3 Methods Of Applying Epoxy Floor Coating To Your Garage Floor

More and more people are realizing the easiest transformation for a garage from dull to exceptional is an epoxy floor coating. There are several methods that are used for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional to make this transformation occur. However, not all application methods and materials offer the same longevity and ease of application.

For the do-it-yourselfer, go to your local big box store or paint store to purchase the epoxy kits normally used to epoxy floors. On the plus side, they are relatively cheap, only a few hundred dollar investment. The directions may request you to pressure wash your floor or wash it out with a garden hose. This process of cleaning allows the loose dirt to be removed prior to painting. You then paint the floor by dipping the roller in the epoxy and rolling out (Dip and Roll) The kit should also provide you with a small bag of flake to sprinkle over your freshly painted floor. After spending several hours going to the store, prepping the floor and painting you are pretty much guaranteed the epoxy will lift off the floor as soon as you pull your car into the garage.

The next method your painting contractor will use is to acid wash the floor or use a heated pressure washer to remove the grime and dirt. They will also sprinkle flake after a coating of epoxy utilizing the dip and roll method. They might cover it with a clear coat once the epoxy dries. The cost for doing this will be a bit more than if you were to do it yourself. Unfortunately, this too will come up when you pull your car in on a hot summer day.

The best method of epoxy coating a floor is to use a concrete grinder or shot blaster to remove the top layer of concrete. Removing a surface layer of concrete creates a porosity in the concrete which allows the epoxy to sink in and bond in the pores. This will create a bond that will last a very long time with proper maintenance. The epoxy consists of part A & part B which is mixed then poured on the floor and squeegeed out with a notch squeegee. A notched squeegee allows for a thickness of product to be left behind. Once squeegeed it is rolled with a roller to level out the high spots. The flake is then broadcasted so it is completely covered over the floor. A typical 400 square foot garage will require about 100 lbs. of flake to make sure the entire floor is properly coated. Once dried, 24 hours later, the excess flake is removed and a two part clear coat is mixed, poured on the floor, squeegeed and back rolled for an amazing finish. The coating in this process is 60 mills thick where the do it yourself kit is approximately 15 mills. This process is guaranteed to remain on the floor even during the summer months when the hot tires roll in and out!

When it comes to custom garage design and organization, we offer many different options. Contact us to schedule a complimentary in-home garage consultation.