help with floor paint/coating - please!

[gs3_4me]

Hi everyone,

I've researched the site and online to find out what the top garage floor paint/coatings are. I've checked out "Ucoatit", "Valspar" (bad)... and the Rustoleum one.

A local home contractor recommended the following and I was hoping someone could share some info on what they think (good or bad):

Behr Concrete Flooring Coating
1 Part Epoxy Acryllic Concrete & Garage Floor Paint:
http://www.behrpaint.com/cgi-bin/db2...=N&hd=Y&desc=Y

There is also this non-skid floor additive:
http://www.behrpaint.com/cgi-bin/db2...=N&hd=Y&desc=Y

Interesting How To:
http://www.behrpaint.com/cgi-bin/db2...TO&page=garage

[BradE]

Don't waste your money on the Behr stuff. A 1 part system won't hold up, even most DIY 2 part systems won't hold up. The Behr product is nothing more than a standard paint, it has no chemical hardner. Basically it air dries like regular paint, which will not be hard enough of a cure for a garage floor.

To do the job right you will need to get some professional grade 2 part epoxy or urethane. This type of paint can be expensive, sometimes over $100/gallon. The floor will need to be etched with muratic acid so the surface is perfectly clean and rough. The acid etching is key, it opens the pores of the concrete and gives the epoxy something to grab onto.

I tried the Rustoleum product as well, it was also unimpressive IMO.

[Brad B.]

I second Showrooms response. I have been down the DIY road with expensive single stage paints (twice!) and poor results. It's worth it to pay the pro's and get it done right with higher quality industrial grade chemicals as mentioned.

See my pictures at the link below.

[gs3_4me]

I'll definitely take both your suggestions to heart. I let the person who recommended it know what you said and he was surprised. However, after explaing it further, it appeared that he understood where you two were coming from.

Guess I'll be calling around to get some quotes and references...

Thanks again!

[PAW]

What options are there to coat the floor to just help it stay cleaner and easier to clean? Would something like Thompson's water seal work? I not looking for a pretty floor just an easier cleaning job.

I hope I'm not hijacking this thread. I've had this question running around in my head for awhile and this brought it to the forefront.

[Ray]

Don't use Behr paint from Home Depot!!!!!!!

Hiire a pro and pay the $$$$ to do it right!

Check the archives on my experience with "Gargae Floor Paint".

I say leave it concrete!! It's a F'n hassle!! Even now after 3 years mine was done, my house moved and the concrete shifted and cracked. The pro grade epoxy I have is cracked under that! UUUGH.... I am so angry and the warranty has expired. I just pulled up the area of cracked epoxy and painted oil base paint on it. I rigged it, but hopefully it will work! Thank god the area cracked is in a corner and not under my tires!

Use the tile stuff or some high grade garage carpet......

[jessispop]

dont do it, I did Behr once and it peeled and I had to pressure wash the rest off, If you are going to stay in the house pay a pro or leave it concrete

[Accumulator]

Trying to pretty up my concrete floors was a BIG mistake; I too say "Don't do it!". Just stick with the bare concrete or maybe use a stain on it. The stains are supposed to be trouble-free.

I've tried several, professionally applied, 2-stage epoxies and even the best of them was disappointing. New floor, old floor, I still had problems, even with very careful prep (etching). Plus, you MUST use a friction media or it'll be too slippery.

I'd also stay away from the "gravel-in-epoxy" floor coverings (I'm intentionally NOT mentioning the brand name ) as that was a REAL headache, though the latest application is currently holding up OK, so far.

Once you put ANYTHING on the concrete, there's sorta no going back; all you can do is keep trying to fix it.

[Dowdy]

"I'd also stay away from the "gravel-in-epoxy" floor coverings (I'm intentionally NOT mentioning the brand name ) as that was a REAL headache, though the latest application is currently holding up OK, so far. "

Is it "Rock Carpet"? Tell me more...I've been thinking about having something like this installed in our pool patio area.

[Ray]

Accumulater said it best!!!!!!!!!

[Accumulator]

Ray-<> Heh heh, thanks, guy.

OK, I'll try this again. AOL knocked me off after I keyed in one of my infamously long posts.

Dowdy- Mine wasn't called "Rock Carpet" but I'm certain it was the same stuff under a different name. I don't mean to be evasive, but I honestly CAN'T be too specific about my experience. It just wouldn't be in my best interest and it would be unfair to some really great guys working in a CRAPPY industry. BUT, I sure wouldn't get it if I were you. People DO put this uhm, "stuff" on poolside areas, but even if they DO install it correctly, and it DOES stay down and even if they DON'T botch up something (else)you value during the installation and even if they DO provide decent after-sale service, you'll be VERY lucky if you don't have problems down the road. Plus, it really can be slippery when wet (here, a lot will depend on the installer and how it's mixed). And it is MUCH harder to clean/maintain than they'll lead you to believe. And it can retain water/moisture (like you can't imagine). And there is a sorta "hidden", or at least understated, issue involving UV exposure/damage. I can ABSOLUTELY GUARENTEE that you'd be :scared if you ever got one of their experienced installers to be PERFECTLY honest about issues like long-term maintenance and, especially, failure rates (and whether or not they'd put it in their own homes). But I will say that when it's first put down, it can look VERY nice.

Now, I HATE it when someone says "trust me" without providing compelling evidence, but uhm.."trust me" on this one. Now of course, watch Dowdy get it anyhow and be one of the people who has nothing but praise for the stuff

I'd try a textured (non-slip) ceramic tile instead. And get a good installer.

[Dowdy]

Enough info for me!

Thanks for your help.