Garage Floor Coatings?

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:23 am

Thanks for the info. Dick mentioned "muriatic acid" which was on my list of potential stuff to use. I am mostly in the researching right now. I don't plan to really move in for about a week or more. Still also need to get approval from the CFO (wife).

Cost is a major factor right now, so I was mostly thinking that the epoxy would be a short (3-5 years) solution with some type of tile like Mike mentions being the long term one. I can deal with "wear" in high traffic areas, but I would like to try to avoid peeling/flaking (which I ?assume? is caused by bad surface prep) as much as possible.

I was looking on Armstrong's web site and was having a hard time determining if they have a product specifically for this type of use (garages, factory floors, etc.). My concern is the affect of heavy objects (cars on jacks, whole car scissor jacks, etc. Probably just need to keep looking.

Regarding the epoxy. Should I stay away from some brands, etc.? Is there much of a traditional epoxy smell as it cures? If so, how long does the smell last. I am going to go down to Lowe's/Home Depot today to see what they have. Any other suggestions for local dealers?

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Richard Casto wrote:

Cost is a major factor right now, so I was mostly thinking that the epoxy would be a short (3-5 years) solution with some type of tile like Mike mentions being the long term one. I can deal with "wear" in high traffic areas, but I would like to try to avoid peeling/flaking (which I ?assume? is caused by bad surface prep) as much as possible.

I'm still trying to learn too - I want the stuff that's used in grocery stores, autozone, light manufacturing plants, etc. Seems pretty durable to me. Might not hold up to a dedicated commercial auto repair garage, but it sounds great for a "hobby" garage.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Here's what I will probably end up with. Hope the link works:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN ... 0&MID=9876

Armstrong
12 in. X 12 in. Sterling Excelon Commercial Dry-Back Vinyl Floor Tile
Model 51904-031

$31.95 CTN
Internet ID 807250
Brand Armstrong
Manufacturer Armstrong World Industires
Model # 51904-031
Color/Finish Sterling
Width 12 in.
Adhesive Type Dry-Back
Commercial/Residential Commercial
Edge Type Straight
Pack Coverage 45 Sq. ft.
Pack Quantity 45 Tiles per Carton
Thickness 1/8 In, 3/32 in.
Type Dry-Back Vinyl
UPC CODE 042369010535

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 12:33 pm

Richard Casto wrote:

Regarding the epoxy. Should I stay away from some brands, etc.? Is there much of a traditional epoxy smell as it cures? If so, how long does the smell last. I am going to go down to Lowe's/Home Depot today to see what they have. Any other suggestions for local dealers?

FYI we got the stain from Duron. There is a store at Creedmore and Strickland in NW Raleigh. Note that Stain MAY be easier to recoat in the future than epoxy. Since, especially after etching, retains the texture of the concrete, it also doesn't tend to get real slippery. Since it was realatively cheap I also don't worry about how much it gets "damaged" other than not wanting it to look bad.

Mike,

I've lost track of the thread but are you planing on using this tile in a working home shop/garage?

Will the tile hold up to all the nasties folks like us subject a garage floor to like solvents, jack stands, etc.?

AndersGreen · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:29 pm

MikeWhitney wrote:

I have NEVER heard of anyone being completely pleased with the final result, and every instance I have seen has worn off in high-traffic areas within a few years.

Is anyone actually happy with theirs after 5+ years?

I am completely pleased with the final results of epoxy painting my garage floor after 8 years.

I don't notice any areas that have worn through due to high foot or vehicular traffic.

jimpastorius · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:31 pm

AndersGreen wrote:

MikeWhitney wrote:

I have NEVER heard of anyone being completely pleased with the final result, and every instance I have seen has worn off in high-traffic areas within a few years.

Is anyone actually happy with theirs after 5+ years?

I am completely pleased with the final results of epoxy painting my garage floor after 8 years.

I don't notice any areas that have worn through due to high foot or vehicular traffic.

What product did you use? I was pleased with the Lowe's stuff (I think it was Rust-o-leum) I had put down. Warm Hoosiers did lift a little spot. But after 4 years, 99% is still in good shape.

AndersGreen · **Posted:** Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:48 pm

jimpastorius wrote:

AndersGreen wrote:

I am completely pleased with the final results of epoxy painting my garage floor after 8 years.

What product did you use?

Jim, I have no idea, it was eight years ago.

Can you imagine how much brake cleaner I've gone through between then and now??? My brain would never be able to retain that information!! :lol:

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2004 5:29 pm

Ok, I still think I am going to do the epoxy route. For those of you who have done this I have some questions...

* How to remove/clean existing oil spots? Any tips, trick, special cleaning agents (i.e. Simple Green, Engine Degreaser, etc.)? Or did you just use regular soap and water and lots of scrubbing?
* What did you do to clean in general (soap, water, ton-o-scrubbing?)
* Tips, tricks, etc. for the Muratic acid etching?
* I will probably buy the 2 gallon "Rustoleum" water based Garage Floor Epoxy kit http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?fr ... d=56&SBL=1 from Home Depot. This product includes "decorative chips". I think these are just small chips that are spread onto the surface after you roll out the epoxy. Any experience with these chip? Tips, Tricks, etc?
* Any other do/don't with the Epoxy kits?

Adam Ligon · **Posted:** Wed May 05, 2004 8:01 pm

As said before, the job will only be as good as the prep work, so don't skimp.

And as for cleaning recomendations, the best course is to follow the instructions on the product you will use. All I have seen have directions of what and how to clean before application. Following your particular choices directions will have the best results and least chance for any "mixing" issues.

And yeah the flakes are just for looks. But I know a couple of people who used them and said then tend to come out over time. And that they wouldn't have used them again in the paint.

Chuck Frank · **Posted:** Mon Feb 06, 2006 4:50 pm

AndersGreen wrote:

jimpastorius wrote:

AndersGreen wrote:

I am completely pleased with the final results of epoxy painting my garage floor after 8 years.

What product did you use?

Jim, I have no idea, it was eight years ago.

Can you imagine how much brake cleaner I've gone through between then and now??? My brain would never be able to retain that information!! :lol:

Anders, do you at least remember if it was a DIY product? Epoxy based? how did you put it down, roller, spray, brush, squeegie? Was it thick like glue or thin like paint?
THINK MAN THINK! Inquiring minds want to know! :lol:

AndersGreen · **Posted:** Tue Feb 07, 2006 3:04 pm

I found some cans of Sherman Williams Tile-Clad II two part epoxy under my house. I do not now have, or ever will have, any other information on the subject.

Cheers,
Anders

steve remchak · **Posted:** Tue Feb 07, 2006 10:37 pm

DickRasmussen wrote:

Richard Casto wrote:

Regarding the epoxy. Should I stay away from some brands, etc.? Is there much of a traditional epoxy smell as it cures? If so, how long does the smell last. I am going to go down to Lowe's/Home Depot today to see what they have. Any other suggestions for local dealers?

FYI we got the stain from Duron. There is a store at Creedmore and Strickland in NW Raleigh. Note that Stain MAY be easier to recoat in the future than epoxy. Since, especially after etching, retains the texture of the concrete, it also doesn't tend to get real slippery. Since it was realatively cheap I also don't worry about how much it gets "damaged" other than not wanting it to look bad.

Mike,

I've lost track of the thread but are you planing on using this tile in a working home shop/garage?

Will the tile hold up to all the nasties folks like us subject a garage floor to like solvents, jack stands, etc.?

the VCT product Mike is suggesting requires commercial waxing to perform to its highest standards. i have also seen this product release from the floor in sub freezing temperatures in new construction situations. standing water will compromise the adhesion as will hydrostatic pressure over time. (epoxy adhesives will remedy this somewhat). floor prep, while important is not as critical as an epoxy or paint type application. VCT conforms to the substrate's texture, particulary after buffing as heat is generated, so any divots or bumps in the floor will telegraph thru. i too would like a nice garage floor, but as yet have not decided on the product.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

steve remchak wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

Richard Casto wrote:

Regarding the epoxy. Should I stay away from some brands, etc.? Is there much of a traditional epoxy smell as it cures? If so, how long does the smell last. I am going to go down to Lowe's/Home Depot today to see what they have. Any other suggestions for local dealers?

FYI we got the stain from Duron. There is a store at Creedmore and Strickland in NW Raleigh. Note that Stain MAY be easier to recoat in the future than epoxy. Since, especially after etching, retains the texture of the concrete, it also doesn't tend to get real slippery. Since it was realatively cheap I also don't worry about how much it gets "damaged" other than not wanting it to look bad.

Mike,

I've lost track of the thread but are you planing on using this tile in a working home shop/garage?

Will the tile hold up to all the nasties folks like us subject a garage floor to like solvents, jack stands, etc.?

the VCT product Mike is suggesting requires commercial waxing to perform to its highest standards. i have also seen this product release from the floor in sub freezing temperatures in new construction situations. standing water will compromise the adhesion as will hydrostatic pressure over time. (epoxy adhesives will remedy this somewhat). floor prep, while important is not as critical as an epoxy or paint type application. VCT conforms to the substrate's texture, particulary after buffing as heat is generated, so any divots or bumps in the floor will telegraph thru. i too would like a nice garage floor, but as yet have not decided on the product.

Yeah, but it will look really cool

steve remchak · **Posted:** Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:34 am

MikeWhitney wrote:

steve remchak wrote:

DickRasmussen wrote:

Richard Casto wrote:

Regarding the epoxy. Should I stay away from some brands, etc.? Is there much of a traditional epoxy smell as it cures? If so, how long does the smell last. I am going to go down to Lowe's/Home Depot today to see what they have. Any other suggestions for local dealers?

FYI we got the stain from Duron. There is a store at Creedmore and Strickland in NW Raleigh. Note that Stain MAY be easier to recoat in the future than epoxy. Since, especially after etching, retains the texture of the concrete, it also doesn't tend to get real slippery. Since it was realatively cheap I also don't worry about how much it gets "damaged" other than not wanting it to look bad.

Mike,

I've lost track of the thread but are you planing on using this tile in a working home shop/garage?

Will the tile hold up to all the nasties folks like us subject a garage floor to like solvents, jack stands, etc.?

the VCT product Mike is suggesting requires commercial waxing to perform to its highest standards. i have also seen this product release from the floor in sub freezing temperatures in new construction situations. standing water will compromise the adhesion as will hydrostatic pressure over time. (epoxy adhesives will remedy this somewhat). floor prep, while important is not as critical as an epoxy or paint type application. VCT conforms to the substrate's texture, particulary after buffing as heat is generated, so any divots or bumps in the floor will telegraph thru. i too would like a nice garage floor, but as yet have not decided on the product.

Yeah, but it will look really cool :)

agreed, i have been tempted myself to do the same thing.

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