Hello Everyone
A friend turned me onto this forum when I asked him about doing an epoxy floor. I've searched and haven't seen a definitive step-by-step guide to this. Sorry in advance about the length of this post.
Here's the deal. We will be renting a home from a friend and we will have a month to move in. We plan on staying here for many years and may even buy it down the road. The home owner has given me permission to do as we wish in regards to paint, adding lights and epoxying the floor in the garage.
Now I know, "investing" in a home you don't own is not normal but I use the garage as a car enthusiast. For me, it's no different than painting a room. However, I'm not interested in spending a lot of money for obvious reasons. I'd like to keep total expenses at $300-$400 for the whole project. I say all this so the pro's understand why I don't want to "invest" in a $1,000+ professional job.
The home is about 8 years old, previously owned by an older couple that passed away who just parked in the garage over some carpet remnants. It is a north facing 2 1/2 car garage.
I have not looked closely at the concrete but initial glance appears to be that it is relatively smooth, stain and crack free. It is bare concrete.
I've spent a few hours reading on the forum and online. I now have some questions and observations.
1. Initially I researched reviews on Amazon for the Rustoleum Professional box kit and they were all mostly positive. Having read on this forum, it also receives mostly positive reviews from the DIY'ers. I now see there are better products like Armorpoxy that may offer a similar price with a forum member discount. I will be contacting them individually. So thought on kits in my price range?
2. Floor prep seems to be the most critical aspect. I've heard everything from just a sweep, vacuum and muriatic acid wash to renting a floor grinder with different types of discs and multiple vacuuming and power washing. I'm assuming its recommended to tape some plastic on the walls to protect them. What do I REALLY need to do?
3. Benefits and drawbacks to the paint flakes? Do you need to sand them down? I like the looks of the paint flakes but is it harder to find dropped screws? I read they hide imperfections. Lot's of reviews say the more flakes the better, true? With a red tool box and gray and black shelves, what color flakes? I'm thinking light gray epoxy with black, red and dark gray flakes. Black, gray and blue seems more neutral though.
4. Anti-skid? We live in Dallas, Texas so we rarely get snow but we get rain. I will be working on the floor, under the car on occasion so yes or no?
5. How many coats? Is one 2 1/2 car garage kit enough?
6. Paint walls first or floor first? I plan on doing the walls later if that's OK. Do you do the whole garage or one side at a time. It seems lawn aerating spiked sandles are something the vendors sell. Are these recommended. Yes or no?
7. While the paint dries does the garage door need to be left open or can you close it
epoxy flooring McAllen
? How long until we can use the floor?
8. Do you need a respirator and/or a fan for this project? What other tools will be needed?
Thanks for your time! I'll definitely create another DIY thread with the knowledge I learn from the project.
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