If you want a beautiful garage or basement floor that looks great and is easy to clean, consider an epoxy coating system. These systems are extremely durable and block harmful elements such as mold, mildew, stains and chemicals.
However, the DIY market has many low quality products that do not perform as advertised. This causes a lot of bad reviews.
Durability
Whether you use your garage for storage, work or as a game room, it is important to have a durable floor. One of the best ways to ensure this is to have it coated with epoxy. The material can withstand heavy impact from equipment and dropped items and does not chip or crack like concrete or other types of flooring.
The nonporous surfaces of epoxy floors also help them resist the buildup of chemicals. This is a huge benefit for families who have members with allergies or asthma as it will minimize the occurrence of respiratory problems. It is also useful for commercial garages that deal with a variety of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and paints.
Epoxy is also known for its durability when it comes to abrasion. Even when items such as metal wheeled tool boxes or floor jacks are driven over the coating, it can withstand the impact without chipping or scratching the surface. This is due to the density and thickness of the epoxy.
However, it is essential to note that the quality of your coating will determine how well it holds up to abrasion. A poor quality epoxy will eventually begin to deteriorate. This may be accompanied by small spots of localized failure and microscopic cracking.
Choosing the right type of epoxy coating is critical to ensuring that it lasts a long time and looks good in the process. Despite being more expensive than low-cost options, a high-quality system will provide you with a lasting finish that is easy to clean and highly stain resistant.
You will also be able to save money in the long run as you will not have to spend extra on replacing your garage floor. Regardless of the size of your garage, a quality coating can be installed in a relatively short amount of time, saving you a lot of hassle and inconvenience.
However, it is important to note that you will need to completely stay off the newly applied flooring for a period of 48 hours, including driving on it. After this, you will be able to easily remove any remaining dirt or grit by mopping with warm water and clear ammonia.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are an important factor in many flooring choices. Epoxy flooring is a durable and attractive option that looks great in any space. It is also easy to maintain and can be easily repaired or reapplied in the event of damage. There are a variety of color options available, so you can choose a floor that will match the theme of your room or business.
An epoxy coating will cover up any imperfections in your concrete flooring, such as cracks and stains. This will result in a smooth, glossy surface that reflects light and gives the room a clean, finished look. You can even customize your flooring with shapes, names or images to add a personal touch.
Decorative flakes are added to the epoxy during the application process, which give the coating a vibrant appearance. The flake size can have a large impact on the final result, so it is important to choose the right option for your needs. For example, small flakes are more modern and work well in mixed-color mixes, while larger flakes create an elegant, traditional look.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your home or make your commercial space more appealing, consider adding an epoxy garage floor. This type of flooring will boost your property value and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Epoxy floors are relatively easy to clean, and they are less likely to be damaged by spills or debris. Most of the time, you can simply wipe down the floor with a cloth or paper towel to remove any crumbs or liquids. For a deeper clean, you can sweep the floor with a commercial dust mop or soft-bristled broom.
Adding an epoxy floor to your garage or shop will increase the overall value of your home, and it can be used for a variety of purposes, from storing tools to creating a workshop. A new, sleek epoxy floor will also improve your safety, making it easier to move around and use your equipment. If you’re interested in upgrading your floors, contact us to learn more about our services.
Chemical Resistant
An epoxy coating for garage floors adds a tough protective layer that stands up to a variety of chemicals. It resists the penetration of salts, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, and more. This is particularly important in commercial settings where these chemicals are routinely used. The thick, hard epoxy layer also provides an effective barrier against hot tire pick-up that can otherwise destroy the look of a garage floor.
The chemical resistance of a garage epoxy floor is determined largely by the topcoat you choose. Our ArmorGarage epoxy floor kits include high-performance urethane topcoats that are rated for the specific abrasion load you will see in your garage. If you go to a big box store or online and buy a cheap product without checking the abrasion rating you will end up with a floor that wears out and fails prematurely. This will cost you money and stress in the future when (not if) your floor starts to peel, yellow, or discolor.
While there are many different types of epoxy flooring, two popular choices are self-leveling and metallic. Self-leveling is a fast and inexpensive option that freshens the look of your garage floor and adds durability. It can be applied to concrete or over a painted surface and is available in several color options.
Metallic epoxy offers a durable and attractive finish that creates an eye-catching visual effect. It can be combined with a wide range of decorative flake styles and colors to create a custom look. Metallic epoxy is typically mixed with a clear coat to preserve the shine of the floor and protect it from wear.
A more traditional option is to use a polycuramine epoxy. This heavy-duty floor paint is made from industrial grade materials to provide the durability needed to protect a garage floor for years. It resists abrasion, salts, oils, and gasoline to keep your garage floor looking great and functioning properly.
Regardless of the type of epoxy floor you choose, it’s important to find a professional installation service. A professional can help you decide the best application method for your space and provide you with a quality product that will last for years to come.
Easy Maintenance
Unlike other flooring types, epoxy floors require very little maintenance. Most floors can be swept and mopped using standard cleaning products, such as soap and water or an ammonia solution (often 3-4 ounces of ammonia per gallon of hot water). For tougher stains, a biodegradable cleaner is often used. These products are typically found at local hardware stores and can usually be purchased in bulk to keep costs down.
Additionally, the hard and durable surface of an epoxy floor helps to repel stains from automotive fluids. However, any spills should be wiped up immediately as a safety precaution and to prevent staining of the flooring material. If necessary, an acidic cleaner, such as Simple Green, can be applied and rubbed into the surface. Rust stains can also be removed from an epoxy floor by using CLR.
Epoxy flooring is also resistant to abrasion, which means that metal wheeled tool boxes and floor jacks can be driven over the material without damage. Dropped tools and heavy free weights also do not chip or scratch the surface. Additionally, the sheen created by many epoxy floor choices reflects light in a garage space, which increases visibility and safety.
Most epoxy floor coatings are a long-term solution for a garage or warehouse. They will not need to be reapplied, like other flooring options, and can last for decades. However, in the event that a coating does need to be repaired or replaced it is very affordable, especially when compared with the cost of other types of flooring.
It is important to note that an epoxy coating can be damaged if the wrong product is used on the floor. It is critical to always use 100% solids aliphatic epoxy for your flooring needs and never a water based epoxy. A water based epoxy will contain up to 50% of water that evaporates out of the system as it dries. This can leave you with as little as 2 mils of material left on the floor after it dries! A quality 100% solids aliphatic epoxy will have an average thickness of 20-25 Mils after it dries.
Epoxy Coating Industry 