[s-cars] Epoxy garage floor finishing (NAC)

[Eric Renneisen]

> I was intending to do a solid color, simply because 
> I like the look of it.? Cost isn't part of the 
> decision.? I do like the idea of slip resistance, 
> but don't really want color variation.? 

You should be able to get vinyl chips in the same color as the epoxy.
Alternatively, you can also mix in silica to give a rough texture
without color variation.

> I also prefer smooth.? The idea of being able to 
> squeegee up a mess is very appealing.? That in 
> mind, I'm not sure which way to go... although I'm 
> sure I don't want a speckled floor.

Squeegee still works fine with my chipped floor.  Trust me, you do NOT
want a smooth epoxy floor.  Any moisture at all on your foot turns it
into a skating rink.

> I'm confused about product.? Some are 
> primer-base-clear.? Others claim clear is not a 
> good idea, and recommend a single product.? Your 
> thoughts?

Keep in mind that many of these are industrial products designed to take
lots of heavy abuse, day-in and day-out.  A home garage is a MUCH more
forgiving environment.  I wouldn't worry about primer unless you have
some kind of contamination that needs to be covered up.  The clear I've
read about is a polyurethane that is apparently super-durable, but also
even more $$$ than the epoxy it covers.

> Also... thickness.? Do you achieve a thick 
> application by applying several coats, or by 
> literally dumping the product out and spreading 
> with a V-notch trowel or similar?

You can do multiple coats, but it's my understanding that, especially
with 100% solids, you can just spread it out to the thickness you need
with squeegee or roller.  You can calculate how much area a given amount
of product will cover at the desired thickness, then just mark that off
and spread it out.

One note about Joe's comments on single-color epoxy: I have had ZERO
issues with my floor even though he'd consider it a single-color epoxy
with decorative chips.  I've had wet tires, hot tires (Summer in TN,
flogged urq), and all manner of chemicals on it.  I'm not a pro, but
that's my BTDT.  Maybe some of the cheaper epoxies will do what he's
describing.

Eric R.
'86 urq
'93 urS