Sherwin Williams Epoxy Flooring Tips

Moisture Test

• Tape a plastic bag or corner of tarp to your garage floor for a full day. If your garage is subject to a wet climate, two days is better. Lift the plastic and check for moisture. Moisture will disturb epoxy’s ability to bond. Do not begin until the moisture problem is resolved and the floor is consistently dry.

Clean

• Scrape any hardened materials and debris away. Follow with sweeping. When the floor is smooth, wash it with concrete cleaner and degreaser, available at home improvement centers. Mix and use as directed. After the spots are removed, use a power scrubber to thoroughly scrub the floor surface. A walk-behind model works best. Wet vacuum the cleaning solution and retain for disposal. Read the product label to determine proper disposal procedures. Check disposal requirements through your local community environmental office.

Etch

• Before you etch the concrete floor with a muriatic acid and water solution, prepare your driveway by hosing it with water. Prepare a muriatic acid and water mixture per manufacturer’s direction and power-scrub the floor with a clean brush attachment. Remember to add acid to water, never water to acid. Wear gloves and use a respirator and eye protection. Keep pets and children away. Afterward, flood the floor with water under pressure per the muriatic acid manufacturer guidelines. Repeat the process until the floor surface texture is similar to fine grit sandpaper. Squeegee pooled water away. Dry with a rag. Allow the open-door garage to dry overnight.

Patch

• Patch the fully dry floor, any holes or cracks as large as a quarter inch, with epoxy crack filler and let dry according to manufacturer instructions. Crack fillers are available at home improvement stores.

Practice Safety

• With your Sherwin Williams epoxy flooring product at hand, read the instructions thoroughly. Apply the product like a pro to get long lasting, professional looking results. Remember that before applying epoxy, you should turn off gas to any garage appliances. Ventilate the garage area, keep people distant from fumes, wear eye protection, wear gloves and wear a well-fitted respirator.