Most garages have a standard concrete floor destined for cracks, chips and other unsightly mars, but those who go with an epoxy garage floor will avoid these problems. Epoxy for garage flooring comes in multiple colors and a variety of thickness providing a durable coating.
A good epoxy contains a high solid count and is not water based. Many on the market are cheap thin water based epoxy, but a lasting epoxy is commercial grade based on a strong chemical solvent. In addition, good epoxies will not only work on concrete, but masonry, steel, zinc and even metal surface as well. The application of epoxy coating for garage floors is a several part process that must be followed for the best results.
The first step in preparing a garage floor is to etch and clean the floor. Many companies produce cleaning and etching solutions that will save money and labor by eliminating any dirt and oil hidden in the flooring. Immediately after etching and cleaning the bare flooring, coat the floor in a penetrating primer and sealer. Primer and sealer keep any moisture from coming through the floor and help the final epoxy coat to bond perfectly.
The final step is to apply the epoxy itself, or if provided by the company, a clear topcoat can be applied first. Either way, the application of the epoxy flooring is the final step in the process. Most experts suggest at least two coatings be applied to ensure everything is covered and all surfaces are fully protected. After applying the epoxy, wait 3 to 7 days while the epoxy is curing before walking or driving on the surface.
The biggest advantage of epoxy coating for a garage floor is a lasting coating that resists grease, oil, chipping, and any other chemicals that can stain the floor. Additionally, it makes a garage floor easy to clean under any circumstances. For those who place a high value on aesthetics, the advantage of colored epoxy is that it will almost never fade and since it is more durable than paint, it won’t chip or break as it bonds to the flooring rather than just coats.
Over the long term, using epoxy on the floor of a garage is the cheapest method because it saves on the high cost of cleaning chemicals and labor time getting rid of stains and making repairs. To find garage floor epoxy is not as hard as one might think. The easiest way is to perform a web search and evaluate the products that pop up by reading reviews and information on each. Locally, garage floor epoxy can be purchased at quality paint stores, flooring stores, and general purpose stores such as Lowes or Home Depot.