[Shop-talk] Prep/etch/sealing a new concrete floor?

[Rochlin Robert]

	I also used the Rustoleum Epoxy.  The floor has work out OK, but there are a few patches where the concrete effervesced after application which led to epoxy failure. If I were to do it again, I would definitely not use the citrus etching product that comes with the epoxy, but as Ian did, use muriatic acid.  I’m sure that Rustoleum uses the citrus etch to avoid consumer suits arising from acid burns, but it is not nearly as effective as a muriatic acid etch.
	Bob 

> On Nov 10, 2018, at 10:07 AM, Ian McFetridge <shop-talk2 at mcfetridge.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> I coated three garages and can share some of my experiences.  For the first two garages I used Rustoleuum epoxy with paint chips in it to avoid slipping.  The kit comes with citric acid that I mixed into a pump sprayer.  I believe the intention is to open the pores in the concrete so that the epoxy has some where to stick, like a physical bond as it seeps into the pores and sort of locks into place.  This was virgin cured concrete and I could see the acid loosening some of the construction debris and opening pores, so I scrubbed with a bristle brush until it was clean, let dry and then applied the epoxy.  The epoxy held up well for years, but as Obaa said, in two places quarter size chunks were lifted by hot tires over the years.   
> 
> For the third garage I used a stronger concentration of muriatic acid, I believe it was 10% volume to volume solution, but can’t recall.  This solution clearly opened the pores in the concrete better and since it was a single bay I took my time to make sure it looked evenly etched.   I used the same epoxy and it held up without lifting until we moved several years later, including parking my autocross car in there with sticky race tires (Hoosiers).  
> 
> One thing I’ve seen that I’d like to try is to polish the concrete.  I’ve seen that at some commercial locations and I seems to serve the same purpose, but there is no layer to fail and I suppose you can just republish any blemishes.  
> 
> Best,
> Ian
> 
> On Fri, Nov 9, 2018 at 10:20 PM Pat Horne <patintexas at icloud.com <mailto:patintexas at icloud.com>> wrote:
> I’m in a similar position, I had a shop fire & want to seal the floor before putting equipment in. I found this site but haven’t done much research. https://allgaragefloors.com/sealers-large-shop-garage-floors/#comment-70753 <https://allgaragefloors.com/sealers-large-shop-garage-floors/#comment-70753>
> 
> Peace,
> Pat
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