If you’ve ever attempted to apply epoxy garage floor coatings, you know that the process can be daunting. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, there are many things that can go wrong.
One of the most common mistakes is poor preparation, which can result in a coat that’s not as strong or durable as it could be. That’s why it’s so important to prep your concrete properly before applying a IronDrive Garage Floors.
Preparation
There are a number of things that need to be done before you can start applying your Garage Floor Coatings. These include preparing the surface of your concrete, priming it, and ensuring that you have the right materials for the job.
The surface of the floor must be free of oil, stains, or other contaminants that may affect the coatings’ ability to adhere to the Garage Floor. A good way to do this is to use an acid etching process.
Using a sprinkling device, spray on a solution of one part muriatic acid and two parts water. Allow the reaction to occur between the acid and the concrete for 3-5 minutes.
After this, scrub the surface with a stiff bristle broom or mechanical scrubber to remove laitance. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Then, sand the floor, removing any loose coatings or flaws. Then, you are ready to begin the epoxy application. Epoxy is a durable coating that will protect your garage from damage and wear.
Preparing The Surface
Before you apply the coating, the surface must be prepared properly. This ensures that the new coating will adhere to the surface effectively and improves its durability.
Old layers of paint, mill scale and rust need to be removed from the surface. This is especially important for epoxy coatings.
Moreover, loose dirt must also be removed from the surface in order to achieve proper adhesion of the new coating.
This process can be done using a number of techniques. Some of these are more effective and cost-effective than others.
One way to remove the top layer of concrete is acid washing. This technique leaves a smoother surface that makes it easier to apply the epoxy. However, it may leave moisture behind that could interfere with adhesion.
Applying The Coating
Epoxy Floor Coatings are much thicker than paint and are designed to be applied over a concrete floor. They also provide a very high-gloss finish that is tough as nails and resistant to chemicals and stains.
The best garage floor epoxy systems can withstand heavy rolling tool boxes, jack stands, and other items that can damage painted or sealed concrete. They are also extremely durable and look great for years after application.
Many people are confused about the type of garage floor coating they should use. A true garage floor epoxy coating is a two-part epoxy resin and hardener that will bond with the concrete and create a durable, long-lasting, and attractive finish.
Unlike paint, which hardens through the evaporation of its solvent, epoxy hardens by means of a chemical reaction between a resin and a hardener (catalyst). This makes it a more permanent solution than non-adherent coatings. It also requires a considerable amount of prep work upfront and multiple coats for optimum curing time.
Post Coating Care
If your Garage Floor Coatings is coated with epoxy it’s important to properly maintain the coating. Over time dirt, sand, and other debris will scratch the surface and cause it to lose its shine.
Over time stains and spots can also form on the surface of your epoxy garage floor. These stains will also dull the finish.
Chemical spills like gasoline, oil, antifreeze, and brake fluid are another big issue that can damage your garage floor coating if left untreated.
These messes can cause permanent discoloration, softening or even removing your coating altogether.
Conclusion
To avoid this, clean up any messes immediately after you make them. This prevents the chemicals or cleaners from sticking to your concrete floor and wearing it down faster.
