Epoxy is a durable and resilient floor coating system you can use to strengthen your concrete floors. Coated floors have a high resistance to oils, grease, and harsh substances that normal paint cannot stand. Our garage floor epoxies create surfaces that are easier to clean and are available in different colors and patterns. We will help you keep a sparkling clean floor for years to come.
Nonetheless, not every floor can bond well with a coating and we have to test and prepare the surface thoroughly for it to accommodate the new topcoat. Do not try to do it yourself unless you are a true professional- the procedure is both tedious and labor-intensive. Only experts can make proper installation and in a short period of time.
We start by assessing the condition of your floor. We clean and etch it before applying the epoxy floor coating. Like any other construction project, the success of epoxy coating is determined by the prep work. During the first day, we ensure that all dirt is eliminated by scrubbing, vacuuming, and mild etching.
Next, is filling up the cracks and voids and application of the initial epoxy coat. The second coat is applied after the first one cures. This process does not necessitate the use of special equipment and all that is needed is a stiff brush, vacuum, and a floor scrubber.
Etching
The concrete floor is etched with a solution of water and acid (HCL). If a garage floor is the main project, the entire floor should be hosed down. To create the etching formula, water and HCL are mixed in the ratio of 10:1 and power scrubbed against the floor with a clean brush. Note that the acid is added to water and not the other way round. And since the acid is dangerous, it is important that the applicator wears a respirator. After scrubbing, the floor needs to be sprayed with a lot of water for at least 10 minutes to rinse the acid. The scrubber should be rinsed too because acidity is not good for the environment.
At this point, the floor should have a fine-grit sandpaper texture. If this is not reached, the etching process has to be repeated. To hasten the drying process, a squeegee or rug does well by taking off the excess water. The floor should be left open overnight to dry up.
The optimal conditions for epoxy floor coating
The concrete floors must be tested for moisture by taping a plastic bag to it for a whole day. The coating should only proceed if the underneath floor is dry. When the plastic bag seems to carry moisture, time should be allowed for the floor to dry up; otherwise, water pressure can damage the bond between the epoxy and the surface. It is imperative to identify the source of moisture because a moist floor is not ready for epoxy coating.
In case a sealer was used on the floor, the project should be foregone, and where there is a new slab, a minimum of 30 days should be allowed for the surface to cure completely. If the floor was painted previously, that paint must be removed, particularly is a solvent-based coating is to be applied.
For optimal results, the coating procedure should be carried out at 60⁰F to 90⁰F while the concrete needs to be at 55⁰F.
Whether a water-based or solvent-based epoxy is applied, two coats are recommended for sufficient thickness of the epoxy film and durability. Basically, high solid content in an epoxy is what gives a greater thickness. During the application, the coating expert wears protective clothes, rubber boots, gloves, goggles, and respirator. Any water heater or gas system nearby must be switched off and precautions must be taken to keep off the children and pets.