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Hello @jeevdevop
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about applying epoxy paint on your garage floor.
Applying epoxy to your garage floor during Melbourne’s winter months is possible, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Since you’ve chosen the Dy-Mark solvent-based epoxy from Bunnings, you’re starting with a product that generally performs better in cooler weather compared to water-based options. However, there are still temperature thresholds and other environmental factors that you’ll need to manage for a successful result.
Temperature is the most important factor to consider. Solvent-based epoxy typically requires the air and concrete surface temperature to be above 10 degrees Celsius, with optimal results occurring when the temperature is between 13 and 30 degrees. Melbourne’s winter mornings and evenings often fall below this range, so the best time to begin application is during midday or early afternoon when it’s warmest. It’s also helpful to use a space heater in the garage to raise the ambient temperature a few hours prior to starting. Do not rely solely on-air temperature, a cold concrete floor will slow curing and compromise adhesion, so confirm the surface itself is within range.
Humidity and surface moisture are also critical in winter. Even with an enclosed space, cold weather often leads to increased humidity, which can delay curing or cause bonding issues. You can check for excess moisture by taping a 30 by 30-centimetre piece of plastic to the floor overnight. If condensation appears underneath it, the surface is not yet dry enough to proceed. Avoid starting the project right after rain or in particularly damp conditions. Using a dehumidifier or gentle heating can help remove excess moisture from the environment and the floor itself.
Thorough surface preparation is essential. The concrete should be ground or etched to open the surface and allow the epoxy to bond effectively. Once the surface is prepared, vacuum it carefully to remove all traces of dust and debris. Some epoxy systems, including solvent-based ones, benefit from a primer coat in cool weather to improve adhesion, so it’s worth confirming whether that step is recommended for your product.
Curing time will be significantly longer in colder temperatures. Even if the surface feels dry to the touch, it may not be fully cured. It’s best to wait five to seven days before allowing vehicles or heavy loads on the surface. To encourage curing, maintain airflow and warmth in the garage during this period.
You can improve workability by warming the epoxy cans in a bath of warm water before mixing. This lowers viscosity and makes the product easier to apply. Mix the components thoroughly, use the correct ratio, and apply the epoxy with a roller designed specifically for epoxy applications to ensure an even finish.
Here is a handy step-by-step guide: Epoxy Coat Solvent-Based Garage Floor Coating Kit Installation
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Thank you Eric, after cleaning my floor it still has some paint drop marks left(I tried diggers paint strupper from bunnings but no luck
). Is it okay to apply epoxy Slovent on concrete looks like in the image.
I attached couple of photos,
