How to Guide

Read all instructions carefully before starting project.
For more details, application tips, and a product demonstration video, scan
the code above or go to rustoleum.com/epoxyshield.
To ensure best performance, DO NOT PAINT IF THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS EXIST:
 Sealed concrete - Determine if there is a concrete sealer present by
dripping a small amount of water onto various areas of the surface. If the
water beads, a sealer is present and paint may not adhere properly.
 Poorly-bonded previous paint - If the floor is previously painted,
remove any loose paint by sanding and scraping. Test the adhesion of
the remaining paint on the surface by doing the following:
1. With a single-edged razor blade, cut an X through the coating and
down to the concrete.
2. Apply a 4" piece of duct tape over the X and press firmly.
3. Completely remove the tape with one quick pull.
4. If more than 25% of the taped area is removed with the tape, the
original coating is not adhering well, and the floor should not be coated
with EPOXYSHIELD
®
unless all previous paint is removed using a
concrete floor sander or suitable paint stripper.
If previous coating is well bonded, scuff sand the surface after cleaning to
ensure a tight bond between the two coatings. Rinse thoroughly.
WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release
lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE
SERIOUS ILLNESS SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN
CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE.
Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up
carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out
how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead
Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead.
 Moisture in the concrete - Apply a 2' x 2' sheet of plastic (such as a
heavy-duty garbage bag or 1 gallon plastic storage bag) to an area of the
garage floor. Tape down the edges with duct tape and allow to set for 24
hours. If water droplets appear on the inside of the plastic or if concrete
appears wet (darker in color), moisture is trapped in the concrete and the
floor should not be painted.
 Loose or poorly cured concrete or concrete dust - If the concrete is
loose, chipping (spalled), or has concrete dust present, the coating will
not perform properly unless all loose material and dust is removed and
damaged areas repaired.
For use in covered garage area only. Not intended for carports or areas exposed
to direct sunlight. Allow newly poured concrete to cure for a minimum of 28 days
prior to coating. Apply when air (ambient) temperature is 60-85°F and relative
humidity is below 80%. Concrete floors take a long time to warm up; make sure
the previous day has also been at least 60°F prior to painting. Minimum floor
temperature for painting is 55°F. Painting in mid-afternoon ensures the best
cure. Do not apply coating if night time temperature is expected to drop below a
low of 65°F (18.3°C). For best results, temperatures should not drop below 65°F
for 24-48 hours after applying the coating. Store kit in a cool place (below 80°F)
before use; storage at higher temperatures will shorten the working time of the
coating (pot life).
Preparation Instructions
Preparation is critical to performance.
Remove any oil or grease spots on your floor. Use a scrub brush and EPOXYSHIELD
®
Heavy Duty Degreaser (sold separately). Scrub the spot thoroughly and wipe up
excess cleaner with rags or paper towels to keep contaminants from spreading. Rinse
thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat as necessary to completely clean.
Mix all concrete etch with 2 gallons of water (do not add concrete etch directly to
paint). Mix until dissolved. This solution contains a mild citric acid. Note: Do not use
muriatic acid. For best results, use a plastic watering can to evenly distribute solution.
If product will be used on a basement floor, do not use etch. Instead, prepare floor
with TSP solution or TSP substitute.
Pre-wet the floor using a hose. Remove pooled water with a squeegee or broom to avoid
leaving puddles. Spread the etch mixture over a 10' x 10' section of the floor. Scrub
vigorously with a stiff bristle brush to loosen dust and dirt. While working, keep the entire
section wet until the entire section has been etched and rinsed.
Rinse each section thoroughly before starting the next section. For best results, use a
foam squeegee to remove the rinse water from the surface and to move dirt and
contaminants out of the garage. Repeat twice before continuing to the next section.
Once all sections are completed, rinse and squeegee the entire garage floor to remove
any etch that has been tracked on previously etched areas. A wet/dry vacuum can also
be used to eliminate excess water, dirt and contaminants. Do not leave pooled water
on the floor. The etch will not discolor driveways or harm grass or plants if rinsed
thoroughly. Wipe your fingers over the clean, dry floor. If you see any dust or powder
on your fingers, repeat the rinsing & scrubbing until the floor is clean. If your fingers
remain clean, continue to the next step. Allow the floor to dry completely.
Note: If the floor is not thoroughly cleaned and completely rinsed, the coating
may not adhere properly to the surface.
EPOXYSHIELD
®
Mixing
Do NOT mix the decorative paint chips with EPOXYSHIELD
®
. If multiple kits are being
used, all Part B’s (base) should be mixed together in one 5 gallon plastic pail to
ensure consistency in color. Prior to emptying each can, insert a clean paint
stirring stick to determine how much paint is in the can, then mark the paint stirring
stick with a pen at the fill level. You will be refilling each gallon can after you mix, so
it is very important that you fill each can back up to the original fill level. Pour all
Part B’s (base) into a 5 gallon plastic pail and mix until homogeneous in color. Pour
mixture back into gallon cans and fill to previous fill level, using the paint stirring
stick as a guide. Replace lid until ready to mix with Part A (activator). Do not mix
more than one kit at a time. Pour all of Part A into Part B and stir thoroughly for at least 3
minutes. (Note: Parts A and B must be mixed as stated.) See charts for appropriate
application times and pot life. Do not leave container in direct sunlight. Mix again
before applying. To ensure even gloss and color, the coating must be applied within
the times stated on the charts.
Note: When concrete is coated, it typically produces a smoother surface than
bare concrete and can become slippery when wet. To create a slip resistant
surface, add our Anti-Slip Additive (sold separately) to the mixed coating prior to
application (follow directions on package for use), or top coat with our Premium
Clear Floor Coating with the Anti-Slip Additive included.
EPOXYSHIELD
®
Application
After the standing time indicated on the charts, use a good quality synthetic brush to trim
edges (if desired). Work quickly so as not to impact the time remaining for rolling the
surface. After the appropriate standing time for rolling, use a 1/2" nap roller cover and 9"
roller frame to apply an even coat of EPOXYSHIELD
®
onto the surface. Apply in 4' x 4'
sections so that the decorative paint chips can easily be scattered on the freshly coated
surface. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks and gloss differences. Toss the
decorative paint chips onto the wet film. This step may be skipped if chips are not
desired. This will not affect the performance of the coating. Immediately continue to
coat the next section. (Note: Fresh paint can be applied over the loose chips that lay
outside the previously painted area.)
Only one coat is necessary. This product must be used within the pot life indicated. If
product is used beyond the recommended pot life, the coating may appear to
have uneven gloss and color. Do not leave container in direct sunlight.
Application Tip: Since you only have between 1-2 hours (depending on
temperature) to use the mixed paint, have 1 person begin trimming edges
(if desired) and have another person begin rolling out the floor as specified
on the charts at right.
Dry Time
Surface should be ready for light foot traffic in 12-16 hours, heavy items and
normal foot traffic in 24-48 hours. FOR FULL CURE AND VEHICLE TRAFFIC,
ALLOW 3 DAYS. Temperature and humidity may affect actual dry time.
EPOXYSHIELD
®
Clean-Up
Wash all tools and equipment immediately with warm water and mild detergent.
Allow any unused product to harden in the container and discard according to
local regulations.
EPOXYSHIELD
®
Coverage
Each EPOXYSHIELD
®
kit contains enough surface treatment to cover
approximately 250 square feet of smooth, bare concrete (a normal 1 car concrete
garage floor). Very rough or porous concrete may require more material. Expect
coverage of 125-200 square feet on those surfaces.
Safety Information
AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN AND EYES
For skin contact, wash affected area with soap and water and rinse well.
FIRST AID: In case of contact with eyes, flush with cold water for 15 minutes.
If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Drink 1-2 glasses of water or milk.
Contact a physician immediately.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY.
Rust-Oleum Product Support
For any questions or comments, call the EPOXYSHIELD
®
toll-free Product
Support line between 7:30 am - 5:00 pm CST at 1-888-NUFLOOR (683-5667).
Application Times:
If temp is 81-85°F
Start brushing (trimming edges): Immediately after mixing
Start rolling: 5-15 minutes after mixing
Use all mixed product within (pot life): 1 hour after mixing
Best time to paint is early morning
(
before 9AM
)
to ensure best curing
conditions and maximum pot life.
If temp is 71-80°F
Allow product to stand after mixing
Start brushing (trimming edges): 10 minutes after mixing
Start rolling: 15 minutes after mixing
Use all mixed product within (pot life): 1.5 hours after mixing
Best time to paint is early morning
(
before 9AM
)
to ensure best curing
conditions and maximum pot life.
If temp is 60-70°F
Allow product to stand after mixing
Start brushing (trimming edges): 30 minutes after mixing
Start rolling: 45 minutes after mixing
Use all mixed product within (pot life): 2 hours after mixing
Best time to paint is mid-afternoon
(
after 1PM
)
to ensure best curing
conditions and maximum pot life.
INSTRUCTION SHEET
GARAGE FLOOR
279103 1013