How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

By Robert Robillard on How To

Mixing EPOXYSHIELD Concrete Etch

  • Mix the entire contents of the Concrete Etch granules with 2 gallons of water.
  • Evenly distribute the Concrete Etch solution when mixing.
How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

Scrub in etching

 

Application of Concrete Etch product

  • Scrub the floor with a stiff bristle brush and make sure the floor stays wet during this process until you are ready to rinse. The concrete floor should be damp with no pooling water.
  • Continue to scrub while rinsing to ensure all contaminates are washed away.
  • Squeegee [garage floor] or wet vacuum [basement] off excessive water or puddles and allow drying.
  • Remove any oil spots, grease or spills and wash the floor with a suitable detergent or degrease solution and rinse.
  • Scrub a 10×10 foot sections at a time.
  • Completely wash, rinse, squeegee or vacuum each section before moving on the next.
  • When all sections have been completed, re-rinse the entire floor.
  • When the floor is dry, rub your hand on the concrete and check for a white film. If a white dust or powder is evidence, repeat the rinsing process being sure to thoroughly scrub during the rinse.
  • Once the concrete is free of surface residue, you are ready to begin application of the coating.

TIP: In garages, pay special attention to the area where the vehicle tires normally rest.

 

How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

Wet vac

 

Prepare Surface for Epoxy Paint

Guaranteeing success of any epoxy paint really comes done to whether you do the prep or not. A poorly-bonded paint coating is doomed for failure and a complete waste of your time.

  • Make sure the floor is clean and dry.
  • Use a wire brush and scraper to remove any loose or peeling paint or stain.
  • If floor does not need to be etched wash with TSB cleaner and a stiff bristle brush, rinse, vacuum and allow drying.

 

How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

Preparing To Use EPOXYSHIELD

  • The EPOXYSHIELD kit comes in two gallon cans and a bag of dried paint chips.  The kit covers up t to 250 square feet of floor.
  • Premix both cans, adding the activator can to the base can. It is critical to add all and mix for 3 minutes.
  • Do not mix the color chips in with the coating.
  • Allow the coating to stand 30-minutes before using.
  • Mix again just prior to application. The activated coating must be used within 1-2 hours after the mixing based on temperature.
  • Apply only when air, material, and surface temperatures are between 60-85°F
  • EPOXYSHIELD must be used within 1 to 2 hours of initial mixing.
How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

Cutting in edges

How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor

Use a throw away paintbrush and cut in all of your tight spots and anything that is not movable, like columns.

I used the roller to paint along the walls and found cutting in with a brush was not needed there.

Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD for Garage and Basement Floors

How to Apply Rust-Oleum Epoxyshield  to a Workshop Floor

Apply paint in a small area at a time and keep a wet edge. Work quickly to maintain a wet edge and to avoid paint lap marks. The epoxy paint is forgiving and the chips do help cover lap marks

Try to work in four by four squares and applied the chips to the wet paint as I worked; it is easier to distribute the colored chips onto the freshly coated surface.

Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD for Garage and Basement Floors

Applying Paint Rust-Oleum Chips to Workshop Floor

Scatter the decorative chips up and away from you so they float and land flat on the wet paint, then continue on to the next section.

I painted four feet out from the wall from left to right, wall to wall.   I applied the paint chips while the paint was wet, then moved backwards and repeated my pattern, painting another four feet across that area and applying more chips until I worked my way out of the workshop

TIP: Paint in a way that finished at a doorway or exit and apply the paint chips as you go. Don’t paint yourself into a corner.

Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD for Garage and Basement Floors

Final Thoughts:

Rust-Oleum’s EPOXYSHIELD was easy to use and is a great way to clean up your garage, basement or workshop floor.  It’s a classy look creates a great looking, long lasting floors and could even be used aesthetically for finished basements.   The quality of finish looks like it was professionally done.  Cost of this product to the value that it provides can’t be overstated.

How to Apply Epoxy Paint to a Workshop Floor Video

 

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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