FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Does the concrete need to be cleaned before applying epoxy and other coatings?
Yes. The concrete needs to be completely clean before applying any coatings. We provide detailed instruction on prepping your concrete. Concrete is best prepared by shot blasting, grinding, or muriatic acid wash. Power wash the concrete after using muriatic acid.
2. How long does it take to apply EpoxyDoc epoxy?
Approximately 2 to 3 hours for a 2 car garage. Allow 24 hr dry time before applying any sealers. High humidity can take longer for products to dry. Temperature and other conditions may determine overall time.
3. If my concrete is new do I still need to prepare the surface before coating?
Yes. Concrete prep is essential for proper bonding. Shot blasting, grinding, or use of muriatic acid are all acceptable ways to prep concrete. We have detailed training under "concrete prep" on the home page.
4. How many days do I need to wait before applying any coatings to new concrete?
30 days. New concrete needs to cure before applying any coatings.
5. Can I apply EpoxyDoc epoxy over old coatings and epoxies?
EpoxyDoc can be applied over existing paints and coatings. You must make sure that all areas are sanded with an 80 to 100 grit sandpaper. Floor machines can be rented at home depot or other rental shops, along with sandpaper. Any loose paints/coatings must be removed completely with diamond grinding or other means. All coatings are only as good as the surface it bonds to. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
6. What are the best temperatures to apply EpoxyDoc epoxy?
Between 45 and 95 degrees. Higher temperatures will shorten pot life times. Please keep epoxy cool before applying. You can do this by storing epoxy in a cool area or place the cans in a cool ice bath.
7. How long does EpoxyDoc epoxy take to dry?
5-7 hours. However depending on climate it could be a little longer. In most cases applying another coat can be done in 24 hours. Wait between 2 to 3 days before driving on your new coating. This allows for the epoxy to cure properly.
8. Dust and particulates on the floor can cause fish eye problems while applying the epoxy, what can I do?
Always make sure the floor is completely clean. Right before application take a leaf blower and blow out remaining dust. If you do have a few problems while coating the floor. Attach spike shoes, walk out on the coated floor within the pot life time, and using your roller reroll those areas.
9. If bubbles begin to show up during application of the epoxy what can be done?
You can always apply a water base epoxy primer before applying 100% solids epoxy. This is an extra step that will add an extra day for dry times, but will insure that any outgassing does not happen. If bubbles do appear, attach spike shoes, walk out onto the coating and lightly tap the bubbles with your roller. Applying decorative paint chips to your finish will also pop and hide imperfections in the final epoxy finish. Plan on adding paint chips to our finish. If after the epoxy is dry and you notice bubbles present, lightly sand those areas with 80 grit sandpaper before applying clear top coats.
10. What are the decorative paint chips for?
Paint chips provide for a decorative finish. They also help to provide a slip resistant surface and to hide imperfections in your concrete and finish. Adding more chips will help hide small holes and imperfections that will become hard to notice.
11. Can the floor get slippery when it gets wet or has oil on it?
Yes. The floor is a smooth surface so water and oil can cause it to become slippery. We recommend using our non-skid additive to give the finish a skid proof surface. Simply add the non skid to your clear coat sealer or right into the epoxy if not using a top coat.
12. What is the most important thing professional installers do to insure a perfect job?
- Most important thing, Prep and clean the concrete as we prescribe. Shot blasting, grinding, or muriatic acid along with cleaning and power washing will insure for a proper bond. Never skip this step.
- Apply the epoxy at the recommended thickness. 10 mils or 160 SF/gallon is important for any garage installation. Mark out an area of 160 SF to make sure you apply properly.
- After rolling out several square feet, attach spike shoes, walk out onto the epoxy coating and examine for any thin areas. If present dip the roller and drop epoxy onto those areas and reroll lightly.
- Add decorative paint chips to complete the finish. When applying chips take a small bucket of chips, pince a small amount and throw upward to allow those chips to filter down. This will insure an even distribution.
- Always apply a clear top coat of urethane or polyaspartic to protect your new floor. Add skid proof to clear coat to help create a more slip resistant floor.
13. Does the nonskid product you put on the floor make it harder to clean?
Not generally. Rinsing using a broom or scrubber is the best way to clean. You can use a Squeegee to push the water out. Using a mild detergent will help loosen oil or other dirt that has accumulated.
14. Will the nonskid product eventually wear off? Can you reapply it again?
Yes in some areas of heavy use, but it will last for many years. If you need to reapply you can do so by adding it to your clear sealer and apply. In Garages and normal use areas, it will not usually be a concern.
15. Should I patch large holes and spalls in the concrete before beginning?
Yes. This can be accomplished by using our crack paste or epoxy mortar repair material. If loose concrete is present it is necessary to remove and repair these areas before proceeding. Areas of concern can be along the front edge of the garage. Rain, snow, and freeze thaw may cause concrete to peel crack or fall apart. Using our self leveling repair mortar is easy and fast and will result in a smooth finish before coating with epoxy.
16. Do I need to worry about small shallow imperfections in the concrete?
Not normally. You can patch using our crack paste. Crack paste is thick 100% epoxy paste that can be applied with a trowel or putty knife. Small holes will hide well when applying decorative paint chips in the final finish.
17. Do I need to patch cracks before applying the epoxy?
Yes. Cracks are there because the concrete moves and expands at times. Even though there are expansion joints, concrete will relieve pressure where it needs to. These cracks need to be filled in with our crack paste material. Application is easy and fast. All cracks must be filled with crack paste before applying epoxy. Epoxy will run down into the crack when applied and leave an ugly finish when dry. Expansion joints should be filled with flexible urethanes like sikaflex. Smooth the area down with your finger or joint tool.
18. Can cracks reappear after repairs are made and epoxy is applied?
Generally small cracks do not reappear. Cracks can appear in concrete at any time. As we say in our industry cracks have a mind of their own. Our repair products are designed to repair cracks and keep them from reappearing, however there are no guarantees with cracks. If a crack does come back it will usually appear as a hairline crack. The decorative chips you put on the floor are there to hide most imperfections so your floor still looks great.
19. Does concrete need to be cleaned up before using the cleaning solution?
All debris, garbage, dirt, and dust should be removed. Using a leaf blower or broom is best. Apply cleaning solution and broom with a stiff bristle brush. Using a hose wash out all dirt. Using a power washer is best. These can be rented at most home improvement or equipment rental sores.
20. Can I add thinner to the coating when mixing the 100% solids epoxy?
You can add 10 to 20% thinner using xylene or equivalent. This should be used only in the first coat to create what we call a sloppy coat. This will help the first coat to soak into the concrete and form a super strong bond. It will also help to reduce any potential bubbles from forming during application. The second coat of epoxy should be applied at full strength and not be thinned. You can do all of this in same day. Apply half the garage with a thinned epoxy, attach spike shoes, walk out onto the first coat and reroll the area with full strength.
21. If I have had fiberglass added to my concrete will EpoxyDoc epoxy cover the hairs that are present after floor prep?
Yes. Sand the floor with 80 grit sandpaper using a floor machine. You can rent these machines at any home improvement or rental stores. Coat the floor with first coat of Epoxy epoxy, wait 24 hours and sand again using 80 grit sandpaper. Apply a second coat of epoxy and flake the floor. Remember decorative chips are important to hiding imperfections in the floor.
22. Why should I use EpoxyDoc over other brands of epoxy?
EpoxyDoc epoxies are manufactured to the highest standards. They are 100% solids epoxy. Self leveling and engineered for easy application. There simply is no finer epoxy on the market. With over 15 years of combined experience in the manufacturing and application of epoxies and other coatings, you can be assured of a quality product. Remember we were installers first before we became manufacturers. We're pretty good at what we do. Our products are used by professionals and those of you that want to do it yourself making it hard to screw it up.
23. What does 100% solids epoxy mean?
Our epoxies are thick, durable, and perform to high standards. 100% solids means that when you apply 10 mils of 100 % solids epoxy it has a dry film of 10 mils. In comparison if you use a water base epoxy which is 50% solids and you apply it at 6 mils you will get a dry film of 3 mils. Our EpoxyDoc 100 % solids epoxy is used in garages and heavy duty industrial warehouses.
EpoxyDoc manufactures quality products. We are installers so we understand the most important part of any application is the installation. While other companies sell epoxies and coatings, we sell epoxies and coatings and know how to help you install the perfect floor everytime. If you have questions we can help. 877-574-7415