Can you epoxy over old concrete?

Do not attempt to apply epoxy over existing concrete sealers. These need to be removed first as epoxy will not adhere to them. Also, floor paint is not a good base for epoxy and needs to be removed as well.

Can you epoxy over rough concrete?

Epoxy is not suitable for leveling rough concrete slabs. 2. A common misconception is that by applying a high build epoxy coating (like a self leveling) on uneven concrete the floor will magically become smooth and level. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN!

How do I prep an old garage floor for epoxy?

Can you epoxy over old epoxy garage floor?

You can recoat an epoxy finish that has lost its sheen or otherwise been damaged, but you have to properly prepare it or the new epoxy won't adhere. This preparation must include careful cleaning with a grease-cutting detergent to remove the thin, oily layer that has probably built up, but may be invisible.

What are the disadvantages of epoxy flooring?

Epoxy Floor Installation Over Old Concrete

What is better than epoxy for garage floor?

Polyurea has a higher resistance to chemicals than epoxy and is U.V. stable. It's better for garage floors and exterior spaces, and for protecting your floor against stains, damage, chemicals and wear. They are light reflective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.

Do you have to grind concrete before epoxy?

Acid etching a garage floor is a great solution for those who are installing the floor themselves and do not have access to industrial grinders. However, for larger commercial jobs, older concrete, or worn floors we always recommend grinding before epoxy installation.

Do I need to etch concrete before epoxy?

The short answer is: Yes, even new concrete needs to be etched before applying epoxy or a similar type of garage floor coating. Etching is part of the concrete preparation process. In fact, proper preparation of the concrete before a coating is applied is the most important part.

Can you epoxy an uneven surface?

If you have an uneven surface to begin with, epoxy resin can be used to make it more level to great effect. Inherently, all of our resins have self-leveling properties that help them flow to coat a surface evenly. You can also use them to seal surfaces that are porous or have little holes, such as wood or stone.

How do you prepare concrete for epoxy coating?

To finish preparing an uncoated concrete floor, you need to etch, acid wash or grind the floor, as a smooth floor will not allow the epoxy to adhere well. You can rent a sand blaster or diamond grinder and rough up the surface. Or you can etch, or acid wash, the floor using a product designed for concrete floor prep.

Does vinegar etch concrete?

When it comes to cleaning stone, concrete, and ceramic tile floors, leave the vinegar under the sink. Just like with stone countertops, the acid in vinegar will strip away the protective sealant from stone tiles, making them look dull and leaving the surface vulnerable to etching and pitting.

Should you etch old concrete?

Etching is a crucial step in preparing concrete for painting. It gives the surface tooth to adhere to, so your paint is more likely to stick for a long time. Most concrete paints require etching and if they don't, do it anyway. Don't skip this step if you want a long-lasting painted concrete floor.

How do you know if concrete is ready for epoxy?

The concrete will immediately, or at least within a minute, darken as the water absorbs in areas with no contaminants. You would immediately notice whitening or a frosty hue in areas that have silicone-type contaminates. Further, check to see if the water beads up and then takes more than a couple of minutes to absorb.

Is epoxy worth the money?

The overall cost will depend on a number of factors, including the square footage, color and if repairs are needed in the concrete before the epoxy is applied. According to HomeAdvisor.com, most homeowners spent between $1,100 and $2,400 for an epoxy floor coating. While the cost is significant, it's well worth it.

How much does it cost to epoxy 2 car garage?

A 400- to 500-square-foot two-car garage costs approximately $1,200 to $6,000 to epoxy.

How long will epoxy garage floor last?

How long does garage floor epoxy last? Depending on the additives present in a coating and the levels of foot traffic, drop impact, wear from vehicles in a space and other factors, an epoxy garage floor coating can last between two and ten years with proper maintenance.

Can I put epoxy over painted concrete?

Epoxy paints also offer a two-part application system that is followed by a sealing topcoat that ensures a lengthy life for your new color coloring. You can always epoxy a painted concrete floor.

Will new epoxy stick to old epoxy?

Can I put another coat of epoxy over cured epoxy? Yes. Since the epoxy has cured a chemical bond is not possible so what is called a mechanical bond is needed. This simply means that the cured epoxy has to be lightly sanded before the next coat is applied: the first coat should have a matt, almost white, surface.

Can you epoxy outdoor concrete?

Epoxy Is Durable

If you plan on installing outdoor flooring, epoxy is a great option. Its durability makes it a perfect candidate for outdoor patio spaces and pools. You won't need to worry about replacing your epoxy flooring every few years.

Does epoxy floor increase home value?

Epoxy garage flooring can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot! That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and comparatively inexpensive upgrade.