Floor Coatings

[75 C20]

has anybody on here put down any type of the concrete floor paints? i was looking to see what kind of experinces evrybody has had with different brands.  I think they would be relly nice and make cleaning up messes quick and easy.
some of htem dont cost very much and others are crazy expensive- do you get what you pay for?? or is all this stuff the same?
http://www.musclegloss.com
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=224198-4-50020&lpage=none

[VileZambonie]

Here is my suggestion. Don't!

We have used every type of epoxy coating, paint, etc and it peels, chips or gets damaged. I work for a company that has 7 automotive repair facilities and we've paid top $ to have it done even professionally. It never holds up. When you roll equipment across it, drive on it, spill fluids, solvents etc. Looks nice when you first put it down but the bottom line is concrete can take over 30 years to fully burp out all of it's moisture. If it's a non work area go for it but if you plan on working on it you will wish you never did it.

[Blazin]

I agree for a basement, or mud room floor its great. Or a garage you just park your rig in its not to bad either. But floor jacks, jack stands, etc. turn it to moosh in short order

[gezn2]

I agree for a basement, or mud room floor its great. Or a garage you just park your rig in its not to bad either. But floor jacks, jack stands, etc. turn it to moosh in short order

Yep, a printing plant I used to work in had the brilliant idea of putting down epoxy floor covering before moving in a press, it looked beautiful, for a while
The big problem was that there was no way to clean up the old concrete well enough that the stuff would stay bonded, so along with the usual chips and wear after about a year the stuff started to separate and peel off in sheets in every traffic area

[Toolmaster]

I guess It would all depend on what you want your floor to look like. In a home type application it would be ok and would look good, and also can keep your shop looking clean.
The good - Cleanup of oil is easy if you use the pad's and then mop up after  No Oil stain on the floor.
               It makes your shop area a bit brighter with good lighting.
The Bad - If not applied correctly it will not stay. any oil spot left and that spot will not bond and will peel up.
              Jack stands, Jacks or any metal casters will eat it up over time.
               Oil dry must be taken up before driving over it, the oil dry will act like a grinder under tires or heavy items.
               Oily spots and antifreeze not moped up will be like Ice. Very slippery
               Forget about welding and burning. Those little hot sparks just burn right through it.
               The pad's for the oil and water are expensive $$$$
               
I worked in a equipment repair shop and the owners were tired of looking at the stained floor in the shop. They wanted it looking good for those high class $$$ people when they walked into the shop. (everyone in the shop had to stop working for them to walk around)
However after the first year they were wishing they never did it. After 3 months of walking track machines in and out,(even with rubber mats under the tracks) and all the welding and burning the floor had to be re done. This went on every 3 month's and cost the shop quite a bit of $$$ to shut down for 5 days. After the 3rd time they had the floor striped down and the coating removed and resealed. Then they installed a viewing area behind glass for anyone wanting to see the shop.

So if you want your shop floor looking good and don't want the basic concrete look, Just have some die added to the concrete before its installed then have some good sealer applied. 

                   

[xtremjeepn]

I stained my garage floor with Behr concrete stain from Home Depot and then covered it with a clear epoxy.

I knew that my garage floor would take a serious beating so I planned for it.  I wanted a floor with a "weatherd" look of an old craftsman type workshop but something that when clean would make for a nice warm feel to the room.  I am NOT done with the garage yet(got busy with the truck project).

Here are some pictures from day one , the type of heavy work we have done on it and soem more recent pics.

Shortly after it was done.






We did motor swaps, TONS of welding on body parts, axles, frames, etc etc. This floor has been ABUSED!!



Here was the most recent picture I have.   It has chipped and peeled a bit, but nothing that can't be restained, and coated quickley. Actually add more character to the floor.