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Whatever epoxy paint and products we use, the procedure remains the same. Applying epoxy coating to your garage floor can be covered in three main steps. In going through the procedures, do not forget to wear protective gloves and glasses.
Prepare and Etching the Floor
Let us first deal with the walls of the garage. Stick plastic sheeting on the walls up to the height to which you want the epoxy applied. If you only want to apply epoxy on the floor, then stick the plastic sheeting on the wall close to the floor. Then sweep the entire area and remove all dirt and dust. Do this thoroughly, and do not forget to also clean out the corners and seams.
After we have made sure that the garage floor is dust-free, it's time to etch the floor. We mix an etching solution with water in a watering can. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the etching solution, and don't forget to wear protective gloves, rubber boots, and safety glasses.
We first wet the floor before pouring the etching solution in the farthest corner of the garage floor. Pour the solution only on a 10x10 ft square area. From this area, we scrub first in one direction and then go over it again in a perpendicular direction. Use a bristle broom in scrubbing the floor. Continue this process in small sections until you've covered the whole floor. Then rinse the area thoroughly and let it dry for at least 4 hours.
Etching is applicable to new or bare floors. There is no need to etch a painted floor. You only need to scuff the paint with a floor maintainer and a light-sanding pad. Then sweep and scrub the floor with a bristle broom and an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse the floor and then let it dry for 4 hours or more.
Applying the Epoxy Coating on the Floor
We will now make the epoxy coating formula using epoxy paint and epoxy hardener. Stir the epoxy paint while you slowly put in the hardener. The hardener should be mixed well into the paint. Stir carefully, and then cover the mixture and set it aside for 30 minutes. Keep it away from the sun while we wait as the chemicals in the mixture react with one another.
This has to be done quickly. The epoxy formula must be applied within 2 hours for it to work properly. In applying the epoxy coating, first paint a border around the area to be covered. Paint the epoxy into the seams and corners, too, before finally applying it to the garage floor. Use a 3-inch paintbrush to make the border and cover the seams and corners.
In coating your garage floor, use a roller with an extension handle and start rolling the epoxy formula on the floor in small sections (10x10 sq ft or less). After rolling the coating in one direction, apply it again in a perpendicular direction. Continue this process until you have covered the whole floor.
We apply the color flakes after we have applied the epoxy paint section by section. The area should still be wet. Sprinkle the flakes lightly at first, and keep on sprinkling until you have the right coating. After the whole floor is covered with the flakes, wait for it to dry (around 12 to 24 hours).
Applying the Top Coat
We prepare the top coat by mixing the hardener and the clear top coat. Make sure the two has mixed well before setting it aside for 30 minutes away from the sun. When it is ready, stir it again for a minute before applying it to the floor.
Apply the top coat like how we applied the epoxy paint earlier. Cover the corners and edges first using a paintbrush, and then use a roller to apply it throughout the floor. Remember to do it section by section, in one direction first and then again in a perpendicular direction. When this is done, all we need to do is to let it dry for at least 24 hours.
It is recommended that you hire a professional in applying epoxy coating to your garage floor. This is especially so if you have never tried this before, and you want your garage floor to be as perfect as possible.
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