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- 1). Place the Epoxy Shield in the garage and leave it there for 48 hours before you apply it. This acclimation period will allow the Epoxy Shield to reach the temperature of the surrounding room -- the optimal temperature for application.
- 2). Test the concrete for moisture penetration from the subfloor. Place garbage bags over a 2 square foot section of the floor. Then duct tape the edges of the bags down (and any seams). Leave the bags in place for 24 hours. Lift the plastic and check for moisture. If the concrete appears darker or there are water droplets on the underside of the bags, the floor cannot be sealed. The water penetrating through the concrete will lift the Epoxy Shield. A vapor barrier must be placed underneath the floor to prevent moisture seepage. Epoxy Shield cannot be applied to sealed floors.
- 3). Clean with the floor vacuum or sweep to remove surface debris. Mop the floor with trisodiumphosphate (TSP) solution diluted with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if there is mildew damage on the floor, you must mop with bleach and water in a 10 percent solution. Follow with a clean water mop to remove the solution from the floor.
- 4). Etch the surface of the floor with a commercial concrete etcher (Rust-Oleum advises against using muriatic acid) mixed with water and applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never place concentrated etcher directly on the floor. Once the etch is applied and rinsed, wipe the dried floor with a finger. If there is any dust on your fingers, rinse and scrub the floor again. Once no dust is transferred to your fingers, proceed to the next step.
- 5). Mix the Epoxy Shield. Pour Part A into Part B and stir thoroughly with the paint mixer for three full minutes. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the can as you stir. Let the mixture stand for 30 minutes. Then mix it again. If you have also purchased Rust-Oleum's anti-slip additive, add it to the mixed paint and then mix once more.
- 6). Paint the Epoxy Shield around the edges of the garage floor with a paint brush. These areas are tougher to reach with a paint roller.
- 7). Apply the Epoxy Shield to the rest of the floor, one 4 square foot section at a time. Toss the decorative paint chips onto the wet paint after you finish each section.
- 8). Allow the floor to dry for four hours with the garage door open. After four hours, the floor is safe to walk on. After 12 hours it is ready for regular use.
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