Freshening up the garage

[clmeue37]

Thanks for all the input on the floor options! If money weren't an object I'd definitely have it professionally coated...but...it's not in my budget at this point. I'm getting the pressure washer out next week and going to give it a good cleaning. I'm with flyingw on the fact that I hate the bare concrete look and feel. As of right now my plan is to clean it up as best as I can and save up the $$$ to have it professionally done next year. I haven't ruled out the diy kit but based on the feedback I've gotten here I may not be able to get it clean enough to hold up over time.

Flyingw, I love your floor too!

Caminofeld, thanks for the comment! My trikes are nothing special compared to those of flyingw's! I work on them as time permits and other than the front brake on the 200s everything is safe and mechanically sound. I'm almost to the point where I can start making em look all pretty

atc007, thank you! I really like the way that project turned out as well. The plan is just to poly them as you suggested. I like the "rustic" look.

I'll be sure and post pictures as I progress with this project. It takes my mind off things when I get thinking about stuff too much. Being in the garage tinkering is my therapy.

[Flyingw]

Its my therapy too. Its my happy place!!!!! You could go ahead and do the Rustoleum floor until you are ready to have it done by a professional. Once the floor is ready for paint, it only take a couple of hours to do as long as the concrete temp is below 75deg if I recall. The only bummer is you have to wait about 7 days before you can park a car on it. 24 hours for foot traffic and trikes. The kits are only about 125.00 roughly.

The web site The Garage Journal is a great site for everything garage, tools, shops, etc. There are dozens of posts about garage floors. I say do it now with the cheap stuff and in a year or two get it done professionally. In the mean time, do some reading on the Garage Journal and educate yourself on the different topcoats available and the pro's and con's of each. Tons of good info there. Signup is free.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/

Good luck Brother.

[clmeue37]

Thanks for the link Jim. I did some reading there this morning. Where do I get muriatic acid at? This weekend I'll start the cleaning process and make a decision from there. I'll also have to fill in some cracks as well.

This morning I pulled everything off the remaining walls after I put a second and final coat of brown on the first section. Tonight I'll get everything in primer.

[Flyingw]

Muriatic acid is available at any pool supply store, Walmart during the Summer, Home Depot, Lowes. It has many uses so its pretty widely stocked at allot of places. If you've never used it, be very careful. Always always always add acid to water, not water to acid. Don't breathe the fumes, and keep a box or two of baking soda handy. Baking soda will neutralize the acid if you get any on you. Wear safety glasses too. That stuff is nasty so respect it. Safety First!!!!!

[Dirtcrasher]

Your floor looks awesome!!

I used Rustoleum epoxy in my basement and my shop. 10 years later and no lifting at all. Prep is key........

250$ to do them with M-acid etc etc. Got to be very thorough!!

[clmeue37]

Got all the walls in primer when I got home on Tuesday night and just got done putting on the first coat of brown. Should be done with paint on Friday morning before work.

[sledcrazyinCT]

Your floor looks awesome!!

I used Rustoleum epoxy in my basement and my shop. 10 years later and no lifting at all. Prep is key........

You found a two part system from rustoleum?

[tecaterob]

I have race deck flooring. I have to say its the best. I can clean it with anything, it won't crack, I can remove them and take to new house... I highly recommend it.

[clmeue37]

I priced out the racedeck flooring awhile back. It's an option as well. Yours looks great!

[clmeue37]

Finished up the paint on thursday night after work. Turned out pretty good. I didnt tape and mud all the joints because the walls will eventually have shelves covering most of it. Started pressure washing the floor today. I should be able to finish it tomorrow afternoon and since I'm not going to have time to do the proper prep I'll move everything back in and deal with the bare concrete for awhile. At least the floor will look a heck of a lot cleaner now.

[sledcrazyinCT]

All good things take time! What you got done so far looks great...don't rush the floor...wait until have the time to do it right. Nothing is worse then having to redo a floor after applying fresh product a week earlier.

The last floor we did for our showroom at work didn't flash off between coats and had to be redone. The paint manufacturer reimbursed partial labor and full product to do it again, but a lot goes into pulling off long lasting adhesion. Any concrete that has had oil contamination needs the full treatment of degreasing, pressure washing and muriatic acid - repeat as necessary.

[Dirtweed]

My garage floor was $1800.00.

That's it? I'm going to look into getting mine done.

I have race deck flooring. I have to say its the best. I can clean it with anything, it won't crack, I can remove them and take to new house... I highly recommend it.

Another great idea. Hmmmm I have some thinking to do as I have trashed my garage floor.



D

[Flyingw]

Racedeck is a real good option if your garage floor is badly contaminated. Even diamond grinding won't get the oil out of concrete if its been soaked with oil over the years.

[Flyingw]

You guys with CLEAN AND ORGANIZED garages either have dirty little minds......or you`re OCD......either way i`m jealous ! Blame it on my ADD baby !

Dirty mind......GUILTY
OCD...... My therapist say no, everyone else says yes

[clmeue37]

Alright so my brother pointed out another option the other day. A roll of polyvinyl flooring. I have never seen it used first hand but it looks like it would hold up for my use. Anyone ever used it? They say it's suitable for garages and is resistant to gas and oil.