Garage remodeling has become a big business and more people are adding floor coatings themselves to save a few dollars. The most important first step is to clean and acid etch your concrete. Etching your concrete floor will profile the surface adding “tooth” or more surface area for epoxy paint to stick to. The etching process will help remove impurities that are bond breakers as well.

There are two types of acid etching products, liquid and gels. Liquids are mixed with 2 or more parts water then poured on the floor. Using a stiff bristle broom the solution is spread over the surface then cleaned off. Gels are rolled on the floor with a 3/8″ nap roller and left to sit for 15 minutes. Then they are cleaned with a squeegee and cleaned with a Wet Vac or dust pan. Any remaining residue is cleaned with a squeegee and water.

Liquid acid etching has been recommended by floor coating manufacturers for years but is an ieffective way to etch concrete. The problem is that acid is a dangerous product and most manufacturers sell a diluted product for safety reasons. Then they recommend diluting with water. When you apply a diluted acid on the surface it provides diluted results. Additionally since virtually every concrete floor has high and low spots, the liquid solution naturally flows to the low spots. The high spots get little if any etching. Unfortunately you cannot get away with an almost etched surface. You will find that epoxy floor paints will delaminate and fail over areas that are not properly etched.

The other option using a gelled acid is much more effective and safer to use. The process is to shake the container then pour the gel into a paint tray. Using a 3/8″-1/2″ nap roller the gel is rolled on just like painting the floor. The gels are very effective because they stay where they are applied and are not diluted. This means the high spots get the exact same coverage as the low spots. You can also use a paint brush to apply to tight spots. The gels do a much more effective job than a liquid as a cleaner pulling impurities like oil, rust and mildew out of the floor.

You can start you search for a contractor by asking you co-workers, friend or neighbors for recommendations. Check out the concrete work that was done for them, how it looks today, how long ago it was done and in what shape the concrete is right now. If someone you know is happy with their concrete project, contact same contractor to arrange a meeting.

Another good place to find a contractor is local concrete supplier stores. They definitely know all local concrete contractors and can give you recommendations. Some stores have their own concrete contractors’ team and you can get an appraisal at no cost.

Before you hire a contractor make sure to ask them few questions to see how experienced contractor is and if he has all necessary licenses and ability to get permits. Here is a list of question you need to ask your potential contractor:

• How long have they been laying concrete and installing pavers?

• Can they provide you with references from previous jobs?

• Can you contact their references and inspect the jobs?

• Check their liability insurance certificate and proof of Worker Compensation Insurance

• Will they provide a written, itemized proposal that includes starting and completion dates, demolition and excavation paving and base materials, taxes and terms of payment?

• Do they guarantee their work for one year? Will they return in a year to inspect it?

Good concrete contractor should be able to answer all these questions. Before signing the contract, read through it one more time to make sure all aspects of the concrete project are covered and your concrete contractor can start on it.