How to Coat Your Garage with Epoxy Floor Coatings

Garages are a space that serves so many roles. In order to utilize your garage to the fullest, it needs to be in great condition. Epoxy floor coating is a solution for sprucing up and safe-guarding the concrete floor.

Epoxy floor coating is a specialized coating that seals and protects a concrete floor. What it can do for your garage is prevent grease and oil from staining the surface or concrete, resist against slipping, is easy to wipe clean and adds a shine to enhances the look. Epoxy floor coatings are a cost-effective way to upgrade concrete without heavy-duty construction.

Applying an epoxy floor coating requires a few days for application and drying time. Below, we'll take you through the steps to make your garage an inviting and safe place. Remember, these are tips from the pros, so if you don’t have experience with epoxy coating, or if you’re not handy with home renovation projects, contact us for help.

1.       Before the epoxy can be applied, the floor needs to be at least 60 days old, not sealed and cleaned thoroughly. If there are any holes, those need to be patched as well.

2.       If the floor has been previously painted you will need a paint removal kit to scuff the paint. Sweep away paint chips and dust.

3.       For new or non-painted concrete, apply an etching solution with water. Wet the floor and begin in a 10x10 section by brushing the etching on with a bristle broom. Rinse until the water runs clear.

4.       Choose a day between 50 and 80 degrees to prevent peeling and bubbling. Mix together the paint and hardener. From then, you'll have two hours to paint the floor.

5.       Using a paintbrush, brush the epoxy and hardener mixture into corners and seams. With a 3 inch thick roller, paint the entire floor with remaining solution. Allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

6.       If you want to add in colored flakes, distribute the flakes by sprinkling lightly and then build up by going over it again. Start in the back corner and work to the front. Allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

7.       Pour the hardener into the top coat mix. If you want to apply anti-skid additives, now is the time. Apply the top coat in the same manner as in step 4.  Allow 24 hours to dry and 72 hours for a vehicle to drive on it.

To cut down on the time you spend applying the epoxy, contact a professional like Advance Floor Coatings.