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To finish preparing an uncoated concrete floor, you need to etch, acid wash or grind the floor, as a smooth floor will not allow the epoxy to adhere well. You can rent a sand blaster or diamond grinder and rough up the surface. Or you can etch, or acid wash, the floor using a product designed for concrete floor prep.
How do I prep my floor before epoxy?
Instructions Clean and Degrease the Floor. Use a broom and wet-dry vacuum to clean debris from the floor. Etch the Concrete. Etch the concrete floor using the etching solution provided in the epoxy coating kit, following the manufacturer’s directions. Prepare the Room. Mix the Epoxy. Apply the Epoxy. Let the Garage Floor Dry.
Do you have to grind concrete before epoxy?
However, for larger commercial jobs, older concrete, or worn floors we always recommend grinding before epoxy installation. The concrete floor will fail if the coating doesn’t bond mechanically to the concrete floor, so the preparation is the most important part before applying any type of epoxy!Feb 18, 2019.
How do you know if concrete is ready for epoxy?
The concrete will immediately, or at least within a minute, darken as the water absorbs in areas with no contaminants. You would immediately notice whitening or a frosty hue in areas that have silicone-type contaminates. Further, check to see if the water beads up and then takes more than a couple of minutes to absorb.
How long does concrete take to dry before epoxy?
Standard specifications recommend a minimum 28 day cure period for “green concrete”, before an epoxy floor coating or other resinous system can be applied.
How do you prepare surface for epoxy?
For good adhesion, epoxy bonding surfaces should be clean, dry and sanded. Epoxy bonding surfaces must be free of any contaminants such as grease, oil, wax or mold release. Clean contaminated surfaces with lacquer thinner, acetone or another appropriate solvent.
What happens if you don’t etch concrete before epoxy?
In Closing. New concrete must be etched before applying the epoxy. The smooth surface of unaltered concrete won’t bind with other materials, such as epoxy or paint. As a result, epoxy will peel and lift away, failing to adhere to the surface.
Does vinegar etch concrete?
Etching – Vinegar’s ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble, travertine, concrete and terrazzo surfaces. It may “clean” the surface but it is also dissolving pits into the finish and effectively dulling it. This will affect marble, travertine, concrete and concrete terrazzo surfaces.
Can I sand concrete instead of etching?
Yes, you will need to grind in order to remove the sealer at the surface and provide a proper profile for the coating. You cannot acid etch. The reason is that the sealer prevents the acid from reacting with the minerals in the concrete since the concrete is sealed.
Can you sand concrete for epoxy?
Sanding concrete doesn’t remove laitance It won’t be bonded well and will probably peel off as soon as it’s put under any stress, such as a car parked on top of it. While preparing a new slab is generally a much easier task than a damaged, contaminated slab, you still need to do it properly.
Can you epoxy over rough concrete?
The only valid reason why someone should apply epoxy on rough concrete is to eliminate dust and protect the surface from absorbing water or other chemicals. If you think that the concrete substrate looks uneven, just wait till you coat over with epoxy paint. Epoxy is glossy.
Can I put epoxy over sealed concrete?
For example, you cannot apply epoxy garage floor coverings over a concrete floor that has been sealed. Therefore, if your floor is sealed, epoxy coating or any other kind of paint cannot be applied to it because it will never stick and it will never be as effective as intended.
How long after pressure washing concrete can you epoxy?
We highly suggest 45 or more days of curing (depending upon weather conditions). Faster curing concrete can be used, but discuss it with Stronghold Floors staff first.
How long after you pour concrete can you paint it?
Concrete floors should not be painted for at least 60 days after installation. It takes 30 days for the concrete to cure and a further 30 days for the balance of the moisture to leave the concrete.
Can you paint freshly laid concrete?
Curing New Concrete Allowing the new concrete to cure for at least 30 days can reduce the alkalinity and moisture content to levels low enough for the concrete to take paint. But it can take as long as 60 days before new concrete has cured enough for painting, depending on climate and weather, reports Jon-Don.
How do you clean epoxy after sanding?
Step by step instructions: After sanding, apply the polishing compound across the entire surface of the resin. Rub the compound into a small piece of resin using a microfiber cloth. Use a buffing wheel (or any polishing tool) to polish a larger piece of resin.
Can you pour epoxy over cured epoxy?
Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.
Can you sand epoxy and recoat?
A lot of first-time users ask, “Can you sand epoxy?” The answer is, YES! This is the primary way to prepare your epoxy for a second coat.
