Garage floor - 2 part epoxy recommendations?

[RichK]

2 hours ago, Geezergs said:

I've done a fair amount of work in garages both domestic and commercial, the best option which can also be the most costly is resin floors, great finish and if applied properly very durable. 

🤔 I've not heard of resin floors. Just had a quick Google and that option looks interesting, although now too late for me as yesterday I pushed the button and ordered epoxy primer and enough top coat for two coats of epoxy paint (all 2 part). Day off planned for tomorrow to try to finish preparing the floor and hopefully sort the cracks with epoxy repair compound and get ready to paint. Trying to get the prep as perfect as I can before painting starts. 

 

I'll be glad when this is all done so I can get on with stripping and prepping the donor car, and then start seriously thinking about ordering a kit.

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

We have installed resin floors in factories for years.

 

Very hard wearing and durable.

 

But with any floor, preparation and cleanliness are key.

[RichK]

The stuff has arrived. It says 'epoxy resin' on the tin (part a). 

I'm clearly no expert, is an 'epoxy resin floor' the same as ' resin floor' when used like this? 

 

 

 

 

[RichK]

I'm not sure this is of interest to anyone, but the 4.5" diamond grinder disk worked a treat, coupled with the belt sander for the edges and a diamond wheel to enlarge the cracks I am now ready to start with epoxy crack filler then onto primer.

I'm pleased with the finish and the small diamond grinding disk worked worked really well, once I modified the dust extractor with a duct tape skirt so I could modulate the pressue more easily. The only real issue today was the time consuming constant vacuum maintenancr for dust extraction. 10 bags needed in the end. Obviously not a pro solution but happy with the end result for the prep work.

 

 

 

[Michael Whitworth]

What a shame we never saw the end result of this. 

[RichK]

Yes, definitely recommended. 3 years on and after a lot of use and abuse still looking good, many scratches, but nothing that has got through the surface. It is not the cheapest option but is well worth it.  Photo below was taken after the 2nd top coat went down. It's not so shiny now. 

 

[CarbonWest - Chris Broster - Bristol & Bath AO]

15 minutes ago, RichK said:

3 years on

Great to see the end result. Looks good. Is it tough?

[Jim RS]

I have a floor that I coated about 20 years ago which is under a roof but open to the weather, it is still 90 - 95% good showing only wear on the high traffic areas.

I used to install these for factory floors and they are very hard wearing and easy cleanable. Watch out for cheap supplies as quality can be sketchy but a decent specialist should be ok. As said preparation is paramount getting the dusty cement layer off the top and getting down to the aggregate before coating, this can either be done by grinding or acid etching. When laying the coating be careful to roll or brush carefully to prevent air bubbles in the surface.

Watch out for cracks though as many domestic garage floors don't comply with known floor contraction, often it's best to cut out any crack and fill with a 2 part expansion gap filler then paint over it.

Enjoy.

[RichK]

25 minutes ago, Chris Broster - Bristol & Bath AO said:

Great to see the end result. Looks good. Is it tough?

It's stood up to an engine cranes and trolley jack being scraped over it, with just minor scratches to the surface, no peeling or serious damage and it's a lovely surface to work on, sometimes just in slippers or socks. Also cleans up well, usually sweeping/vacuum and a light mopping does the job. The finish to my eyes is the same as most pro workshops I've been in, so should wear well for many years yet.