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Wanting to epoxy my garage floor - Help


Garsnow

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I've been wanting to do this for quite some time and wondering if anyone has a recommendation for me with the product(s) they've used. One thing I need to make sure is that it is self leveling and i'm able to build it up to a 1/4" or so. Ive got a few deep spots that need to be filled in.

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Adam, check out GarageJournal.com. Awesome forum with dozens of threads answering every possible question about redoing your floor!

 

The GarageJournal.com forum, like this forum, can be a dangerous place for you wallet!

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Racedeck is the best thing in the OP's application, especially if you need to build up areas on a older floor. If anyone wants a epoxy floor call a Pro who offers a warranty and uses Pro Grade epoxy after the floor is properly prepped....... The "Box of Epox" that you can buy at Home Cheapo or Blows will not endure the test of time.

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When you say "built up" is it because the floor has sunk from settling, or is it low from the original pour not being done with proper amounts of cement?  If is low from the original pour you need to rip it all out and re-pour it.  If has just settled there are companies that do raise slabs.  It is expensive however from what I have heard, but still cheaper than a re-pour.  

 

Your prep is the most important.  If your concrete has been around a while I would highly suggest renting a concrete sander.  Looks like Home Depot rents them now.  May want to check your local store.  

 

 

The neighbor across the street used this kit and his floor still looks new.  Just like most everything else your going to get a better product going to a store that specializes in a product as opposed to going to the local hardware store.

 

http://www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/products/catalog/hc-shieldcrete-epoxy-concrete-floor-coating/?referringCategory=exterior-paint-coatings/masonry-concrete-products/decorative-concrete-products/

 

Most important along with proper prep, is take your time.  Don't rush it.  Haste makes waste.

 

A guy on my route just had his floor done and it cost him $3500.  Looks good, but was pricey.

 

Here is a video showing what I referring to when it comes to having a slab raised.  They call it slabjacking.

 

 

Hope this helps.

Edited by LFairbanks
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I think the OP was looking for something that is "self leveling" that will level out the floor to 1/4"......... This mud jacking is meant for raising slabs and sidewalks that have sunk over time.

BTW! Look at the reviews for the Sherwin Williams "Epox in a Box" before you buy one of these kits.

Edited by Chuckster
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A few years back I re did my garage and had Garage Envy do the floor. It had held up fantastically well, and still looks new. A little pricey, but glad I did it. Unfortunately that doesn't answer your question about your slab, or DIY kits, but it does look great.

Also, that's my mom's 1980 Chevy Citation.

 

100_5985.jpg

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I think the OP was looking for something that is "self leveling" that will level out the floor to 1/4"......... This mud jacking is meant for raising slabs and sidewalks that have sunk over time.

BTW! Look at the reviews for the Sherwin Williams "Epox in a Box" before you buy one of these kits.

 

There is nothing that will level concrete out 1/4 then hold up to driving your car on it without failing.  There is a product called self leveling cement and works great if your using it as a substrate for a floor that will only be walked on.  But I highly doubt it would hold up to being driven on.  Just like any other reviews that you see on the internet you have to be smart about them.  Some people aren't very good at following instructions.  Like I mentioned in my post the neighbor used that product and it still looks new to this day.

 

There is no comparison to buying an Epoxy Coating kit from Sherwin Williams and comparing it to a kit sold at Home Depot or Lowes.  I don't buy any of my paint from Home Depot or Lowes.  I buy from either Sherwin Williams or Kwal.  Compare the amount of titanium dioxide in a Lowes or Home Depot brand paint to a Sherwin Williams paint. 

 

 

Here is another link to another Epoxy floor vendor.  Just like anything else when purchasing over the internet, be cautious.  It does look good however.

 

http://www.armorcladepoxy.com

Edited by LFairbanks
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PhotoGrid_1399332167231_zpscetbh0wm.jpg

 

I used the home Depot kit with the clear coat on top and 2 years later it looks fantastic still. It's all in the prep and we spent a full day prepping the floor and sanding it down. I mop it once a month and there are no issues with it "lifting"

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I spent a good few hours on the forums and the general concenious was like you've all stated here - it's all in the prep. I was asking about self leveling because I have a portion of decaying cement from road salt that has taken its toll on it over the years. But I've read about patching the said areas and sanding smooth which is what I would do. I'll let everyone know what I decide to go with if I end up doing it. May hold off right now because it's been recommended to use contractor grade equipment and it's alot more involved and expensive than I had originally planned.

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and it's alot more involved and expensive than I had originally planned.

BINGO!

 

I'm dealing with a similar situation. We live in a log home, and its due to be refinished. I've looked into doing it myself, but it's a fairly involved process, so I wanted to get some quotes on having it done by pros.

 

First quote I received back came in at.........$24,000!! I almost threw my computer out the window when I opened that email. :lol:

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BINGO!

 

I'm dealing with a similar situation. We live in a log home, and its due to be refinished. I've looked into doing it myself, but it's a fairly involved process, so I wanted to get some quotes on having it done by pros.

 

First quote I received back came in at.........$24,000!! I almost threw my computer out the window when I opened that email. :lol:

 

You pay for convenience.  I used to work in Park City, where part of the Olympics where held in 2002.  It wasn't uncommon for people to dump 5k+ every couple of years for up keep on there rustic looking houses to have them painted and stained.  These weren't log cabin style homes.  The biggest reason why I went with brick and zero maintenance.  If I were you Nick and you plan on staying in that house, I would suck it up and buy the necessary equipment and do it yourself.  It may take time, but you will learn and also have the tools for the next go around.  That price is the biggest reason I have learned to do most everything myself.  I don't trust people either.  They don't care, you won't see it, and it isn't their home.  

 

BTW at that price, he must have his eyes on a new pick up.

Edited by LFairbanks
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