Question:
I'm planning on cleaning (sweeping, scraping any crud, degreasing), then
acid etching, then power washing a smooth concrete garage floor. Then I'll
be painting it gray. Can anyone recommend a paint, or primer/paint combo,
or any internet reference sites? What are the advantages and disadvantages
of epoxy over regular paint?
Answer:
The main reason that someone would not choose Epoxy would be that of cost, a
good Epoxy would cost about three times the price a a Alkyd floor coating.
The Epoxy system would be the coating of choice for a commercial garage
floor. You can choose either a solvent based Epoxy, sovent free self
leveling Epoxy or a water based Epoxy. I have painted my own garage floor
with three coats of solvent based Epoxy which looks like new after three
years. With regard to abrading the coating before re coating, you would find
that the everyday wear and tear that the floor has received is usually
enough to provide a key.
I should have said that there is a simple test, rubber mat, like used in
automobiles for floor mat, dropped on the floor, and left for about 3 days,
turn it over, if water moisture (condensation) is there you have a problem.
Or you can spend about $60-$75 bucks depending on your area, for a moisture
test meter, and know with in seconds!
