Garage Floor
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
Garage Floor
Hey guys,
So I need some advice before I can bring the Vette home and get back into action. Bought a new-build house with a finished, unpainted 2 car garage. I know you need at least 3 spaces these days, so organization will be key. I've painted the ceiling/walls and planning cabinetry and organization items at the moment.
Was considering a DIY epoxy or stain system, but I've read mixed reviews so considering a contractor for the floors. I'm familiar with Muriatic etch, but I'm reading that is the minimal route for a decent bond and durability is my key concern. Who's gone this route and what advice can you give? Should I just hire someone?
Anxious to bring the girl home and post some progress pics...
So I need some advice before I can bring the Vette home and get back into action. Bought a new-build house with a finished, unpainted 2 car garage. I know you need at least 3 spaces these days, so organization will be key. I've painted the ceiling/walls and planning cabinetry and organization items at the moment.
Was considering a DIY epoxy or stain system, but I've read mixed reviews so considering a contractor for the floors. I'm familiar with Muriatic etch, but I'm reading that is the minimal route for a decent bond and durability is my key concern. Who's gone this route and what advice can you give? Should I just hire someone?
Anxious to bring the girl home and post some progress pics...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Check it out!
Garage Journal Forum
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 82
Most types of cement mix will reach max strength in thirty days but take more time to really cure. I would wait about six months after construction before coating ( depending on temps and exposure to sun).
Depending on the trowel finish you may or may not need acid prep. If you are doing lots of mechanic work the lighter colors make it much easier to find small clips and parts! For the same reason I don't like the splatter finishes, they hide small parts.
Kevin
Depending on the trowel finish you may or may not need acid prep. If you are doing lots of mechanic work the lighter colors make it much easier to find small clips and parts! For the same reason I don't like the splatter finishes, they hide small parts.
Kevin
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 608
From: Dallas Georgia
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
C3 of Year Winner (track prepared) 2019
This was my experience. Best money I spent in the garage! Well....possibly outside of adding A/C.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=288727
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=288727
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,876
Likes: 3,556
From: Fernandina Beach FL
2023 Restomod of the Year finalist
2020 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
If I had the time....
This was what my friend did at his machine shop-
Had the floors sanded- stained - polished-sealed-
Several years later still looks good- no paint to peel...and you just polish it every year or so-
Can see the dusty fork lift tracks-
This was what my friend did at his machine shop-
Had the floors sanded- stained - polished-sealed-
Several years later still looks good- no paint to peel...and you just polish it every year or so-
Can see the dusty fork lift tracks-
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,244
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
Mine was epoxied by previous owner, so I don't know if it was prepared properly. On areas of heavy use it is chipping and I notice that on occasion the metal wheels of the portable jack will also chip the epoxy. It is nice to clean spills without straining the cement. Polished cement is real nice, but it looks like it would be slippery when wet. Did they use any fine grit to prevent this?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 162
Likes: 5
From: Visalia CA
I did my shop floor with epoxy...there were 3 of us and it was a job! Like with anything the time you spend on prep will show up at the finish. We acid etched and cleaned just like the mfg. said. It turned out great and still looks good a year later. They custom mixed the color for me at no extra charge. Dodger blue....as per my wife! LOL!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 46,602
Likes: 109
From: Down in Bulldog country
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23
This was my experience. Best money I spent in the garage! Well....possibly outside of adding A/C.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=288727
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=288727
Looks like a nice alternative to the DIY stuff...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 608
From: Dallas Georgia
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
C3 of Year Winner (track prepared) 2019
http://granitegaragefloors.com/
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 4
From: NY
As mentioned, the Flooring forum on the Garage Journal is the place to go to get info. You will reach info overload in no time.
For my new detached garage, I went with a clear coating called SPGX, that I purchased from Armorpoxy (one of the vendors that posts on the Garage Journal). SPGX fit my needs (i.e., strong coating, less expensive than epoxy, easy to apply, etc.). I'm very happy with how it turned out and it should stand up well to the abuse that I plan to inflict on the floor. Search "SPGX" on the Garage Journal to learn more about the product.
For my new detached garage, I went with a clear coating called SPGX, that I purchased from Armorpoxy (one of the vendors that posts on the Garage Journal). SPGX fit my needs (i.e., strong coating, less expensive than epoxy, easy to apply, etc.). I'm very happy with how it turned out and it should stand up well to the abuse that I plan to inflict on the floor. Search "SPGX" on the Garage Journal to learn more about the product.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 7
From: SB County CA
Thanks for the tips guys! Found out I can rent a floor sander locally...so I'll likely DIY. Fleming23, that's a great setup you've got all around! Very nice!
Newest member of Garage Journal! Knew you guys were the place to start...
Newest member of Garage Journal! Knew you guys were the place to start...
Last edited by Postal123; Nov 13, 2015 at 02:23 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 837
From: PA
I went the epoxy route. I (with the help of my wife) installed the floor and am very pleased with the results. It has held up well after eight years of wear and tear in a "working" garage. Alan was out recently... I think he would agree that it still looks pretty nice.
The installation can be found here, about half way down the page:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...t=20698&page=5
Even though I am happy with th results, if I ever do another garage, I would seriously consider the polished concrete that Richard454 described an posted photos of... It's relatively inexpensive, holds up to abuse very well, easy to find dropped items, easy to clean... Lots of positives.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Last edited by Rowdy Rat; Nov 13, 2015 at 03:01 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Looks great!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 289
Likes: 16
From: Surf and Sand Fl
I can give you first hand experience with sherwin-williams "tile clad" epoxy
First floor I seen done with it was the chevy, then ford dealerships in mid '70s. Paint is still there.
I have personally rolled hundreds of gallons on my own floors (machine shop). Nothing is tougher, nothing.
When you go there they will tell you they have a newer better paint for concrete. I love to tell them how do you know..its only been out for a few years at most. Tile Clad was around when nixon was in office
If you want chips in there you can add them. If you want grit, same thing. Plus now they can color match..except dodger blue..that just aint right..
Gary
First floor I seen done with it was the chevy, then ford dealerships in mid '70s. Paint is still there.
I have personally rolled hundreds of gallons on my own floors (machine shop). Nothing is tougher, nothing.
When you go there they will tell you they have a newer better paint for concrete. I love to tell them how do you know..its only been out for a few years at most. Tile Clad was around when nixon was in office
If you want chips in there you can add them. If you want grit, same thing. Plus now they can color match..except dodger blue..that just aint right..
Gary
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 169
Likes: 10
It is not actual granite....that would cost like $50k+ probably. This was a professional install done by Granite Garage Floors and is an epoxy base with a polyaspartic top coat.
http://granitegaragefloors.com/
http://granitegaragefloors.com/
Check out ApartX flooring. Its made by LineX truck bedliner.
I had mine professionally done 3 years ago, I weld, grind drive in it everyday. It still looks new. don't do the DIY stuff.
These guys sandblast the whole floor first.
Last edited by Rcdizy; Nov 13, 2015 at 07:46 AM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 455
Likes: 7
From: Lewes Delaware
I have 2 bays done with the epoxy kit from Lowes. First application lasted about 7 years with good wear. I have since rfe-coated it and the current application has been on for almost 2 years (still looks great). I did my 3rd bay with Race Deck flooring panels and really like it. It's a little more initial outlay but will probably outlast me. Most DIY epoxy products limit you to only a few color options. Race Deck options will keep you busy for hours desiging the layout of your floor.
Instructor
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 186
Likes: 18
From: Lower Mainland British Columbia
My floor is just like Rcdizy's, same color same amount of fleck.
Love the floor, stands up well, cleans easy.
One issue with the fleck. With that much fleck if you drop even a 1/4" nut or washer, cotter key etc, it is really hard to find.
Had mine professionally done and would do it that way again. far less time to get it done and have everything, tools etc out of the garage.
Kevin
Love the floor, stands up well, cleans easy.
One issue with the fleck. With that much fleck if you drop even a 1/4" nut or washer, cotter key etc, it is really hard to find.
Had mine professionally done and would do it that way again. far less time to get it done and have everything, tools etc out of the garage.
Kevin
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 608
From: Dallas Georgia
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
C3 of Year Winner (track prepared) 2019
My floor is just like Rcdizy's, same color same amount of fleck.
Love the floor, stands up well, cleans easy.
One issue with the fleck. With that much fleck if you drop even a 1/4" nut or washer, cotter key etc, it is really hard to find.
Had mine professionally done and would do it that way again. far less time to get it done and have everything, tools etc out of the garage.
Kevin
Love the floor, stands up well, cleans easy.
One issue with the fleck. With that much fleck if you drop even a 1/4" nut or washer, cotter key etc, it is really hard to find.
Had mine professionally done and would do it that way again. far less time to get it done and have everything, tools etc out of the garage.
Kevin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I used the Rustoleum Professional Kit. Summit Racing had the best price, $99 for two gallons. I used 8 gallons of epoxy and 2 gallons of Clear. This is not the cheaper water based stuff they sell at Home Depot. I didn't use flakes because I want to be able to find things I drop and see spiders on the floor.
