Epoxy flooring has been a popular surfacing material in commercial and industrial applications for years. While it is still a favorite among commercial property owners, it’s also gaining popularity among homeowners.
What makes epoxy coating desirable is that it’s not a latex acrylic product. Unlike epoxy paints, an epoxy coating contains one part epoxide resin and one part polyamine hardener. Mixing the two triggers a chemical reaction, creating an exothermic curing process. This curing process then produces polymer structures that ultimately result in a thick, highly durable coating.
With this, one question may come to your mind as a residential property owner: is it worth it to epoxy a garage floor? The good news is this: not only is epoxy floor coating easy to apply — but it also lets you enjoy these key advantages:
Appearance
Installing epoxy garage flooring is an excellent way to improve the look and feel of your abode. Epoxy coatings can make any surface look smooth and even. On top of that, it’s effective in repelling spills and other stains, making cleaning up more manageable than ever.
Affordability
Another plus you can get out of epoxy coating is that installing it is cost-effective. Since it can be applied directly over your existing concrete or other flooring types, you won’t have to shell out extra money to remove your old floor.
Durability
Epoxy floors have made a reputation for themselves as a remarkably durable surfacing material. This coating product can fortify and prolong the lifespan of your existing flooring.
Longevity
Professionally applied epoxy coatings can last for years — even decades — without cracking or peeling. As such, it’s easily a surfacing solution that’s proven to last longer than most types of flooring.
Protective
Since epoxy solutions bond well with the surface they’re applied on, they’re highly effective in protecting your concrete garage floor from moisture, grease, stains, and other harmful substances. This can help you save on cleaning and maintenance costs in the long run.
However, keep in mind that the protective properties of your epoxy garage floor will ultimately depend on the installer. So to ensure that you are getting a tough layer of protection for your cemented carport, it’s best to work with a professional epoxy installer.
How to Epoxy Garage Floor
In a previous blog, we shared the steps for installing outdoor concrete epoxy flooring. Applying an epoxy coating to your garage floor follows the same principle, and we’ve outlined the steps here.
STEP 1: Get the Supplies
If you’re planning to DIY your epoxy garage floor application, you’ll easily find epoxy floor coating kits online and in hardware stores. These kits usually have the two-part epoxy plus an etching solution and the optional decorative color chips. Before you work, check the contents, so you’ll know if you need to get anything else.
STEP 2: Prepare the Concrete Floor
Obtaining the best results for your epoxy floor coating requires working with a concrete floor in good shape. If your existing surface has some serious cracks and chips, carefully repairing and patching them is necessary. Let the treated areas dry and cure fully before you move on to the next step.
STEP 3: Clean the Floor
After working on the chips and fractures, ensure that the floor is also free from dust, dirt, grease and other stains. You’ll need a broom and wet/dry vacuum to eliminate the debris. Using a degreaser to treat oil spills and rinsing with a garden hose is another way to prep the floor for the epoxy.
STEP 4: Etch the Concrete
As mentioned earlier, epoxy coating kits usually have an etching solution included. Mix the etching solution with water and apply as instructed in the manufacturer’s directions. Wear protective gloves, rubber boots, and safety glasses before pouring the solution, as it can cause skin irritation.
You’ll notice that it will foam and fizz after you’ve worked it into the floor. This is a sign that it’s working in abrading the surface.
Rinse your entire garage floor with a garden hose until the water runs clear, and then let the surface dry completely.
STEP 5: Mix the Epoxy
The hardener and the resin must be mixed right before the application, so do this step only when you have enough time to complete the installation process.
Stir the resin, then pour the hardener carefully while stirring. Once you’ve mixed all the hardener in, stir the mixture some more until the two parts are thoroughly blended. Finally, cover the solution and let it rest away from the sun.
STEP 6: Apply the Epoxy Coating
Start applying the mixture as soon as it’s ready — you’ll have no more than two hours to do this for the epoxy to cure properly.
A good strategy is to work in 10-by-10-foot sections, starting at the corner farthest from the exit. Roll over the edges of the previously applied epoxy to achieve a seamless finish.
If you want to apply two coats, cover the entire floor and let it dry for 12 to 24 hours before recoating following the same procedure.
STEP 7: Let Your Newly Coated Garage Floor Dry
Your new epoxy surface will need at least 24 hours to dry, so make sure not to use the area within the next couple of hours. It’s also a good idea to wait, preferably a week, before using your garage again and pulling the car back in.
How Long Does an Epoxy Floor Last?
If you’re still asking yourself: “Is it worth it to epoxy your garage floor?” then considering the following factors might help you to make a decision.
In high-traffic areas, epoxy flooring lasts 2 to 3 years. But in residential applications like patios or garages, you can expect your epoxy floor to look great and remain solid for up to 10 years. On top of that, there are several ways to prolong the lifespan of your epoxy coating.
Clean and Maintain Your Garage Floor Regularly
Learning how to clean a garage floor and doing it diligently help preserve your epoxy coating. Sweep the floor daily to remove dust, dirt, and grit, and wash it down regularly to avoid harmful buildups.
Reapply Coating
Reapplying your epoxy floor coating is an easy, cost-effective way to help keep your garage floor looking great for a longer time.
Choose a Professional Installer
If you want the best results for your garage floor epoxy coating project, you’ll never go wrong with a professional epoxy installer. They use high-quality products along with their refined technical skills to get the job done right — and give you the best return on your investment!
At The Driveway Company, we specialize in solutions that protect and prolong the lifespan of your concrete floors. Contact us today to learn more about our professional epoxy coating services. We’d love to give your old, worn-out surfaces an elevated makeover!