Step 8: Apply the top coat

apply the top coat
Photo: Kolin Smith
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You’ll only have about 2 hours to work with the mixture. Using a clean paintbrush, cut in at corners, edges, and seams. Then, using a 3/8-inch-nap roller, start at a point farthest from the exit and roll on the clear coat in 10-by-10-foot sections as you did with the epoxy paint. Work first in one direction, then in the perpendicular direction on each section, making your way forward until the entire floor is covered. The coating will appear white or milky at first but will dry clear. Allow 24 hours drying time for foot traffic and up to 72 hours before parking a car—longer in humid or cold weather.
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    More in Exterior

    Tools List

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    • push broom
      Bristlepush Broom
    • paint pan
      Paint Roller Tray
    • watering can
      Plastic Watering Can
    • floor maintainer
      Electric Floor Maintainer (optional—rents for about $40 a day)
    • roller frames
      Roller Frame with extension handle

    Shopping List

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    1. GARAGE-FLOOR EPOXY KIT
    Includes etching solution, colored epoxy paint, and color-fleck additives (which you can order more of if necessary). Measure the square footage of your space, then check the manufacturer's coverage and coating recommendations to see how much you'll need. clear epoxy top coat Comes in a separate kit and includes the antiskid granules.

    2. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
    to prepare the floor, for previously painted floors only (in place of the cleaner that comes with the kit).

    3. PLASTIC SHEETING
    to protect the surrounding walls during the cleaning and epoxy application. 4. PAINTER'S TAPE
    to secure the plastic sheeting.

    5. 3/8-INCH-NAP ROLLER COVERS
    to apply both epoxy paint and clear top coat. You'll need three if you plan to do two coats of epoxy and one of clear coat.

    6. 3-INCH POLYESTER PAINTBRUSH
    to cut in at corners, seams, and edges.

    7. PAINT-TRAY LINERS