Home workshop floor suggestions....

newmann
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7/31/2013 6:04am
Going with the three part mil grade epoxy from Armorgarage.com like a couple people linked above. Spent the weekend scrubbing, degreasing, muriatic acid washing, TSP scrubbing.....and now on to the coating. Got the primer coat rolled down last night and the light gray epoxy will be down this evening. Looking better already.







newmann
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8/1/2013 6:50am
And down goes the epoxy gray. Super thick, speads with a notched squeegee and flows out. Lightly roll over it to even it all out. Clear coat going down this evening.

Anyone who has done this before have any suggestions on the grit additive in the clear? I'm leaning towards just leaving it slick for easy cleanup.




Tbteam
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8/1/2013 7:00am
Joe, I've been around floors with no grit. They clean up easily, but in rubber soled shoes, if any moisture is on the floor it was like ice.
Camp332
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Zoo Jersey US
8/1/2013 7:03am
Tbteam wrote:
Joe, I've been around floors with no grit. They clean up easily, but in rubber soled shoes, if any moisture is on the floor it was...
Joe, I've been around floors with no grit. They clean up easily, but in rubber soled shoes, if any moisture is on the floor it was like ice.
Listen to Mark. We dont want to hear about any broken hips in your garage!

The Shop

gyd58
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8/1/2013 7:19am
Use all your grit, it is not hard to clean with it. Without it as stated above it is slick with moisture.
BAMX
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Fallbrook, CA US
8/1/2013 7:46am
Newmann.....Since you are doing this right, you might check out this link as well. This guy sells Lista scratch and dents and mis-ordered cabinets. If you are setting them up against a wall as cabinets the dents are never seen. He gets new stuff in all of the time so if you don't see what you like, check back. These make any other cabinets feel like junk. We have many that have every drawer is filled solid with metal hardware and they never bend flex or feel like they are going to give out.

http://www.motorheadextraordinaire.com/2-junk-yard-specials
KGAspeed
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Salt Lake City, UT US
8/1/2013 8:16am
newmann wrote:
Anyone use any industrial grade ceramic tile for a shop floor? Is there actually such a product and is it anymore durable that regular tile? Drop...
Anyone use any industrial grade ceramic tile for a shop floor? Is there actually such a product and is it anymore durable that regular tile? Drop a wrench or hammer, will it not chip or crack? Looking for an alternative to the painted epoxy floor coatings which I haven't completely ruled out yet. As for the epoxy coatings, is there an absolute best product out there? I've used some in the past with good results, but looking for something better. Got about 700-750 sq. ft. to cover and want to do it before I drag all my crap back in there. It's only taken me 10 years to get around to finishing it....Blush

Everyone seems to be giving you fairy high-end options (understandably given your project), but we just bought a new house and I'm getting ready to cover my garage floor as my first project (wife is really happy about that). I am planning to just use the Rustoleum Epoxy from Home Depot. $200 and it is done; whereas many others are 3-4x or more of that cost.

I've used it before, and actively worked over it for 3 years without issues. But it certainly isn't perfect - tire marks build up over time (that may be the case with any epoxy coating, and they mop off anyway); you could also see some lap-marks from rolling the product on.

A friend of mine invested 6k into an epoxy coating business (product, license, plus training to be an installer), and the stuff was awful - peeled up within days (don't recall the brand though - I'll ask him for my own curiosity).
KGAspeed
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8/1/2013 8:18am
newmann wrote:
And down goes the epoxy gray. Super thick, speads with a notched squeegee and flows out. Lightly roll over it to even it all out. Clear...
And down goes the epoxy gray. Super thick, speads with a notched squeegee and flows out. Lightly roll over it to even it all out. Clear coat going down this evening.

Anyone who has done this before have any suggestions on the grit additive in the clear? I'm leaning towards just leaving it slick for easy cleanup.




Newmann - I added a "grit" to my epoxy on the first garage I coated, and HATED HATED HATED it. Don't do it. It makes sweeping a total pain and just isn't worth it in my opinion. I disliked it so much that I rented a big floor sander from Home Depot, buzzed it all down and did it over.
mxtech1
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Galesburg, IL US
8/1/2013 9:12am
I would recommend that the grit is probably not needed. The floor will not be as slippery as some lead to. I did my floor last year with similiar products and my garage is a direct path to our swimming pool. So we get alot of traffic coming in and out with wet feet from the pool, have not had any slips at all.

The only time I find our floor slippery is during winter when I come into the garage with snow packed in my shoes. That may not even be a factor for you though.

Also, the floor sweeps and mops up so easily without the grit.
zookie
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8/1/2013 9:25am
http://www.epoxy-coat.com/ is the best according to just about everyone who has used it. It is real epoxy with solids...very thick.
gyd58
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8/1/2013 11:50am
zookie wrote:
http://www.epoxy-coat.com/ is the best according to just about everyone who has used it. It is real epoxy with solids...very thick.
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy coat, and then a clear coat on top of the epoxy. Much better than the one coat.

Regarding the anti-slip additive that some say is not needed, they are wrong. I have used the exact product the OP is putting down and it will be slick without the grit when it gets wet. Just ask the manufacturer, thats why they recommend it.
KGAspeed
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8/1/2013 11:58am
zookie wrote:
http://www.epoxy-coat.com/ is the best according to just about everyone who has used it. It is real epoxy with solids...very thick.
gyd58 wrote:
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy...
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy coat, and then a clear coat on top of the epoxy. Much better than the one coat.

Regarding the anti-slip additive that some say is not needed, they are wrong. I have used the exact product the OP is putting down and it will be slick without the grit when it gets wet. Just ask the manufacturer, thats why they recommend it.
You sound like a salesman for that product you are pushing.

The usage of a non-skid-additive is subjective in my opinion and I think a lot of it depends on where you live. I was in Vegas when I tried the additive and like I said, I hated it. A lot.

I believe Newmann is in TX, so he won't need to worry about winter / snow / water-on-shoes, etc. I personally would not add it, but again, it's subjective.
motosmith
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8/1/2013 12:09pm
newmann wrote:
And down goes the epoxy gray. Super thick, speads with a notched squeegee and flows out. Lightly roll over it to even it all out. Clear...
And down goes the epoxy gray. Super thick, speads with a notched squeegee and flows out. Lightly roll over it to even it all out. Clear coat going down this evening.

Anyone who has done this before have any suggestions on the grit additive in the clear? I'm leaning towards just leaving it slick for easy cleanup.




KGAspeed wrote:
Newmann - I added a "grit" to my epoxy on the first garage I coated, and HATED HATED HATED it. Don't do it. It makes sweeping...
Newmann - I added a "grit" to my epoxy on the first garage I coated, and HATED HATED HATED it. Don't do it. It makes sweeping a total pain and just isn't worth it in my opinion. I disliked it so much that I rented a big floor sander from Home Depot, buzzed it all down and did it over.
You sanded it down to the concrete? Holy cow that seems like a lot of work. How long did that take?
KGAspeed
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8/1/2013 12:21pm
motosmith wrote:
You sanded it down to the concrete? Holy cow that seems like a lot of work. How long did that take?
No, not al the way down. I rented a huge floor sander from HD with various grit pads and just roughed it up the best I could. Per the instructions I just needed to rough it up enough to re-coat, but I also needed to get rid of all that damn skid-additive. It wasn't that bad.

I'm about to rent that machine again; the house we just moved into had the garage floor done in regular "porch and floor paint" which of course is 50% flaked off. 'Need to get that crap off completely before using epoxy.
newmann
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8/1/2013 12:36pm
I went with the three part system with the primer in an effort to try and get the best adhesion possible. The garage/shop is ten years old and there were some oil stains and such that I knew could present some adhesion issues. Even after scrubbing all the spots with a body shop type wax and grease remover, scrubbed and mopped with degreaser, muriatic acid wash and rinse and a TSP scrub and rinse there were still a few spots that wanted to fisheye.

The actual epoxy in this kit is probably the same or similar type as the epoxy coat link, 100% solids....thick stuff! Supposed to be 23 mil with the clear.

As far as the non skid material they sent, it is a very fine powder. I may make a small test panel to see what it looks like. The area I'm doing is air conditioned so there should be no weather related moisture issues with the floor sweating and such. Just what gets spilled or tracked in. I'll have a few floor mats by the doors to eliminate some of that. Mainly like the idea of easy cleanup.

I've used other epoxy floor paints in the past, did about 5000 sq ft here at my shop a dozen or so years ago straight over new muriatic acid washed cement. No primers or clears and was a two coat application. Excellent adhesion but over time has scratched and worn through in places. Wanted this one to be permanent. Cost about $1300.00- 1400.00 for everything to do 750 sq ft. so fingers are crossed!
Boxvan446
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Burlington, WI US
8/1/2013 1:24pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2013 1:26pm
Typcially 3-coat or single coat epoxy systems are all the same product. Very minimal differences between the coats. Infact, a few systems I sell use the same product for all the coats. I think Newmann has the right idea with a 3 lift system. It will be the most durable long term. Most people go with a single coat because of cost.

As far as anti-slip product there are 3 recomendations I have if you are going to go that route. Sherwin williams makes a plastic additive called "shark grip by HTC" that can be used in sealers or epoxy's. 2nd, A company called Concrete Solutions in CA has a crushed aluminum that can be used. 3rd, You could always use a fine/medium silica sand (probably the most aggressive, as far as traction is concerned). All three when used in moderation will barely be visable. I've seen the shark grip and silica sand first hand. I've sold the aluminum before but have not seen the finished product.

Most expoy systems fails beause of lack of prep. Mechanical prep is the best but usually not the most economical for residential users. Another issue that causes failure is moisture moving through the slab. Most users fail to do moisture tests before starting to determine suitability of the slab.
gyd58
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8/1/2013 5:56pm
zookie wrote:
http://www.epoxy-coat.com/ is the best according to just about everyone who has used it. It is real epoxy with solids...very thick.
gyd58 wrote:
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy...
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy coat, and then a clear coat on top of the epoxy. Much better than the one coat.

Regarding the anti-slip additive that some say is not needed, they are wrong. I have used the exact product the OP is putting down and it will be slick without the grit when it gets wet. Just ask the manufacturer, thats why they recommend it.
KGAspeed wrote:
You sound like a salesman for that product you are pushing. The usage of a non-skid-additive is subjective in my opinion and I think a lot...
You sound like a salesman for that product you are pushing.

The usage of a non-skid-additive is subjective in my opinion and I think a lot of it depends on where you live. I was in Vegas when I tried the additive and like I said, I hated it. A lot.

I believe Newmann is in TX, so he won't need to worry about winter / snow / water-on-shoes, etc. I personally would not add it, but again, it's subjective.
Not a salesman and not pushing the product, just giving the guy what I experienced, after months of investigation, using the exact same product he is putting down. I don't think experience with a different product would be very helpful.

I did not use all the additive and now wish I had and It is no problem sweeping the armorgarage clear topcoat with the additive in it.
KGAspeed
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8/1/2013 6:24pm
gyd58 wrote:
Not a salesman and not pushing the product, just giving the guy what I experienced, after months of investigation, using the exact same product he is...
Not a salesman and not pushing the product, just giving the guy what I experienced, after months of investigation, using the exact same product he is putting down. I don't think experience with a different product would be very helpful.

I did not use all the additive and now wish I had and It is no problem sweeping the armorgarage clear topcoat with the additive in it.
All good info; thanks.

The price gap is huge on the various levels of product - that Rustoleum Epoxy I plan to use for my garage, is $100 per 500sqft. Since it's just for my garage where all the vehicles are parked, I'm using it. It works pretty well. But for my 30x40 shop I plan to build for my cars and motorcycles, I'll amp that up and try the higher-end stuff with a better and more glossy appearance.
MR. X
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8/1/2013 6:26pm
gyd58 wrote:
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy...
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy coat, and then a clear coat on top of the epoxy. Much better than the one coat.

Regarding the anti-slip additive that some say is not needed, they are wrong. I have used the exact product the OP is putting down and it will be slick without the grit when it gets wet. Just ask the manufacturer, thats why they recommend it.
No primer coat and it is a 2 part epoxy , you're thinking of something else.
gyd58
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8/2/2013 5:59am
gyd58 wrote:
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy...
The "epoxy-coat" is only a one part epoxy coat, the stuff he is using is three part. It has a primer coat, the 100% solid epoxy coat, and then a clear coat on top of the epoxy. Much better than the one coat.

Regarding the anti-slip additive that some say is not needed, they are wrong. I have used the exact product the OP is putting down and it will be slick without the grit when it gets wet. Just ask the manufacturer, thats why they recommend it.
MR. X wrote:
No primer coat and it is a 2 part epoxy , you're thinking of something else.
No, I am talking about "epoxy-coat", I looked at this product when I was researching floor covering for our shop. It is a terminology thing, all the epoxy coatings I found were "2 part epoxy", you have to mix part A to Part B to get the epoxy. The "epoxy-coat" is what I call a "one part epoxy coat" meaning the epoxy is put down in one coat, there is nor primer and no top coat.

The Armor Garage high end floor coating is what I call a three part epoxy coat, it has the primer coat (which is actually a 2 part primer), then the epoxy coat (which is 2 part epoxy), and finally the urethane top coat (which you mix the anti-skid material with).

The epoxy coat like the armor garage use a 100% solids epoxy which is the best type of epoxy and gives the thickest coat. Way better than any of the water based epoxies. For our shop I wanted to be able to drive our bobcat on it and fork lift without damage and primer for increased bonding and the more durable top coat seemed like the way to go.
newmann
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8/2/2013 6:13am
Exactly, the armor garage epoxy is supposed to hold up against all kinds of heavy traffic. Hopefully in a small shop like this it will last forever. Finished up last night with the clear coat....no grit additive. Just couldn't bring myself to do it. Hopefully there will be no "regerts"! Looks pretty damn nice with the exception of a few insect carcasses that made their way in. Going to let it cure up good over the weekend and start bringing some of my junk back in next week.

gyd58
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AL US
8/2/2013 6:48am
Newmann, looks really good. If I remember correctly, the good thing about the top coat is you can rough it up and apply another coat if you decide you want the anti skid.
MiSledder
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MI US
8/2/2013 7:09am
I used cement, Its durable and you don't have to worry about scratching it
newmann
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8/2/2013 7:19am
MiSledder wrote:
I used cement, Its durable and you don't have to worry about scratching it
I used it for the past ten years in there and would have to agree!Smile
bullpen658
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8/2/2013 8:11am
SEE ARE125 wrote:
Here are some more pics. Specifically garages. [img]https://www.sweetlandart.com/i/pg/l_94efeaefef04.jpg[/img] [img]https://www.lotustalk.com/forums/attachments/f218/107932d1231715834-premier-garage-experiences-large-checkers-garage-2.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.all-things-concrete.com/images/garageconcretefloor.jpg[/img] [img]http://michiganconcreteresurfacing.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/garage-stain.jpg[/img] [img]https://static.concretenetwork.com/photo-gallery/images/400x400Max/garage-floors_23/logo-showroom-titus-decorative-concrete_872.jpg[/img] As you can see, you can get crazy with logos and decals too. lol
Here are some more pics. Specifically garages.











As you can see, you can get crazy with logos and decals too. lol
AWESOME STUFF!!!!
bullpen658
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Fresno, CA US
8/2/2013 8:12am
newmann wrote:
Exactly, the armor garage epoxy is supposed to hold up against all kinds of heavy traffic. Hopefully in a small shop like this it will last...
Exactly, the armor garage epoxy is supposed to hold up against all kinds of heavy traffic. Hopefully in a small shop like this it will last forever. Finished up last night with the clear coat....no grit additive. Just couldn't bring myself to do it. Hopefully there will be no "regerts"! Looks pretty damn nice with the exception of a few insect carcasses that made their way in. Going to let it cure up good over the weekend and start bringing some of my junk back in next week.

Looks super nice newsman. I'm jealous.

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