How to Apply Garage Floor Epoxy
The standard for a tough, good-looking surface on the garage floor is garage floor epoxy. Although it's commonly referred to as epoxy paint, in reality, epoxy and paint are different products with different chemical compositions. The application of garage floor epoxy can vary a little from product to product, so be sure to check the instructions on the product you choose. Find out how to apply garage floor epoxy with this informative guide.
Epoxy Floor Coating Benefits
Epoxy coating has superior durability to paint and it is even chemical resistant, making it ideal for the garage. Epoxy offers resistance to motor oil, gas, bleach, acids, and other common chemicals. This floor coating option is also resistant to staining and abrasive damage. Epoxy is available in a wide range of colors, styles, and patterns, including custom designs created by adding color chips to the epoxy during installation.
DIY Vs. Professional Application
Applying an epoxy floor coating to the garage floor is a relatively simple job that can be completed as a DIY project. Even beginner DIYers can tackle this project with time and patience. Just make sure to properly read and follow the directions to avoid complications.
If you opt for professional application, the obvious benefit is that the quality of the work will reflect the experience and skill of the contractor. However, the main drawback of hiring a professional contractor is that this project can cost between $1,529 to $3,221, or about $3 to $12 per foot. For comparison, DIY epoxy application costs about $2 to $5 per square foot.
Tips for Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy garage floor coating is commonly sold in kits that include two-part epoxy, etching solution, and decorative color chips (which are optional) as well as complete instructions. Color choice is very limited, as many coatings are simply gray, while some are brown or off-white. Check the contents of the kit so you know which additional supplies are required.
Epoxy floor coatings work best on a concrete floor that is in good shape, without serious cracks, chips, or spalls. A brand new concrete slab is best, but older slabs can work fine if you first repair and patch the concrete. Most minor cracks and chips can be easily repaired with any concrete patching product. Make sure the patched areas dry and cure fully before applying epoxy over them. After patching, also make sure that the concrete is degreased and properly etched, as directed by the manufacturer of the epoxy.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Broom
- Wet/dry shop vacuum
- Stiff brush
- Garden hose
- Work gloves
- Eye protection
- 3-inch paintbrush
- 9-inch paint roller with 1/2-inch-nap roller cover
- Roller extension handle
Materials
- Concrete degreaser
- Epoxy floor coating kit
- Painter's tape
Instructions
How to Apply Garage Floor Epoxy
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Remove Dust, Dirt, and Debris
Use a broom, flat-edge shovel (or metal scraper) and shop vac to quickly and effectively clean the garage floor, removing any loose or stuck-on dust, dirt, and any other debris.
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Degrease the Garage Floor
Wet the entire floor with a hose and then apply degreaser in about five-foot by five-foot sections. Use a power scrubber with a brush attachment to degrease the majority of the floor. For tight corners and along the walls, switch to a stiff-bristle brush to scrub away any grease or grime.
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Etch the Concrete
Etching the concrete floor is the process of marring the surface of the concrete to improve adhesion. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to mix the etching solution with water. After mixing, pour the solution onto the floor and use a stiff-bristle brush or a broom to work the etching solution into the concrete.
This process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.Warning
Wear long sleeves. long pants, closed-toe shoes, gloves, safety glasses, and a mask while you work. Etching solutions are usually a diluted form of muriatic acid, so it's important to avoid breathing the fumes or coming in contact with the etching solution.
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Rinse the Garage Floor
After waiting about 20 to 30 minutes for the etching solution to work, use a hose to thoroughly rinse the area, then allow the floor to dry completely before proceeding.
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Prepare the Room
Apply wide painter’s tape along the bottoms of the walls, and remove the baseboards.
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Mix the Epoxy
Check the product direction provided by the manufacturer before mixing the epoxy. This will help you identify any time constraints, like the drying time or the amount of time the mixture will need to sit after mixing.
A two-part epoxy consists of a hardener or activator and a resin, which must be mixed just before application. Stir the resin a bit, then begin pouring the catalyst in while continuing to stir. Once the catalyst container is empty, stir for another few minutes until the two parts are thoroughly mixed.
Put the lid back on the mixture and let it rest for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer, which will vary depending on the temperature. If you are using decorative color chips, do not add them to the mix.
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Apply the Epoxy
Start applying the coating as soon as the epoxy mix is ready. In most cases, the epoxy will start to harden within about two hours, so make wise use of your time and keep the garage well-ventilated throughout the application and initial curing.
Use a three inch paintbrush to cut in along the edges, then use a nine inch roller with a 1/2-inch-nap roller cover to spread epoxy on the floor. Work in 10 by 10-foot sections.
Maintain a wet edge by rolling over the edges of previously applied epoxy, and be sure to roll an even coating. If you are applying a second coat, wait at least 12 hours before application.
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Add Color Chips
If you are using decorative color chips, apply them by hand over each section after you’ve spread the epoxy. Take a small number of chips in your hand and toss them up and out onto the floor. Again, a helper can speed this process up.
After adding color chips to complete the finish wait at least 24 hours before walking on the epoxy surface. You should wait to pull a vehicle into the garage for about four to seven days to avoid damaging the new epoxy garage floor.
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How long does epoxy flooring last?
On average, an epoxy garage floor will last about 10 to 20 years depending on the frequency of use and ongoing maintenance.
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Can I epoxy my garage floor myself?
While you can hire a professional contractor to complete this job, if you have the time and the patience to learn how to apply garage floor epoxy, then adding one or two coats of epoxy to the garage floor is a great DIY project that even beginners can tackle.
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What is the downside of epoxy flooring?
Epoxy coatings typically take longer to apply than paint and may also take longer to properly dry and cure. Additionally, epoxy floor coating finishes can be slippery when wet and cannot be applied to new concrete floors until about 30 days have passed to allow the concrete to cure.