?

[SUPERFORD]

I've got a brand new garage that's basically a complete shell. It's framed, got siding, roof, slab, doors, etc.

the inside is still a skeleton. bare studs, trusses, etc.

I'm in the process of doing the electrical, and then comes sheetrock and insulation.

My question is: at what step in the build should I apply the floor epoxy?

I'm concerned about putting it down too early and then having it gouged, oversprayed on, or otherwise damaged while installing insulation, painting walls and ceiling, installing two post lift, installing large air compressor, etc.

However I'm also concerned about waiting because I just know SOMETHING is going to get spilled or oversprayed onto the slab that'll make more work (or even worse cause adhesion problems) for me down the road if I wait to epoxy.

any thoughts one way or the other?

NOW OR LATER?

thanks,
Chris

 

[Mlynch]

Later... just prep correctly by grinding the concrete.

 

[AlphaGarage]

Either way you're going to need to get a good profile by etching via mechanical or chemical means.

But you are correct, having a coating down now will protect the substrate from some physical abuse as well as chemical spills that could require additional prep steps before the eventual coating.

We have some clients who take this approach - They get the correct profile and apply the first coat of BondTite 1101 first. It cures clear and will offer impact resistance as well as spill protection. The various trades can then come in and do their things without worries about damages to the floor.

When the dust settles - a week, a month, 6 months - later they roughen up the surface with a scrub pad, wipe it down with a solvent, and then apply the pigmented epoxy body coat followed by flakes etc.

 

[SUPERFORD]

I'm aware that regardless of when I do my epoxy that floor prep will be required.

Another "WHEN" question which I'm sure varies by product and manufacturer recommendations, but what time of year, or more accurately, what moisture and temperature range is best.

Summer? hot and usually very humid here

Spring or Fall? Mild temps (say 70deg) and low humidity

Winter? Cold and unknown humidity...

should I plan for a certain time of the year to do my coating? or should I try to have my HVAC work done so I can maintain the "ideal" temperature?

 

[Mlynch]

well you can install it year round in most climates... There are pros and cons to hot and cold however mild temps are prob ideal. Personally unless you had temps under 50 i wouldn't plan around the time of year.

Hot = lower initial viscosity, less working time
cold = higher viscosity, slower cure, and less concrete wetting