Anybody try this stuff with the sprinkles?
I'm a little hesitant. A guy here at work says that it peels off in the high traffic areas, and he also claims that he followed the directions, cleaned it with the provided muratic acid, and ensured it was dust free.
Could it be that this Rust-o-Leum stuff doesn't cross-link (at the molecular level) with the garage floor's substrate? That is my theory.
I did use a good epoxy coating on my garage floor some years ago. It was a good decision. I used a top like two part epoxy and was very careful on the prep work. It still looks great today and makes clean up easier.
The color sprinkles would be good, -IF- everything else was at least as good. As I recall RestoLem was not my choice back then due to quality concerns.
Second best product or imperfect prep work or application will make you wish you had not done it.
What does cross-link at the molecular level?
Cross linking is what happens between polymer chains to make them into rubber(y) or thermoset. It has little to do with adhesion. Other reactions or forces are at work that make one kind of stuff stick to another. As Mr. Meehan points out, a dirty substrate is a guaranteed failure. You can slop on muriatic acid all day long on a greasy floor and nothing will stick to it when you try to paint. Some of the new water- based epoxies like Sears don't need acid treating, but instead come with a fairly hairy precleaner. Older solvent-based two part epoxies are still available at Sherwin-Williams stores and others. They have the advantage of four or more decades of proven durabiilty and performance, but need careful planning to get the best application. The sprinkle goodies are IMO a matter of fashion like granite countertops. A non slid additive actually makes more sense, so ask about such at the paint store or a good boat shop. Regarding concerns about RustOleum products...I would use any of their paints without a second thought. They have achieved their success in the marketplace with top notch products for more than half a century. I have always had good results with the brand. HTH
Joe
concrete looks best as concrete........
all coatings fail and then you have a forever maintence issue
I put this stuff on 2 years ago on NEW concrete. The only place I've had trouble is where the front wheels "skid," and it seems to have come off in a couple of small places. The "sprinkles" cover a multitude of sins. DO prep well, and DON'T put on in cold weather. Nice warm day works great. I have a double garage, so needed two kits. Also had to move stuff from one side of the garage to the other, so total time was around a week, including prep and cure time. It sure is easy to keep clean. I can simply hose it down, or use a push broom. Grease dropping from my Jeep (it seems to be marking its territory) come up easily. Can't beat it! NO idea what would happen if you were putting it on over old/dirty concrete -- if you could get it clean enough for good bonding. I also had about 1 pint left, so used that to paint a small wood/chipboard bench top. Good for that as well.
You're quite correct if it is a sidewalk or pavement.
That may have been the case in 1950, but not in this century. Google is your friend and some simple research will give you more insight on concrete treatments. The industry has many proprietary systems widely used in factories today that run heavy forklifts 24/7 with minimal maintenance. Machine shops and repair shops commonly use epoxy paints today almost universally. Of course heavy traffic will affect any paint or even concrete but the cost of keeping a concrete floor clean is far higher than a painted floor, especially with grease and oil spills. If you have to pay the bills or do the work, then a nice painted floor is a no-brainer. Cheers,
Joe
for a personal garage? now a car mechanic garage is different and the garage looks more professional.
but a persons private garage? plain concrete or a matt is better unless you want to redo it every year
Well I did mine about 8 or 10 years ago and it still looks great.
If you buy second rate materials or don't prep it properly or don't apply it properly, it will fail. Done right with the right materials, it will give good service.
One thing you absolutely can't do is clean concrete free of oil and grease. And one of the things that kills a house sale real quick is a crummy concrete garage floor. As a matter of pride, many of us prefer clean surroundings, hence the epoxy coated concrete in the garage. The idea that it needs an annual recoating is absurd. My three year old garage floor still looks like new. It may need some touch up in ten or fifteen years, but then, maybe not. YMMV
Joe
coating concrete is like painting brick:( A one time decision that causes endless work.
at home resale time have it coated, even the epoxies fail probably from high heat tires sitting.
but hey if you want to do the job over and over have fun enjoy yourself
snipped-for-privacy@aol.com wrote: ...
.. That's just complete nonsense...you've obviously never used any of the newer coatings.
--
Same here. I've done two garage floors now with two part industrial epoxy in a medium gray, concrete like color and about to do my third. Both floors lasted well over 10 years without chipping or fading and was a key selling point when it came time to sell the houses. You don't have to do gray though, there's several canned colors to choose from or you can request a custom color.
I would not by a consumer brand finish from a big box store. Go to a real paint dealer and get a real industrial coating.
A good two part epoxy won't absorb any spills and is a breeze to clean with a damp mop or hose. I prefer a high gloss finish, but that can be a bit dicey if you live where there's a lot of snow or rain. In those circumstances, a small amount of the specified grit might be useful.
Putting the coating down is about 10% of the job. Skimp on the prep and you'll regret it.
Paint? Yes. Concrete stain? Yes. Two part epoxy applied properly and allowed to cure for a week? Not in your lifetime.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.