Should I put a tarp down in a new garage, or let it go until Spring?
Asked by
josie (
30934
)
October 16th, 2012
I just bought a condo, and I am the first owner. That being the case, I need to seal the garage floor. I like to use epoxy paint for that job (the kind with the little speckles in it) but it has to go on when the concrete surface is above about 60 degrees F (or else it will peel), and those days are gone in my area until spring. I figure I have two choices
1. Cover the floor with carpet remnant or tarp until Spring. My concern is that moisture gets trapped under it and pulls out some of the soluble mineral componant of the concrete
2. Put down a piece of cardboard to catch any oil drips, let it go until Spring, power wash and do it then.
Any experts out there. Appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
5 Answers
First, good not doing it now. One house the painters assured us the epoxy would be just fine putting it down in the cold weather, and it wasn’t.
I would probably just use cardboard, but that’s not from experience, just a gut feeling. If you use a tarp, or anything, maybe on the weekends pull it back to make sure the cement gets dry each week.
Also, even if it does get a little dirty, I think when you etch it with the acid it will be fine. I have had neighbors epoxy their garage after owning their houses a couple years.
I just had a concrete patio poured and was told not to seal it until next summer. Cardboard sounds like a good idea.
There are some products for floor protection that I think would work well in this type situation. One I can think of is called “Surface Shield” but there are several. Just google floor protection products.
Most are paper products designed to protect finished floors during construction. They are also put down to protect concrete that is to be stained and allow construction to continue. They are much stronger and less porous than cardboard that will allow oil to soak through. drive on it without damage. The ones we have used come in a roll and are cut to fit.
It is a little spendy but you get better protection.
Tarps are not a good idea, if a wrinkle gets caught on the underside of the car it could cause problems if you don’t notice it.
Wouldn’t something like “Thompson’s Water Seal” do the trick temporarily? +cardboard to keep it clean.
You might have to acid etch the seal off next season before you put epoxy on it.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
