A few years ago I took a class on Epoxy floor coatings offered through Hirshfields. The class offered hands on training in the appropriate way to etch, clean, prime, paint and seal a garage floor coating so it will stand up the the rigors of a Minnesota Winter. Since then we've done quite a few garage floors and I've always followed the same process. I'm going to share it with you so you know a good standard for completing a garage floor1. Wash any stains, rust marks of areas with dark grime.
2. Etch the floor with a diamond etcher and avoid the Muratic Acid. Spend more time Etching until you are sure that the floor is sufficiently etched. You'll be able to tell because you'll see the color and profile of the surface change.
3. Vacuum the floor not once, not twice, but 3 times. Once after etching, once before the pre-prime, and once before the 1st coat of epoxy.
4. Use a good product and use one system. I use a system with a long history of performance that comes in a 100 percent solids or 84 percent solids. I start with the pre-prime, apply two coats of epoxy (and apply some colored flakes after the 2nd coat of epoxy is still wet). Then I top coat everything with 3 coats of a 2 part urethane. The Urethane is a important step that will help protect the flakes, help protect against fading and chalking and help against salt damage.
5. Let everything dry about a week until you drive on it. You can move general yard equipment in the garage within 48 hours but avoid driving on the floor for a week and then always part on some rubber pads placed under the car tires.
Of course the most important steps are the application techniques, cleaning techniques, mixing techniques and product knowledge that you learn through training and time on the job so if you are thinking of having it done make to consult a expert.
Call Nick D for a free quote
Complete Custom Painting LLC
651-336-0561 cellular
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