Epoxy-Coat Opinions and Q's

Hi guys, I have been pouring through all the great information posted from everyone here and have a couple of questions for those who have worked with Epoxy-Coat.

I am looking to epoxy-coat a basement workshop floor @588 sq ft. There isn't a drain in the floor and there are recessed electrical outlets in the floor and a threshold on the exterior door making hosing/washing a challenge. I was planning on using my shopvac to remove the water and cleaning any idea or tips on technique for prepping in the space?

Sounds like I will require 1 1/2 kits for the space because of the damn 88 extra feet. Would the advice be to get the half kit and plan on putting it on thicker throughout or should I get two patch kits and try to hit the number exact?

The workshop space it going to be used for woodworking, I was considering using white but the need for double coats scared me away so now I am considering the other colors. I would prefer to not us the color chips and just do a solid color and not apply a clear coat. I know the chips could cover up lots of sins on the flooring, my concrete is in very good shape but I didn't know if the chips were hiding my mistakes from DIY or the concrete under layment, opinions? Seems the product is pretty self leveling and thick so I am hoping for a nice smooth finish as long as it doesn't go off early on me. What is the consensus on use of the clear coat? Seems to me the cost is pretty much the same as doing another coat why not just do two coats of the color rather than clear if the gloss finish is basically equivalent? Maybe I will go for white depending on the answer.

Was it my imagination is it cheaper if I go through Lowes for it?
Christine, I'll be calling you soon for some samples without flakes if possible.

Thanks
James in Seattle

Things to consider:
- Sawdust on epoxy is going to be slipery. Use mats around your workbenches and any machines.
- Antislip grit will help, but make the floor more difficult to clean. Probably not too much of a concern if you are going to be using a shop vac or dust collector.
- If you are doing any finishing, note that any spills or overspray will stick to the epoxy unless you use a sacrifical coat of wax. Of course, waxing a floor with an anti-slip grit on it could prove a challenge.
- Prep will require either grinding or an acid wash. You'll need water for the cleanup of either of these and I cannot see any other way.
- A clear-coat is often used to seal in the chips (and hold the anti-skid poweder)
- I've only done 2 epoxy floors but in my limited experience, use a primer coat first.