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    Str8stack71's Avatar
    Str8stack71 Posts: 94, Reputation: 10
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 6, 2009, 10:11 AM
    How to clean concrete floor for epoxy paint
    OK, quick question... I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to clean my basement floor in order to apply an epoxy paint. The floor is about 40 yrs old and has never had any paint, sealer or anything else applied to it... we have remodeled out basement. Put up drywall making bedrooms, laundry room and den area... I thought a power washer might do a good job however, I'm afraid that it will get moisture on the drywall... is mopping floor going to get it clean enough?. any suggestions on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated...
    Thanks
    SAB123's Avatar
    SAB123 Posts: 685, Reputation: 94
    Senior Member
    		  
    #2

    Feb 6, 2009, 11:55 AM

    You may want to try bleach, I was told it should clean it up pretty good but again you may want to try a little section before doing whole area do to the fact the floor is 40 years old.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Feb 6, 2009, 12:09 PM

    I would only consider bleach if there was mold or mildew present that needs to be killed. There are good,safe alternates such as CONCRETE CLEANER/ETCHER by Supreme Chemical - More Tack cloths and liquid sandpaper at doitbest.com You'd need to read their product info in more detail to be sure you can use it.
    pattyg2's Avatar
    pattyg2 Posts: 480, Reputation: 27
    Full Member
    		  
    #4

    Mar 2, 2009, 05:55 PM

    Test a spot and make sure it isn't sealed. Pour some water down and if it gets absorbed then there is no sealer or hardener. If it puddles and stays you will have to etch the concrete. If it's not sealed you can clean it with white vinegar. Make sure the concrete is dry and apply a concrete bonding primer and let dry for at least 8 hours. Put your first coat of epoxy paint on light. Let dry for 24 hours. Do another light coat and another 24 hours in the opposite direction. I do the light coats by using a sponge roller and you can put the roller and tray in a plastic trash bag in a fridge until ready for next coat. Saves on paint and cleaning the roller! Final coat use a 3/8" nap roller and be sure to let cure for 72 hours. I then seal everything with ZEP high traffic floor finish... 3 coats... 30 minutes between coats using a grout sponge. Mop the floor using murphy's oil soap or pinesol. Don't use bleach or ammonia. I did my kitchen floor and garage floor and they are perfect.
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