How to Choose the Right Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

We all know that projects around the house never go as smoothly as we imagine them.

From long trips to Home Depot for “just a few more supplies” to discovering that walls are not perfectly square and baseboards don’t always fit, our home improvement dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.

And when it comes to coating the garage floor with epoxy, you want to make sure that you get it right, or else those nightmare scenarios will become a reality. After all, there’s nothing worse than seeing your shiny new garage look like a cheap knockoff.

So in this article, we will share some useful tips on choosing the best epoxy garage floor coating for your needs.

Transform Your Garage with Epoxy Floor Coating

Epoxy coatings are a type of protective coating that can provide protection and beauty to your garage. It is a two-part, solvent-based material made up of an epoxy resin and hardener that is applied as a liquid directly onto concrete surfaces.

More than simply providing protection from everyday wear and tear, epoxy garage floors offer numerous other benefits, including:

• improved safety due to its slip-resistant surface
• ease of cleaning due to its nonporous structure
• resistance to chemicals and oils
• the extended life span of the flooring beneath
• adds aesthetic appeal to your home

Not all epoxies are equal in performance or aesthetics, so selecting one that meets your specific needs is important.

When done correctly, an epoxy coating can add tremendous value to your home while providing you with a stunning floor that will be both functional and attractive for years to come.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

There are several factors to consider when selecting the right epoxy floor coating for your garage, and let’s explore them together below.

Color and Texture

Choosing a color that complements your home’s overall design is key when selecting an epoxy coating pigment since it will be difficult and costly to change once installed. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic, stone-like look or more of an industrial feel with metallic flakes, there is something for you. 

The textures can range from smooth and glossy to more rustic, with the option of anti-slip additives if desired. From neutral tones like greys and whites to more vibrant reds and blues.

With epoxy coatings, you can customize their garage floors with textures that add visual interest and provide additional grip or slip resistance while still providing durability and long-lasting protection. 

Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity levels, and moisture exposure can all contribute to the longevity and overall visual appeal of an epoxy garage floor coating.

High temperatures can cause epoxy coatings to curl or shrink, making repairing imperfections difficult. On the other hand, excessive humidity or moisture exposure can cause the epoxy coating to blister or discolor over time.

Therefore, choosing an epoxy garage floor coating that suits your climate and environment is essential. 

When selecting a product for extreme temperature environments, look for an epoxy coating with a high-temperature resistance rating, such as 200 °F (93 °C). These coatings are designed to withstand higher temperatures without curling or shrinking over time.

For humid climates with high moisture exposure levels, look for coatings with a low-VOC rating that help reduce off-gassing from volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

In terms of moisture exposure and potential water damage from flooding or water seepage through cracks in walls or floors, many epoxy coatings come with either water-resistant or waterproof properties. Although not all products labelled “waterproof” truly possess 100% waterproof capabilities, it is best to research thoroughly. 

Lastly, look for epoxy coatings with good abrasion resistance ratings so they stand up better against wear and tear over time due to foot traffic or moving heavy items around. 

Durability Requirements

The epoxy coating you select should offer superior protection from wear and tear, even from daily traffic and heavy loads.

Depending on the specific needs of your project, there are different types of epoxy coatings available that can meet your durability requirements.

For example, a heavy-duty gear oil-resistant epoxy floor coating can protect against frequent light and medium industrial traffic. A chemical-resistant formulation might better suit areas with harsh chemicals or acids.

If your garage is used primarily for storing cars during the summer months when temperatures become especially high, then choosing an epoxy with hot tire resistance is highly recommended in order to protect against tires sticking to the surface when they heat up.

Safety Considerations

Slip and skid resistance are two of the most important features to look for when choosing an epoxy floor coating.

The National Safety Council recommends using epoxy coatings with a low slip coefficient rating (around 0.50 or lower) to prevent slipping or skidding accidents on the garage floor surface. 

In order to make sure you choose a safe product for your garage floor, here are some safety considerations that must be kept in mind: 

1. Slip & Skid Resistance – Some products are designed to reduce slipping by providing extra grip on the surface, while others have mixed anti-skid additives. Both options should be investigated before making a purchase decision. 
2. Fire-resistance – Epoxy coatings come with varying levels of fire resistance, so this factor should always be taken into consideration during the selection process. 
3. Toxicity – Ensure that the product contains no toxic or hazardous chemicals by checking its MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). This document will provide information about potential health risks associated with using the product. 
4. Indoor Air Quality – Even non-toxic epoxies may release fumes or odors due to their chemical composition. Make sure to choose one that won’t adversely affect indoor air quality, which could lead to long-term health issues if not appropriately addressed.

Budgetary Concerns

When researching materials and comparing prices, it is important to look at both the initial cost and the cost of ongoing maintenance.

Cheaper alternatives may offer good value for money if they provide a satisfactory level of performance over a long period. However, it is advisable to research beforehand to ensure that your choice will last for years without paying for frequent repairs or replacements.

Maintenance Requirements

Epoxy garage floor coatings require general cleaning throughout the year and may need resealing or repairs if the garage experiences heavy traffic or heavy objects are dropped on them. 

Regular cleaning is essential to preserving the life of your epoxy garage floor coating. 

Depending on how often you use your garage, sweeping or mopping every week will be necessary to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating.

If you have oil stains, use a degreaser or petroleum-based cleaner specifically formulated for epoxy floors. For tougher stains, scrubbing with a brush or rag may be necessary. 

Applying top coats every 12–18 months will help protect against UV damage and wear and tear. When applying top coats, use an epoxy-based paint product since this will provide additional protection against spills, scratches, etc. 

Types of Garage Floor Epoxy

Did you know that the epoxy coating you choose for your garage floor can make a huge difference in how it looks and lasts? That’s right; not all epoxy is created equal. 

But with so many types of epoxy coating on the market, it can take a lot of work to know which one is right for you and your garage.

Let’s look at the three main types of epoxy coatings: solvent-based, water-based, and 100% solid. 

Solvent-Based Epoxy 

Solvent-based epoxy garage floor coatings offer superior adhesion and chemical resistance compared to other types of coatings.

This makes them ideal for industrial or commercial garages that require additional protection from spills or damage from heavy machinery.

Use this type of epoxy on concrete or wood floors, but be aware that it has a strong smell due to its high VOC (volatile organic compound) levels. It may not be suitable for residential garages or home workshops where air quality is important. 

Garage Insider Tip: This type of epoxy offers excellent adhesion, making it ideal for concrete surfaces with cracks or other imperfections. 

Water-Based Epoxy 

If the smell is your biggest concern, water-based epoxies might be more up your alley. They have lower VOC levels than solvent-based options, so they don’t leave behind that potent “epoxy smell” after installation. Plus, they clean up easily with just soap and water!

Water-based epoxies usually come in a wide range of colors and finishes, making them great for adding a decorative touch to your garage floors without sacrificing safety or durability.

One drawback is that water-based epoxies generally don’t last as long as solvent-based ones, but they are still an excellent choice if you want to refresh your garage floor without breaking the bank. 

Garage Insider Tip: This type of coating requires multiple coats in order to achieve adequate wear resistance, which may make it more time-consuming than other options on the market. 

100% Solid Epoxy 

100% solid epoxies offer superior strength and longevity compared to their solvent- and water-based counterparts, making them perfect for those who want an ultra-durable finish for their garage floors.

When applied properly, 100% solid epoxies form a seamless finish that can last up to 15 years before requiring reapplication.

Unfortunately, they also tend to be more expensive than other options on the market. But if you’re willing to make the investment, 100% solid epoxies will provide long-lasting results! 

Garage Insider Tip: Because these coatings are so strong, they should only be applied to concrete surfaces that have been thoroughly prepared beforehand.

Considerations for DIY Installation  

While hiring a professional installer may seem like the easiest option, it can also be costly.

Doing it yourself provides an opportunity to save money and time while still achieving a high-quality finish on your garage floor. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you completed this project all on your own! 

Tools & Materials Needed 

The good news is that epoxy garage floor coatings are relatively easy to install by yourself. All you need are a few supplies, basic tools, and time set aside for preparation and installation.

The supplies needed include:

• saws and drills
• protective gloves and eyewear
• cleaning materials such as rags or paper towels
• epoxy coating kit (including primer, base coat, top coat, and decorative flakes if desired)
• paint roller and tray set or sprayer (depending on the size of your garage)
• masking tape or painter’s tape (for protecting surfaces during installation)
• drop cloths/old sheets/newspaper (to catch any spills
• plastic sheeting (to protect walls near where you will be working) 

In addition to having the right tools and supplies, make sure your garage space is thoroughly cleaned and prepared before beginning the installation process.

Poorly prepared surfaces can lead to problems later down the line, such as cracking or peeling of the epoxy coating due to inadequate adhesion.

It’s also important to ensure that all supplies are high quality to prevent malfunctions or damage during installation. 

Potential Problems & Precautions  

Any DIY project comes with potential hazards, and safety is even more critical when attempting a project involving hazardous materials such as epoxy resin. 

You should always take proper safety precautions. This includes: 

1. wearing safety equipment when handling these materials
2. ensuring adequate ventilation in your workspace
3. working in a well-lit area so you can clearly see what you’re doing at all times 

Don’t hesitate to call emergency services if an accident does occur. Better safe than sorry!  

Hiring a Professional Contractor

Installing an epoxy garage floor coating can cost serious money, so why not save and do it yourself?

Sure, you could try DIY. Just don’t forget to add in several trips to the hardware store, some unexpected costs, and plenty of time spent researching how to do it right. 

In theory, it’s great, but in reality, it can be a huge hassle if you don’t know what you’re doing. 

Here’s the thing: hiring a professional contractor is often the smarter decision for epoxy garage floor coating installation since they are trained to handle the job with skill and expertise.

And when you do hire one, make sure to ask them about their experience and qualifications. 

Consider getting multiple bids as well. If there’s a big discrepancy between them, don’t just go with the cheapest one right away. Quality should be your top priority. 

After all, you want to avoid doing repairs or having to reinstall it in the near future because of shoddy work.

Try searching online to find reliable epoxy garage floor coating contractors in your area. You can also ask family and friends as a start or read verified reviews. 

Conclusion

All things considered, if you’re in the market for a new floor coating, epoxy is worth your consideration. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can even make your space look a little more high-end. 

Whether you decide to hire a professional contractor or do it yourself, an epoxy garage floor coating can be a great choice for your garage.

If you have any questions or need more tips, make sure to check out our other blog posts.