Table of contents
NOTICE: There are several variations of our coatings. These instructions are designed to be generic. Mix ratios, technical data, and product-specific information are in the TDS. Regarding how to apply a garage floor coating, these are the steps you want to follow.
These are generic instructions. Product specifics override these instructions. For example for epoxy products we generally suggest grinding, BUT, for All Weather Floors Polyurea an acid etch may be more appropriate. Always follow product-specific suggestions, datasheets, and information on cans.
Full broadcast system consists of a liquid base coat followed by a complete broadcast to rejection with flakes and a clear topcoat.
Random Flake system consists of a liquid base coat followed by a random broadcast of flakes. Clearcoat is optional, but recommended.
Solid Color system consists of a liquid base coat with texture granules broadcast in liquid and back rolled into the coating. Second coat is optional, but recommended.
Prior to the installation of any garage floor coating system, necessary steps should be taken to make sure a moisture problem is not present.
General Cautions
We suggest the use of a respirator and clothing that full covers you. All proper PPE should be used and all flame sources and pilot lights should be off.
We also suggest making a line inside the garage where the door seal contacts the concrete and taping to the outside of that line.
Surface Prep
Prep- The surface should be prepared by, acid wash, grinding, shot blasting, scarifying or similar. The objective is to create a smooth surface with open pours in the concrete. Always remove dust and any foreign debris prior to coating.
Use acid wash or degreaser for oil and grease spots. Thoroughly neutralize area if acid wash was used. Surface should be completely dry before coating. Surface must be free of oil or oil residue for proper adhesion.
Generally speaking it will take at least three days for a floor to dry after being etched, washed or water introduced in any way.
Mixing the Product
Our Epoxy coatings as well as our urethane will have mix ratios provided. This mix ratios MUST be followed and it is important to follow the ratios in the unit of measure specified.
For example if the mix is 2:1 by weight, you must use weight if you are going to break down kits. You would not be able to use volume. From time to time mixing ratios may change. Please confirm the mixing ratio on the can before mixing.
For epoxy products we suggest mixing individual components then mixing together. Generally a single batch will make sure you have color consistancy. ONCE THE EPOXY IS MIXED YOU NEED TO DUMP IT ALL ON THE FLOOR IN RIBBONS OR IT WILL HARDEN IN THE BUCKET.
It is important to always scrape the sides and bottom of the bucket to ensure everything is mixed in well. Premixing of a pigmented coating is always recommended. (Premix each component before proceeding.)
Application
Primer
Generally speaking our epoxy systems have primer. Most of our urethane systems (Polyurea, etc) do not. Start by applying your primer material. Follow the same instructions as the base coat, but obviously you will not be adding flake or antiskid.
In most cases primer can be rolled on.
Generally speaking for Epoxy systems wait at least 12 hours and have your next coat on within 24 hours.
Epoxy Coating
As described in the mixing section. Premix each part before mixing together in a seperate, plastic bucket. Do not over mix. Drill mixer slow speed. Then IMMEDIATELY dump all material on the floor.
For color consistancy we suggest doing all material at once, provided you have the manpower to spread the product. If you are going to break it up into sections it is important to stop at a natual break like a saw cut.
After mixing your basecoat material pour the material in a line at the inner most wall of the area to be coated so you can work your way out. Empty entire contents onto the floor. Your squeegee is your spreader on 100% solids systems. Rollers work on high solids and urethane.
A handle is not included with roller frames or squeegees. A broom stick handle often works well. Use your brush to apply material into hard to reach areas where you cannot get with the squeegee or roller. Using your squeegee or roller , spread the puddle of material from side to side across the garage being sure to put even stiff pressure on the handle.
Holding the squeegee at a 30 degree angle works like a plow pulling the material back as you walk from one side of the floor to the other. Continue until you squeegee the entire batch. Continue this process until you complete the floor. (If you have a partner to help, they can mix coating and or back roll the floor and throw out broadcast) There are manygood ways to apply coating with a broadcast. The first is to squeegee or roll out all material.
Broadcasting Flake
The Complicated Version
If you are using a squeegee go back on spike shoes and back roll the entire floor, then broadcast flakes. For random broadcast just pinch a few flakes in your finger tips and randomly broadcast into the air. Throw the flake upwards, not down. For a full broadcast you will fill a bucket and carry out on the floor with spikes and broadcast handfuls of flakes into the air to completely cover the surface ( broadcast to rejection).
The Simple Version
If you are not a professional, spiked shoes are AWFUL.
As an alternative you can squeegee or roll out each batch and back roll (do not backroll color coat on Polyurea) and apply broadcast as you go. This is necessary if you do not have spike shoes or if you are covering a very large area and cannot complete the whole floor quick enough. The result should be the same if you are careful and follow the directions closely. Once you have finished with the first base coat and flake broadcast if applicable, wait the time period specified in the spec sheet before applying the top coat if included in the system you purchased. Some epoxy systems may have a solid color or no top coat depending on the system you chose.
The way we explain this on the phone is even more simple.
- Pour mixed material on the floor in ribbons
- Go to back left corner of room and start spreading. Work in an area an arms length deep and your wingspan wide.
- When you finish the first area, have a helper put their toes as close to the wet line as possible. For random braodcast throw flake up and out. For full broadcast slightly out and down
If a random broadcast system is being installed you could simply blow off any loose flakes if any and continue to top coat. A better suggestion would be to use a shop vac. We like to cover the plastic edges that will contact the floor in ducttape or similar.
Full Broadcast Profiling Step
Basic DIY Results Method
If full broadcast system is being installed you will need to scrape the floor with a floor scraper or wide stiff putty knife. Be sure to scrape (profile) the floor well. You want to create as smooth of a surface as possible. This method can yield high and low spots that result in the appearance of varying gloss.
Better Professional Finish
Scrapers are the worst. A walk behind sander or buffer with a sanding disc works great. Just use a fine grit in the 100’s. This method yields a finish that is night and day better.
You should be able to run your hand across the floor without feeling flakes sticking up. If you don’t scrape the floor well you will have a rough coarse surface once you apply the top coat. Be sure to remove all excess or loose flakes with blower or vacuum before applying top coat.
Top Coat
The application of a top coat is similar to that of the base coat. Our urethane is typically applied with a roller. Mix up a batch of top coat and sprad over the entire surface -typically working side to side. Be sure to use a chip brush to get any areas you cannot with the squeegee or roller. If you are using anti-skid that we provide we suggest mixing into the top coat before applying. Continue this process until you complete the floor.
We prefer the same method described above. Back left hand corner. Arms length by arm span sections. As you move on have someone backroll.
(URETHANE TIP) POUR OUT A SMALL AMOUNT OF MATERIAL AND SATURATE THE ROLLER COMPLETELY BEFORE BACK ROLLING. THIS WILL ENSURE YOU DON’T SOAK UP THE MATERIAL FROM THE FLOOR AS YOU BEGIN ROLLING.
Drying
DRY TIME:- You should always let your floor system completely cure (Dry) before using. 72 Hours for light traffic and a week before parking on the floor.
Clean Up
If you have material left over in the bucket after completing the floor simply let it harden in the bucket. The left over material will come out once it hardened or it can be disposed of in trash. Unmixed material should be mixed together and let harden before disposal. Lacquer thinner or acetone clean uncured epoxy well.
Warning
PLEASE NOTE: The installation of the system, proper preparation of the substrate and closely following all steps is your responsibility. While we are happy to help you with installation issues the installer assumes all risk and liability for improper installation.
Extended Surface Preparation Information:
Please note: We now have an approved acid etch product that you can order instead of grinding. To insure the success of your floor system, proper substrate preparation is key! (Concrete Prep). The best method of surface preparation for Epoxy is grinding. We generally prefer etching for Polyurea – but not always/ We recommend using a hand held diamond grinder or walk behind a single head diamond grinder for larger projects (250sqft) or more. Grinding the surface exposes the pores of the concrete which allows the coating to penetrate for a monolithic bond. A vacuum should be attached to the grinder to remove the dust and debris while grinding.
Begin by inspecting the floor for discolorations from oil and other contaminants. Using a degreaser clean the contaminated areas and let dry.
After the floor has dried, start by snapping a chalk line at the middle of the garage door track from one side to the other.
Next grind along the chalk line being sure not to go over the line. Continue grinding the remainder of the floor until uniform in appearance and porosity.
Quick test
Take a little cup of water and using your hand dip a few ounces of water onto the surface. If the water soaks into the concrete quickly the surface has been properly prepared. If the water sits on the surface and does not want to be absorbed by the concrete, more of the surface needs to be ground to expose open pores.
Once you have properly ground the surface, using a shop vacuum, thoroughly vacuum the floor to remove all dust and debris. This will complete the surface preparation for a garage floor. Make sure all dirt and dust is removed before proceeding
Moisture Testing:
It is fairly common to have hydrostatic vapor transmission. This means moisture or vapor travels through the pores of the concrete and comes to the surface with some degree of pressure. Some degree of moisture at the surface is acceptable when applying liquids to concrete, but too much can and will lead to adhesion problems. Please do not skip the moisture tests! IMPORTANT!
Place several 24″ by 24″ plastic sheets randomly throughout the area to be coated after completing surface preparation. The test patches should be applied to the surface for a minimum of 24 hours to get the most accurate results of the test. To determine if moisture is present inspect the test areas after 24 hours of adhesion to the substrate. Look at the plastic and if moisture is present on the underside of the test plastic then you should apply a liquid vapor barrier prior to installing the floor coating system.
Vapor Barrier Application:
If it is determined by the moisture test patches that there is vapor transmission present in your concrete substrate, you will need to apply one coat of liquid vapor barrier prior to installing your floor system.
First make sure the floor is clean, dry and free of debris. Mix and apply the liquid vapor barrier in accordance with the instructions provided.
Floor Joints:
Most garage floors and concrete surfaces have what is called a control joint. This is a purposefully placed saw cut that is designed to control where the concrete will eventually crack. YES, we said eventually crack!
It is an almost certainty that concrete will crack. So the installers of the concrete place saw cuts so the concrete cracks in the joints of the cuts instead of a spider web of cracks throughout your floor! For a seamless look to your floor system you can use a Flex joint filler. Flex joint filler requires careful installation! See Instructions on packaging for use!
Using a small putty knife or drywall taping knife fill the control joint and scrape the surface smooth to remove all excess Flex joint filler. The surface of the Flex joint filler should be flush with the concrete after filling the joints. If the control joints are not completely flush after your first application of Flex joint filler, wait 2-3 hours or until dry to the touch and apply another coat of Flex joint filler to make the joints flush with the surface. We have several joint fillers available so thise instructions will vary. Please consult the can label.
Filling the floor joints will be the hardest part of your project. Please read the tip sheet and give us a call before proceeding. Another option is to use a product like Sika Flex AFTER the floor is coated. Finally many customers do not fill the joints at all.
Stress Cracks:
Some garage floors and concrete surfaces will have some stress cracks. This is common and easy to fix using the Crack repair. The Crack repair material comes in a small kit and is applied with a small putty knife or drywall taping knife. Look over the floor and note all the cracks before beginning the repair.
Mix up the Crack repair material per instructions on the label and fill in all the cracks. (Tip) apply the Crack repair material much like drywall mud. Apply in one direction and scrape off the surface in the opposite direction along the crack. Be sure to scrape all excess material from the surface so there are no globs or excess material. Allow Crack repair dry per the instructions included. Then proceed step 1 of the installation instructions.
Pre-Coating Tips :
Start with opening the container of the Base coat color liquid and giving it a good stir until uniform in color. (Mix all Base coat color containers) Next open your box of decorative broadcast media and place directly outside the garage door so it’s readily available for use! (Tip) an empty ice cream pail can be used to transport the broadcast media to the garage floor when broadcasting. If you are using floor spikes adjust so they fit snugly over your shoes (Helper job). Install one of the supplied roller covers to the roller frame and attach the frame to a broom handle or extension pole (not supplied).
Place a liner in the paint tray and have all your materials and installation tools prepared. Mask off any areas where you could accidentally contact with a wet roller. Walls, doors, trim etc. Along the chalk line you made earlier at the edge of the garage door opening, run a strip of duct tape to the outside edge of the line. This will be the end point of the floor system. Once completely coated you will pull the tape off to reveal a nice straight edge.