Where else can Shield-Crete Epoxy be used besides garage floors?
Garage floors are just the beginning! Shield-Crete works great for basement floors, laundry room floors, commercial floors, warehouse floors, storage areas, covered patios and landings. It can be used in some full outdoor applications, however, the sun’s UV rays may diminish the gloss finish, as well fade the color over time.
My concrete is relatively new. Do I still need to clean the floor before applying Shield-Crete?
Yes. Construction dust, dry wall paste and paint splatters can affect the bond. Scrape foreign substances off the floor and then clean the floor with the degreaser/cleaner. Wire brushing or sanding may be needed for severe contamination.
How long do I have to wait to apply Shield-Crete to freshly poured concrete?
Because Shield-Crete is a water-based epoxy, it can be applied 28 days after the concrete is poured, however, the longer you can wait to let the concrete cure, the better your results will be.
Will Shield-Crete work on old concrete?
Absolutely. Of course, how well it works depends upon how well you prepare your concrete.
Do I have to remove old coatings or paint before I apply Shield-Crete?
Yes. When applied over a previous coating, Shield-Crete is only as good as what it is applied over. If the coating fails, it will take the Shield-Crete off with it. Also, Shield-Crete is a water-based product that breathes. The old coatings probably are not. Leaving them on could cause failure due to entrapment of moisture vapor in the concrete.
I have parked in my garage for some time. Do these areas have to receive special treatment before coating with Shield-Crete?
Yes. Tires contain chemicals that leach into the concrete over time. If too much of these foreign substances are trapped in the concrete, Shield-Crete will adhere to them and will not stick to the concrete. These areas should be scrubbed with a wire brush and the degreaser/cleaner, rinsed thoroughly and sanded with a rough sanding pad.
Is acid etching required before applying Shield-Crete?
If a floor is highly troweled and almost shiny then etching is necessary. Epoxies need to “bite” into the surface. If the surface is not porous the epoxy may then start to peel. Chemicals and paraffin from tires can leave a waxy film on garage floors over time which creates non-porous surfaces which may require at least one sanding.
I may have a clear sealer on my floor. How can I determine if I need extra surface preparation before applying Shield-Crete?
The easiest test is to sprinkle water on the questionable areas of your floor. If the water beads, you have a foreign substance that must be removed.
Can I apply multiple coats of Shield-Crete over a period of time?
Yes. Special surface preparation is not needed if the additional coats are applied within five days. If it has been a longer period, the area should be sanded lightly to dull the finish and create a rougher surface to which the Shield-Crete can adhere. In most cases, one coat of Shield-Crete is sufficient to produce great coverage and a rich finish. In some cases, where the concrete is exceptionally rough or old, two coats will provide a stronger, deeper finish. We always recommend two coats for dark colors, such as red. Second coats can be applied as soon as the surface is dry to the touch and not tacky.
Do I really need to include the anti-slip aggregate in the Shield-Crete or Glaze Coat?
Any coated surface, especially a high quality, smooth surface like Shield-Crete’s, is slippery when wet. The anti-slip aggregate is a safety feature that we highly recommend for the final coat of Shield-Crete or Glaze Coat. Your floor will still be easy to clean.
Should I stir the Deco-Flakes in with the epoxy?
No, the Deco-Flakes should be broadcast onto the wet epoxy as soon as possible. Work in 4-6 feet sections and toss the flakes in the air so they fall evenly onto the wet epoxy. Do not wait more than 30 minutes to apply the flakes, otherwise the Shield-Crete may start to dry and the flakes will not adhere as intended. Use Shield-Crete Glaze to protect the flakes and make surface easier to clean.
I am going to apply the decorative flakes. Should I apply a coat of Glaze Coat over the flakes?
We highly recommend the use of Glaze Coat over all floors. This not only adds to the shine and life of the floor, it also makes cleaning even easier and protects the decorative flakes. When covering more than 25% of the floor, the clear Glaze Coat is recommended.
I have some unsightly cracks in my floor. Should I fill these before applying Shield-Crete?
Filling the cracks may yield a smoother, more beautiful floor. A paintable caulk is appropriate for filling cracks. Be certain the caulk is fully cured before you apply the Shield-Crete. Use only enough caulk to fill the crack. Remove excess caulk.
Will Shield-Crete keep my floor from cracking in the future?
No, Shield-Crete does not prevent cracking, however, the decorative flakes do a good job of camouflaging minor cracks and imperfections in the concrete.
Can I apply Shield-Crete on wood?
Shield-Crete was designed for concrete and metal surfaces, but it will adhere to wood, much like a very good outdoor paint. Keep in mind, if the wood cracks, Shield-Crete will crack with it.
Can I use Shield-Crete on my patio, too?
Shield-Crete can stand up to the heat of summer, the freezing in winter and rain year ‘round, however, one of the characteristics of epoxy is that it “chalks” in UV light. This means that the coating loses some of its luster due to direct sunlight. Apply Shield-Crete outdoors with this in mind. Application of Shield-Crete Clear Glaze will reduce the effects of chalking, but the color will continue to fade or slightly yellow. Always use the anti-slip aggregate in outdoor settings that are likely to become wet.
Can Shield-Crete be applied to vertical surfaces, such as basement walls?
Absolutely. Shield-Crete will not sag, so basements, storm shelters, wine vaults, etc. are ideal application areas. It is more stain resistant and much easier to clean than paint.
A storm was brewing and I had to park on my new Shield-Crete floor one day after it was finished. My tires were dirty and they left stains and some of the coating came off the floor. How can I fix these areas?
Unfortunately, you parked on the floor before it was fully cured and the stains may have been dried into the coatings. First try to clean the areas with a mild soap, water and a scrub brush. If this does not remove the stains satisfactorily, you will need to sand the affected areas and apply a new coat of Shield-Crete, flakes and glaze coat to these areas.
