Make sure the air temperature is 50℉ or higher before starting. Apply Epoxy After Etching Solution Has Set Remember to not etch previous epoxied surfaces, and previously painted surfaces need the glossy finish sanded off before etching.ģ. Once completed, allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours. If still smooth, etch the surface again until you achieve the desired results. The surface should feel rough when ready for painting. DRYLOK® Etch, available in a powdered or liquid form, is an etching solution that prepares concrete to accept a coating of epoxy, allowing it to adhere better to the surface. Prepare Cleaned Surface With Etching Solutionīefore applying DRYLOK® E1 Latex 1‑Part Epoxy, the surface needs to be properly prepared. If there is moisture showing on the underside the next day, the concrete hasn’t finished drying.Ģ. If you are unsure, tape a small piece of clear plastic to the floor and leave it overnight. Make sure the concrete is completely dry before painting. If you are using one, a pressure setting below 1,750 psi is recommended to avoid damaging the concrete or forcing water into the pores. If there are areas stained with grease or oil, use a degreaser to remove as much as possible before starting to ensure that the epoxy paint adheres properly.Ī power washer may be helpful for this task.
Patch any damaged areas with a masonry crack filler and allow time for the repaired area to dry. Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry. The curing time could be as long as 72 hours, depending on the size of the room.Įpoxy is non-porous, which means your floors can become extremely slippery when wet.ġ‑Part Epoxy Paint by DRYLOK® Simplifies the ProcessĬlear the garage or basement floor of all objects, dirt and dust before you get started. There is a short open time, so you don’t have a lot of time to work with the product before it sets and can no longer be brushed.
Asthma sufferers especially could be adversely affected, but all users should wear proper protection. There are some disadvantages when using standard epoxy coatings:Īs the epoxy is curing, it gives off powerful and harmful vapors. However, the 2‑part epoxy process involves mixing chemicals, which may be uncomfortable for some people. Surface preparation requires a clean dry floor, the same as 1‑part epoxy paint. This can be a tricky process, and if not handled correctly, the product can harden before you have finished applying it. Epoxy coatings are a mixture of resins and hardeners that are combined on the job and must be allowed to cure through a chemical reaction before they can be used. How long does it take epoxy paint to dry? The answer is more complicated than you may think, as the application process has multiple steps.Įpoxies were originally developed for the dental industry but soon found usefulness in many applications, including adhesives and coatings. However, once the epoxy paint has been applied, there is a specific amount of time required for it to dry.
If you are considering refinishing your garage or basement floor, epoxy paint is the best choice for sealing, protecting and adding a fresh face to concrete.