With people, cars, bicycles, and even push mowers wheeled in for storage, a garage and especially the garage floor sees a lot of traffic. A garage floor coating is a chemical compound comprised of two parts epoxy that is mixed together over a freshly grinded and porous concrete surface that forms a bond with the concrete and becomes impervious to water and other microbial compounds. It has become a top choice for garage floors because of it’s durability.
A regular concrete floor can crack, stain or just look bad while epoxy has additives in it which can last a lifetime if well maintained. Over the last few years, several types of epoxy have been used on garage floors including epoxy garage floor paint, garage floor epoxy coating, metallic epoxy coating, epoxy coating with flakes and epoxy coating with a polyaspartic topcoat which is added for durability purposes.
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Understanding Garage Floor Epoxy
Epoxy resin is a versatile substance that can be used in a wide range of situations, in this case, epoxy is used as a floor coating. Epoxy floor paint is not really a true epoxy, it is mixed with acrylic which makes it chemically different from epoxy coatings.
Epoxy Resin holds up well and offers a practical cost-effective solution for garage flooring. This type of flooring comes in a few different forms. The major consideration is to choose between a garage floor epoxy coating or epoxy garage floor paint. Both offer unique advantages and finishes.
What’s The Best Garage Floor Epoxy
Epoxy garage floor coating with flake and a polyaspartic topcoat is the most durable garage floor coating. The concrete surface must be properly prepped before the epoxy coating is applied so that it adheres to the concrete. Once the epoxy is applied, flakes are added, the epoxy base coat then needs to dry and the polyaspartic topcoat is added. This process is slightly different than a metallic epoxy floor application which is also a great choice. Metallic epoxy floors entail multiple colors of epoxy applied and mixed during the base coat, then covered with a polyaspartic topcoat to make it durable and impervious to scratching.
Best Types of Garage Floor Epoxy
Epoxy coatings for garage floors are renowned for their durability and resilience, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. When considering the best types of garage floor epoxy, two main categories emerge: solid epoxy and water-based epoxy.
Solid Epoxy is highly favored for its robustness and thickness, providing a dense, impermeable layer that resists stains, grease, and chemicals effectively. It is composed of 100% solid resins without any solvents, leading to a thicker coating after curing. This type of epoxy is particularly suitable for commercial and industrial environments due to its long-lasting nature.
Water-Based Epoxy is a more user-friendly option, especially for DIY applications. It is less toxic and easier to apply because it’s more fluid, similar to paint. While not as durable as solid epoxy, it still offers substantial protection against mild chemical spills and can be an economical choice for residential garages.
The following table compares these two types based on various characteristics:
Feature | Solid Epoxy | Water-Based Epoxy |
---|---|---|
Durability | High | Moderate |
Toxicity | Higher (requires careful handling) | Lower |
Ease of Application | Professional recommended | DIY-friendly |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
Lifespan | 20+ years | 5-10 years |
Epoxy Garage Floor Installation process
Surface Preparation
The main reason that epoxy floors fail is a result of bad concrete floor preparation The first step is to make sure that the concrete is in good condition and ready to take the floor coating. We grind the concrete with diamond blades, removing the top layer of concrete so it is open and porous enough that the epoxy resin can seem into it and form a bond. After grinding the floor, crack repair and any imperfections need to be addressed.
Protecting The Area
Epoxy can be a very difficult substance to remove and clean up if it cures. For this reason, make sure that your work area is properly protected. Use masking tape and plastic sheeting to cover any walls, furniture, and fittings that you don’t want to mess epoxy on.
Mixing The Epoxy
Now the floor is ready for application. Start by getting all of your materials and tools ready. You need to make sure that you have everything available because once the epoxy is mixed you have a limited working time before it hardens.
When prepared and ready to go, you can mix the epoxy components according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This needs to be thoroughly mixed to get good results. You can also add in any color dyes or flakes at this point.
Applying The Epoxy
Epoxy is applied using a special epoxy roller brush. The epoxy is poured out and then backrolled to make sure the coating is spread evenly throughout the entire concrete surface.
The drying time will depend on the product that is applied and the environmental conditions but on average it will take anywhere from 4 hours to 24 hours to dry. Once fully cured, you can add a second coating. Just follow the same process as above.
Applying A Top Coat
Once all of the epoxies have been applied and cured, it’s time to finish the floor with a topcoat. This can be either epoxy, polyurethane, or polyurea or polyaspartic. A clear topcoat offers more durable protection for a longer-lasting finish. Apply this evenly and smoothly and let the floor cure completely before using it. This may take up to three days.
Lifespan Of An Epoxy Garage Floor
Epoxy garage floor coatings can last as long as the concrete is intact as long as it is cared for properly. A well-applied epoxy garage floor with a solid concrete slab can outlive a human and will remain attached to the concrete forever if it is cared for and not exposed to direct sunlight or acidic chemicals. The typical period for a garage floor is 20 years.
Epoxy Costs
The cost of epoxy garage floor coating varies based on the type of epoxy, the area of the garage, and whether the application is DIY or professionally done.
For a Professional Installation, the cost can range from $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the quality of the epoxy and the complexity of the job. This includes the labor costs and materials. Floors that require extensive surface preparation will be on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
For DIY Kits, costs are significantly lower, typically ranging from $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. These kits are readily available at home improvement stores and come with instructions for self-application.
Below is a table illustrating typical costs associated with different garage sizes and types of applications:
Garage Size (sq ft) | DIY Cost Estimate | Professional Cost Estimate |
---|---|---|
250 | $125 – $625 | $750 – $3,000 |
500 | $250 – $1,250 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
750 | $375 – $1,875 | $2,250 – $9,000 |
Comparing Professional Vs. DIY Application
When it comes to applying epoxy to a garage floor, the decision between professional and DIY approaches depends largely on the type of epoxy used, the size of the garage, and the desired finish.
Professional Application ensures a high-quality finish with a longer lifespan. Professionals use commercial-grade materials and equipment that can better prepare the surface and apply the coating evenly. This is particularly important with solid epoxy, which can be more challenging to handle due to its thickness and quick setting time.
DIY Application is more feasible with water-based epoxy due to its easier handling and less toxic nature. However, DIY applications may not be as durable and could require more frequent touch-ups. The success largely depends on the preparatory work done on the concrete surface before application.
Here’s a table summarizing the comparison:
Aspect | Professional Application | DIY Application |
---|---|---|
Cost | Higher initial cost but less frequent redoing | Lower initial cost but potential higher long-term cost due to maintenance |
Quality | Uniform thickness and longevity | Variable, depends on skill and experience |
Time | Less time-consuming (handled by experts) | More time-consuming, includes learning curve |
Equipment Needed | Professional-grade tools and materials | Basic tools, rental equipment may be required |
Call Paradigm Concrete Finishes For The Best Epoxy In Florida
Paradigm Concrete Finishes is located in Sarasota Florida and provides epoxy floor coatings all over the state of Florida as well as polished concrete and concrete preparation services including crack repair and glue and mastic removal. Call us today if you have a flooring project that you need done right! The garage floor paints and epoxy floor kits sold at big box stores will not withstand the test of time like a paradigm concrete finishes.
How does the moisture level of the concrete affect epoxy application?
The moisture level in concrete can significantly impact the adhesion and longevity of an epoxy coating. High moisture levels can cause the epoxy to bubble, peel, or not adhere properly. It’s crucial to perform a moisture test before application. If moisture levels are high, a moisture barrier might be required, or a different type of floor coating may be more suitable.
Can epoxy coatings be applied over old coatings, or does the floor need to be stripped first?
Epoxy can be applied over existing coatings if they are in good condition and well-adhered to the substrate. The surface should be sanded to ensure proper adhesion of the new coating. If the old coating is peeling or flaking, it should be stripped entirely to avoid defects in the new epoxy layer.
Are there epoxy options for garages that regularly face freezing temperatures?
Yes, some epoxy formulations are specifically designed to withstand extreme cold and temperature fluctuations. These products usually have a higher flexibility to accommodate concrete contraction and expansion without cracking. It’s important to choose an epoxy with attributes tailored to the climate in which it will be used.
How does UV exposure affect garage floor epoxy, and are there UV-resistant options?
Standard epoxy can yellow and degrade under UV exposure. However, UV-resistant epoxies are available and are formulated to resist photodegradation, maintaining their color and integrity better over time. These are particularly valuable in garages with significant natural light or in outdoor applications.
What is the difference in impact resistance between solid epoxy and water-based epoxy?
Solid epoxy, being denser and more robust, generally offers superior impact resistance compared to water-based epoxy. This makes it ideal for garages that house heavy machinery or endure frequent dropping of tools. Water-based epoxy, while still durable, is better suited for lighter-duty environments.
Can decorative elements like color flakes or metallic pigments be added to all types of epoxy?
Yes, decorative flakes and metallic pigments can be added to both solid and water-based epoxies to enhance aesthetics and improve wear resistance. Mixing these additives properly and applying them evenly during the application process to ensure a uniform appearance and texture.