I have been reasearching--or procrastinating, depending on how you look at it--this topic for way too long.
My plan is as follows.
- Fill the expansion joints. I think, I used Quikrete Concrete Crack Sealant or something similar. This step has been done and held up really well.
- Rent a Diamabrush from Home Depot to open the up the concrete b/c a concrete grinder is just way to heavy.
- Then DRYLOKŪ Protector Clear Low Sheen Penetrating Sealer to protect the concrete from gas and oil stains.
When I sealed the basement floor they only had the DRYLOKŪ Protector Clear Low Sheen Penetrating Sealer. The advantage is that though it seals the concrete they also let it breath, which was important in the basement so that the floor didn't heave. They told me to never use the normal (wall) Drylok on floors.
- Install Swisstrax.
I think this is a good plan b/c...
- I can DYI each step
- 1 & 2 are relatively inexpensive compared to epoxy
- Don't have to worry about any residual acid etch
- The Swisstrax will protect the sealer and the sealer will protect the concrete and make cleaning under the tiles very easy.