Garage Floor Epoxy Paint

To get a garage floor that looks great and can withstand the grime that garages tend to collect, one option is to paint the concrete. There are three options for painting the floor: latex, oil, and epoxy. Although application can be expensive and complicated, epoxy paint lasts far longer than the other two, adheres better to the concrete to prevent chipping and cracking, and is more resistant to staining. It pays for itself in the long run. Applying epoxy paint to your garage floor is not difficult, as long as you are prepared and willing to do a good job on each of the steps.

Step One: Gathering Materials

Your local home improvement store probably has everything you need. It can also give you advice on how to proceed. You will want to buy an epoxy paint specifically designed for garage floors, rubber gloves, a face mask, paint rollers, nylon paintbrushes, heavy-duty cleaner (designed for concrete and garages), and, if necessary, concrete repair and patching systems.

Epoxy paint comes in a variety of types and colors. Part of the reason to paint the garage floor is to improve its looks, so choose a style that you like. Talk with paint experts at the store to determine what type of epoxy paint best suits your needs.

Step Two: Cleaning

In order for the paint to properly adhere to the concrete, the floor will need to be totally clean. Dirt, sand, oil, and other substances on the floor will prevent the paint from sticking, causing it to crack and come up when subjected to the pressure and heat from your tires. Proper cleaning cannot be emphasized enough. If you have access to a pressure cleaner, take advantage of it. If not, use the toughest bleach or garage floor cleaner you can find. Don't forget to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from harsh chemicals and fumes. After washing the floor, rinse it completely to remove any remaining cleaning materials. Just as important as cleaning the floor is letting it dry completely.

Step Three: Repair

If there are any cracks in your concrete, now is the time to fill them with a concrete patching product. Give the treatment adequate time to dry completely; do not move on until it is clean and dry.

Step Four: Etching

This step may not be necessary if your garage floor is already porous. According to DIYnet.com, a simple test is to pour a small amount of water onto the floor. If it is quickly absorbed, you won't need to etch the floor. If it isn't, you will need to etch the floor in order for the paint to bond with the concrete. This is done by using a commercial concrete etcher, which can be purchased with the epoxy paint.

Step Five: Priming and Painting

A primer coat is key to the longevity of your paint. Apply this evenly across the whole floor, and allow at least eight hours for it to dry. Using nylon brushes and waterproof, solvent-resistant roller brushes, apply the epoxy paint. Use the nylon brushes to go along the corners. Then, use the rollers to apply it to the rest of the floor, being careful not to paint yourself into a corner. One key thing to remember is the temperature—in order for the paint to set properly, it needs to be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside. You shouldn't put on more than two coats of paint. Don't walk on the paint for twenty-four hours. Wait a week before driving on it.

Worth the Time

Although it takes some effort, using epoxy paint for your garage floor will protect it, preventing much higher-cost repairs in the future. It also makes clean-up easier and looks great. And, if you don't feel you have the time necessary to devote to the project, you can hire a local business to do it for you. Either way, epoxy paint is a good investment for your garage floor.