A garage epoxy floor kit contains the materials you need to apply an odorless, clear polyaspartic urethane topcoat. This provides superior protection from chemicals, abrasion and hot tire pickups.
Epoxy coatings require specific concrete preparation to achieve a strong mechanical bond. This is best left to a professional contractor.
Easy to Apply
An epoxy floor kit has a very easy application process that anyone with good DIY skills can do themselves. It typically comes with all the materials you need and includes printed directions with pictures. You’ll need a few tools and the ability to follow the directions carefully. It may take a couple of days to complete the job, but the results are well worth it.
Garage floor epoxy is extremely durable and resistant to damage from chemicals and impact. It is particularly resistant to car fluids, oil and gasoline that are commonly spilled in a garage environment. Unlike hardwood floors, these spills typically can’t stain an epoxy floor coating when cleaned immediately. If allowed to sit, however, these liquids can damage or discolor a wood floor over time.
Epoxy coatings also are resistant to abrasion from metal wheels and floor jacks, as well as dropped tools. This resistance makes garage epoxy an ideal flooring solution for a garage that sees frequent vehicle traffic and heavy foot traffic from family members.
There are a few different kinds of garage floor epoxy coatings available, and the type you choose will depend on what your garage is used for. For example, if your garage is used to store vehicles and heavy equipment, you’ll want to select a higher-quality product with a thicker epoxy coating. This type of garage floor epoxy typically will cost more, but it will be able to resist more wear and tear than a thinner option.
Some garage floor epoxy coatings offer anti-slip characteristics, as well. This is especially important if you will be using your garage as a living space, such as a family room or workshop. Some of these epoxies also have design aspects, which can make a concrete garage floor look less cold and more appealing.
Many types of garage floor epoxy come with a primer, which is an important component to help your project succeed. Without a primer, your garage floor will likely develop air bubbles that weaken the overall strength of the coating and can eventually cause it to fail. The primer included in most garage epoxy coatings helps to eliminate this issue and ensures a quality finish that lasts for years.
Long Lasting
Unlike floor paints that may require frequent replication, high-quality epoxy flooring will hold up to frequent traffic and other environmental factors. Chemical spills, hot tires and sunlight won’t ruin the epoxy coating like they might with basic concrete garage floor paints. A specialized epoxy garage floor kit typically comes with a transparent, durable finish that is easily applied over concrete and painted surfaces. Some variants also allow color flakes to be mixed in for a more decorative appearance.
During the installation process, it is important to take the time to prepare the surface and carry out any repairs needed before applying the epoxy coating. Then the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. It is a good idea to place mats at entrances to trap debris and prevent dirt from spreading throughout the garage or workshop area.
Once the floor is prepared, it’s important to follow the product guidelines for mixing and application. This is an important step as the epoxy will only have a very short working window before it hardens. It’s also a good idea to have a respirator on hand while working with epoxy.
After the first coat of epoxy is applied, it’s a good idea to wait for it to dry completely before starting work in the garage or workshop. This may take several days depending on the thickness of the coating and other environmental conditions. Then it’s a good idea to apply another coat of epoxy, or as many as necessary, to achieve the desired level of protection and durability.
Choosing the right type of epoxy for your floor is very important. There are a variety of different products available, including DIY epoxy kits that can be purchased online. These products are often cheaper than professional-grade concrete floor epoxy. However, they are not as durable or easy to maintain. A better option is to hire a contractor that specializes in concrete epoxy coatings. This way, you can be sure that the job is done correctly and that it will last for years to come. A reputable contractor will offer competitive prices and excellent customer service.
Easy to Clean
An epoxy garage floor kit can transform the appearance of your home’s flooring and is easy to clean and maintain. It is a highly durable surface that resists stains, chips, and other damage. It also resists the growth of mildew, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. This makes it an ideal option for garages and commercial applications. The key is to choose a quality product that has been applied correctly. This can be achieved by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensuring that the concrete slab is properly prepared. This includes repairing minor cracks and chips and degreasing the area.
The most important thing to do is to make sure that the surface of the concrete is free of oil, grease, dirt and other debris before applying any coating. This will help the epoxy bond to the concrete and ensure a long-lasting finish. The next step is to mix the components of the epoxy according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves mixing equal parts of each component and blending them together until they reach the right consistency. After mixing, the epoxy can be applied to the concrete surface and allowed to cure.
A good garage floor epoxy will include a primer in the kit. This will prevent air bubbles and other problems that may cause the epoxy to fail. A primer is an inexpensive addition to the overall cost of the epoxy system but can make all the difference in how well it works.
Once the epoxy is applied and has cured, you can then add a topcoat finish. A topcoat can be a polyurethane, polyurea or even an epoxy-based polycuramine. A high-quality clear coat will provide a beautiful sheen that will protect the epoxy from water and UV rays. For added durability, consider adding a grit additive to the topcoat.
To keep your epoxy floor looking great, you should use only gentle cleaners. Avoid harsh chemical solutions and citrus cleaners as these can de-gloss the epoxy surface over time. In addition, you should sweep the floor regularly to remove any dirt and debris that could accumulate.
Easy to Maintain
Epoxy floor coatings are highly durable and easy to maintain. You can keep your garage or basement floors looking great for years to come by sweeping and vacuuming regularly, mopping with a mild soap and water solution as needed, and promptly addressing any chips and cracks.
If you want to add a bit of color and texture to your floors, consider adding some epoxy flakes during the application process. These can be sprinkled on the wet epoxy mixture to create a decorative finish that also increases slip resistance. Then, once the epoxy has cured, you can apply a clear topcoat to protect the floor from the elements.
The first step of any good epoxy flooring project is to properly prep the concrete surface. A professional will use a diamond grinder or shot blaster to mechanically etch the concrete and clean it, leaving a smooth surface that will bond well with the epoxy. This is critical to the longevity of your new floor.
Once the floor has been prepared, it’s time to begin applying the epoxy. It comes in two parts – a resin and a hardener – and needs to be mixed together at the proper ratio before it can be applied to the floor. Then, it can be spread using a roller or squeegee. You can even choose to add some grit additives into the final coat of epoxy for added slip resistance.
DIY epoxy floor coating kits are widely available at big box retailers. They promise to protect your garage or basement floors from gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, salt, hot tire pick-up, and more. They typically cost around $1.50 per square foot, but they don’t last nearly as long as a quality polyaspartic coating.
High-quality epoxy coatings can be up to five times more expensive than a low-cost kit, but they are much better in every way that matters. They provide a beautiful, showroom-quality floor that is resistant to all sorts of chemicals and will look great for years to come. They are also UV stable, which means that they won’t yellow over time like traditional coatings will.
Epoxy Coating Industry 