How to Apply Garage Floor Epoxy

How to Apply Garage Floor Epoxy

1. 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.

2. 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.
   

3. 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.

4. 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. 
   

5. Prepare the Room

   Apply wide painter’s tape along the bottoms of the walls, and remove the baseboards.

6. 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.

7. 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.
   

8. 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.