Putting epoxy (or something similar) on a basement floor

[ISUFan22]

I'm having a couple challenges in my studio...

- Dirty floors make my paper backgrounds dirty
- Getting a nice white/shinny surface on the floor in my hi-key setups

Our studio/basement is unfinished and I'm slowly in the process of finishing it. I need to do something to the floor in the interim to shore up these issues.

One way to handle the last one is to use clear plexi on top of a white background - but that doesn't solve my first issue - plus the plexi sheets that large are quite spendy and not fun to lug around.

I'm wondering if I could put some sort of super white epoxy, or something similar, down onto the concrete in the area I work in. My only real concern with that would be any negative side effects with doing that inside the home - especially as it relates to putting carpet down over it once we're ready for that step.

I don't foresee that to be a problem, yet it's an unknown for me. Any input would be appreciated.

[SImpsonCy]

not sure if you have a preference on products but Rust-oleum has basement floor products

Rust-Oleum Brands

[cybsball20]

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

I'm having a couple challenges in my studio...

- Dirty floors make my paper backgrounds dirty
- Getting a nice white/shinny surface on the floor in my hi-key setups

Our studio/basement is unfinished and I'm slowly in the process of finishing it. I need to do something to the floor in the interim to shore up these issues.

One way to handle the last one is to use clear plexi on top of a white background - but that doesn't solve my first issue - plus the plexi sheets that large are quite spendy and not fun to lug around.

I'm wondering if I could put some sort of super white epoxy, or something similar, down onto the concrete in the area I work in. My only real concern with that would be any negative side effects with doing that inside the home - especially as it relates to putting carpet down over it once we're ready for that step.

I don't foresee that to be a problem, yet it's an unknown for me. Any input would be appreciated.

There are no negatives if you are planning on carpeting later. In fact, alot of people recommend you paint or put an epoxy coating on your floor before you carpet it. It can act as another barrier against mpoisture.

[ISUFan22]

No preference on products, as long as it works and doesn't flake off. But, I know the flaking can be more the application than the product itself.

Have never personally bought or worked with it - but I'd assume it's a lot less expensive than putting some temporary flooring down.

[bostinelosd]

22, if you go through with this, send me some pics and any tips you have. I am thinking about doing this as well down the road.

[ISUFan22]

We're going to do it in the garage this coming spring but this would make a great late fall or winter project for the basement.

I aught to be able to "paint" the area I want to use for photos white and then the area around it black. Don't want all white because I need to control the light, but I need to do something to the entire area to cover the concrete - no way to keep it clean!

[travman23]

Waterproofing basement - mold & mildew waterproof paint from Zinsser

I put this on my basement walls this summer and can be used on floors as well and it did a good job sealing up cracks and stuff. Works better on bare concrete I am told but this stuff is good for water proofing and they have around 10 colors or so you can pick. Menards carries it and the 1 downside is that its about $22 a gallon. They have a display where there is concrete with water behind it and half is sealed with this stuff and half left bare and you can tell just on touch just how much moisture concrete can let seep through without someone to seal it off.

[IlliCy]

I put a similar product down in my garage floor about 6 month ago or so. I think it is similar to the Rust Oleum stuff (2 part epoxy), I purchased it at Sherwin WIlliams though. Pretty easy application although the key is the prep (cleaning the floor with a degreaser and letting it dry thoroughly). I ended up using a squegee for application, similar to sealcoating a driveway. Overall it came out real nice.

[C.John]

Originally Posted by ISUFan22

- Getting a nice white/shinny surface on the floor in my hi-key setups

Roll out the white seamless and then place a large sheet of plexiglass over the seamless. Shiny floor and clean seamless.

Example:


LINK

[ISUFan22]

Originally Posted by C.John

Roll out the white seamless and then place a large sheet of plexiglass over the seamless. Shiny floor and clean seamless.

Example:


LINK

That look is very cliche, IMO. I'm not fond of it, plus - plexi is rather expensive and a pain to lug around the studio.

I like the subtle look, such as this. Bet ya can't guess how this guy did it.

[jberryma]

I just put down the rustoleum epoxy product, very easy to do and it looks excellent. Makes the garage really look like a professional shop.

[ripvdub]

You can get the Rust-o-leum in High Gloss formulas, so its shinier, if a reflection is wanted. Its called like Showroom or Professional. I have the professional sitting in our basement. Im waiting for the temp to die down a little bit to apply it in the garage. Otherwise itll dry wayy to fast.

[dmclone]

Great time to ask since I just got back in the house from cleaning my garage.

It probably cost me $200 to do it. I know a lot of people have it profesionaly done but then you're looking at a least $1,000.

I did the Rustoleum kit (3 of them) about 2 years ago right after we moved in. I also did it in the garage prior. I did gray the first time and tan this time. I think I prefer the gray.

It's very easy to apply and very durable. Just work in sections while applying and fill in all the expansion joints. I would assume it would also work good for the basement.

I just cleaned the floor so it's a little wet in the pics.