Epoxy garage floor coating is a good idea as it is sturdy and durable. Compared to bare concrete floors, epoxy concrete floors only require nominal maintenance, and have more resistance to stains, corrosions, cracks. There are many types of garage floor epoxy coatings available and each is prepared for a certain type of treatment and application. Garage floor epoxy coating is found in three types – water based epoxy, solvent based epoxy and 100 percent solid epoxy. All the various types have common characteristics though, such as high resistance to chemicals; durability, high bond strength, low porosity, other chemicals like oils and grease can’t seep through easily.
The water based epoxy has a solid content of between 40 and 60 percent. The biggest advantage it has is that it does not have any potentially dangerous solvent fumes, making it the safer option. It is also the cheaper option, as a kit for water based epoxy coating costs considerably less than a kit for solvent based epoxy and 100 percent solid epoxy.
The Quikrete companies are the largest manufacturers of packaged concrete in the United States and also have a line to protect, seal and decorate garage floors, driveways, patios, etc. Quickrete epoxy garage floor coating is available in a water based solution only and in tan, gray and 64 tintable colors. One coat is advertised to provide an attractive semi gloss finish to any drab concrete floor. Quickrete garage floor coating is said to be two times stronger than concrete and produce the toughest garage floor. This is because of Quikrete products containing a special resin technology which maximizes the bond between the floor coating and the concrete. One kit for a one car garage (around 250 square feet) costs around $80.
Solvent based epoxy also contain 40 to 60 percent solid. They are popular for garage flooring as they as they offer a wide variety of colors. The good thing about them is that they have a good adhesive property and permeate well into the surface. However the solvents that are used are hazardous are nature and they release fumes which if inhaled are harmful for health. Thus while application is important that protective gear is worn and after the application the garage should be kept well ventilated.
100 percent epoxy, as the name suggests, contain epoxy in its purest form. This type of epoxy is more difficult to manage as it hardens up very quickly. It is considerably more expensive and mostly for professional use, though it is available for home use as well. It is much thicker than water based epoxy, which is the reason it is preferred.
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