[gfmucci]

I can't decide to do it myself or get an experienced person to epoxy my garage floor. S & S Enterprises will charge a total of $425 to do a 2-car plus golf cart garage using Quikrete Epoxy system. The materials alone will cost about $150 at Lowes. (2, $64 kits, plus etcher, plus tax) It is a two day job: Day 1, etch the concrete; day 2 apply the epoxy - probably 2 to 3 hours per day. To get the high gloss finish, a separate application of clear epoxy is needed - another $135 worth of materials, plus labor. Otherwise the finish is somewhere between satin and semi-gloss.

Any advice? Experiences? I know many people have had good experiences with S & S. And the guarantee will probably outlive me, provided they stay in business.

[Muncle]

My neighbor just did his garage. Ran out of "paint" and had to go back and get another expensive gallon when all he needed was probably a pint. When I saw him, he was sweatin' and cussin' and muttering "I shoulda paid somebody to do it! :edit: , I shoulda paid!" And it wasn't nearly as hot as it's going to be in May or June.

[Mintjulep]

GFmucci,
Last month I did my villa 1 1/2 car garage floor all by myself in one day.
Moved the stuff out of the garage, etched it, let it dry for 4 hours as recommended.
Then rolled on the epoxy and sprinkled the flakes as I went.
One kit ($64) did it, tho I bought two just in case, and then took the extra one back.

It looks terrific, can't imagine it could look any better even if a pro did it.
I didn't do the clear top coat. But have found if I have a tire mark, I can rub my rubber sole shoe across it and the tire mark comes right off. Like an eraser.

The hardest part for me was leaving the car and cart outside for 72 hours for it to totally dry.

[JohnM]

What product did you use and where did you buy it? What are "flakes"?

John

[gfmucci]

So, the two replies so far are perfectly reflective of the internal conflict I am experiencing about whether to do it myself.

My two major concerns are: Adequate material (that can be addressed by buying extra at the beginning) and adequate preparation (I would feel better by having the first step dry overnight.) My situation is a bit easier because there is nothing to move out of the garage - the house is still unoccupied.

I do like the idea of having a reliable contractor guaranteeing the work if something goes awry. But that process in itself could be time consuming and unproductive.

[gemorc]

The on constant I have found here in TV is "Labor is cheap".

[gfmucci]

Originally Posted by gemorc

The on constant I have found here in TV is "Labor is cheap".

Who's labor? The homeowner's or the contractor's?

[SteveFromNY]

GF, what risk are you taking doing it yourself? I could see where a job involves plumbing (you could have leaks) or electric (maybe a fire) where you'd want to protect yourself from the risk of the job done wrong, but it's a garage floor you're talking about, right? What really is the very worst thing that could happen? You'll still be able to park on it and walk on it.

If you are capable of the job (and I assume you are or you wouldn't be making this decision) then I'd suggest doing it yourself. If it comes out right (which I am sure it will) you'll be proud of what you did, rather than what you bought. Go for it!

[Muncle]

Originally Posted by SteveFromNY

GF, what risk are you taking doing it yourself?

Well, Steve, if he's married, he's taking the ultimate risk. Do this job and then when the subject of lawn care, power washing the house, or any other job that requires a relatively strong back and a weak mind, the first words out of the other half will be "Well, you painted the garage floor and that came out okay. Why can't you . . . " :yikes: :yikes:

[Mintjulep]

Originally Posted by JohnM

What product did you use and where did you buy it? What are "flakes"?

John

I used the Quikrete Epoxy Kit, I bought it at Lowes. I picked the tan color as our siding is tan.
The flakes are little speckles (3 complementery colors) that come in the kit in a shaker bottle that you can shake into the wet epoxy after you roll it on (or not, your choice). Adds a little interest as the floor then doesn't look like a flat, solid color. I like them too because now you don't notice every little speck of dirt on the floor.

Gfmucci,
If you're are any kind of a 'do it yourselfer', you'll find this is a very easy job, especially if you don't have anything to move out of the garage.
To etch it, I bought a scrub brush with a long handle. I stood up to do it. I did park my vehicles at the road (not in the driveway) just so the etching stuff wouldn't have any chance of spattering on my car or cart.
Then rinsed it with the water hose.
Let it dry, overnite if need be.
Then I put a long handle on a roller, went around the edge with a paintbrush, and stood up and rolled the rest on. Very quick and easy...
I chose not to do the gloss clearcoat. Thought it may make the floor slippery. Also figured every time I pulled something across the floor, it may take some of the shine off.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Muncle

Well, Steve, if he's married, he's taking the ultimate risk. Do this job and then when the subject of lawn care, power washing the house, or any other job that requires a relatively strong back and a weak mind, the first words out of the other half will be "Well, you painted the garage floor and that came out okay. Why can't you . . . " :yikes: :yikes:

Thanks for that fresh perspective Muncle. I've been married for many years, and that bridge was crossed a long time ago - I'd forgotten all about it!

[Mintjulep]

Originally Posted by Muncle

Well, Steve, if he's married, he's taking the ultimate risk. Do this job and then when the subject of lawn care, power washing the house, or any other job that requires a relatively strong back and a weak mind, the first words out of the other half will be "Well, you painted the garage floor and that came out okay. Why can't you . . . " :yikes: :yikes:

Hey guys,
That can certainly go both ways.
"Can't ya epoxy the garage floor AND bake my favorite cookies while the etching is drying".
I'm kidding of course.
Thank goodness we are BOTH do it yourselfers, and both know our limits!!!

[gfmucci]

The worst thing I've heard go wrong is the epoxy lifting in little circles at random locations, especially under hot tires.

This would usually be caused by the floor being slightly damp when applying the epoxy OR driving on it prematurely. Waiting one full day between the etching and the painting ought to be adequate, provided the humidity isn't 99% with a windy drizzle outside.

[Mintjulep]

Originally Posted by gfmucci

The worst thing I've heard go wrong is the epoxy lifting in little circles at random locations, especially under hot tires.

This would usually be caused by the floor being slightly damp when applying the epoxy OR driving on it prematurely. Waiting one full day between the etching and the painting ought to be adequate, provided the humidity isn't 99% with a windy drizzle outside.

You are probably right, but I am always itching to get the job done ASAP.
Haven't been there in a while, but it was OK when I was there.
I did wait the recommended time and also didn't drive on it for 72 hours.
It was a warm, dry, sunny day when I did it. And the concrete had turned from that dark damp color to very pale color when I started painting.



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[Mintjulep]

Here's pics: