I'm moving into a new place and want to epoxy my garage floor, which measures 23'x31'. I'm planning to use the Rustoleum kit since it's highly rated and available locally. My question is about whether to etch or grind the concrete for preparation. I've researched the pros and cons, and here's what I've found:
Grinders are fast and effective, and you don't have to worry about priming or degreasing, but they can be pricey and create a lot of dust. On the other hand, etching is cheaper but can take days longer and carries risks like peeling if not done properly.
I'm leaning toward renting a grinder. Any thoughts on how long it would take to grind this garage space? And should I repair cracks before or after grinding? Lastly, I might make changes to the layout later; how difficult is it to epoxy a new section seamlessly or remove epoxy if I need to level the floor?
1 Answer
Honestly, grinding usually gives the best results. If there's ever been any grease or oil on the surface, even the best etching won't guarantee adhesion. Grinding removes all that contaminated layer for sure. If your concrete is new and fully cured, though, etching might work fine if you prep it well. Just make sure to plan for winter if you park cars in there - I added a drain in mine to avoid ice issues. I tried the Rust-Oleum kit too, but the prep was a hassle when I used etching—ended up peeling up later.
Thanks for the advice! I'm definitely going to rent the grinder since I found a better-priced option nearby. Quick follow-up: should I do any patching before or after grinding?