FWIW:
I was told that prep included degreasing followed by acid etch, both being essential to good adhesion. The epoxy paint was a two part, and the guys had to wear organic vapor masks and use active ventilation when applying it. If I ever fix my cracked up slab (crappy backfill by crappy contractor), I would be happy with this type of flooring.
You don't need to acid etch if you grind the concrete. I can see why installation companies would not want to grind the concrete. It is messy and likely more expensive. Although acid (at least acid stain) is quite pricey. My kit came with the acid etch but I gifted it to a friend that was doing his. Of course none of this matters if you are having it done. It really is quite easy to do it yourself though.
As mentioned I made mistakes, here is the list in case someone wants to try on their own.
1. I didn't have spiked shoes, they were backordered so I didn't wait
2. I did this in December, hence the heater in the garage - would be much much much easier in the summer
3. I mixed all of the expoxy at once. By the time that I got to the last 100SF It was getting difficult to work with. I should have mixed half at a time
4. I screwed up the flakes as mentioned, wouldn't do flakes again
5. I missed spots with the poly coat. If I had spike shoes this wouldn't have been a problem.
6. Not a big deal but I didn't fill any of the chips in the concrete. I probably would have done that again. Int typical 60's home construction - my concrete floor was otherwise perfect - no cracks. Why can't contractors accomplish this anymore?
I'm not opposed to grinding it off and doing it again in another 5 years or so. The hardest part is cleaning the garage.
