If you want to add an upgrade to your garage floor while providing a surface that is durable and has provides longevity, epoxy and polyurethane coatings are the way to go. Generally, epoxies are used as the primer coat and / or the basecoat for concrete floors. The epoxies are high build and have excellent adhesion to concrete. Epoxies also have better moisture resistance then other coatings used as a primer on concrete. Whether you’re looking for a flake floor, solid color floor, metallic floor, or color quartz, lots of installers will start with a coat of epoxy. Two materials make up epoxy flooring: epoxy resins and polymer hardeners. After the two items are mixed, a chemical reaction starts which begins the curing process. By chemically reacting with the surface, a durable and stable layer is created, as well as sealing and protecting it.
There’s different options for topcoats including polyurethanes, polyaspartics and moisture cured urethanes. These coatings are known for their UV resistance, abrasion resistance and scratch resistance. They can be 1 part or 2 part coatings depending on the technology. Most installers like to use one of these coatings as the topcoat as it helps seal and protect the epoxy coating. These coatings help with hot tire pickup resistance and provide excellent abrasion and impact resistance.
Some benefits of coating your garage floor includes:
- Superior Durability
- Floor Aesthetics
- Easy to Clean and Maintain
- Enhances Safety
- Improves Property Value
Superior Durability:
Epoxy coatings are a highly durable surface that is much thicker and harder-wearing than standard concrete flooring. It is also abrasion and impact resistant. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, such as a garage or workshop. Concrete floors experience foot and vehicle traffic, chemical spills such as gas and oil leaking, and other abuse so installing a high quality floor coating system is important. After the initial installation, epoxy will not need to be redone for an extended amount of time as long it’s properly applied over a prepared surface.
Floor Aesthetics / Visibility:
Floor coatings are available in a many different colors, finishes, and patterns, allowing you to customize the appearance of your garage floor. These coatings add a clean, fresh look to your concrete floor. A shiny, light reflective garage floor can make it easier to locate tools and car parts. It also increases the visibility of any vehicles parked on the floor, which improves safety. In addition, a bright epoxy floor is easier to maintain than traditional floors, as dirt and dust can be swept away easily.
Easy to Clean and Maintain:
One of the biggest benefits of garage floor coatings is that it’s incredibly easy to clean. It’s recommended to use a neutral degreaser like Zep. Use a soft bristle brush to clean your concrete floor. Using a stiff bristle brush can damage the floor over a period of time. The seamless surface prevents dust, dirt, and debris from getting trapped, making it simple to sweep or mop the floor.
Enhances Safety:
Epoxy flooring can be turned into a non-slip floor by adding aggregate to the coating system. Flake Floor systems are usually slightly textured and can be used without aggregate in the topcoat depending on the system. This is something installers should discuss with the end users. Cracks in your garage floor can be a tripping hazard so filling these with epoxy crack filler prior to coating your garage floor is important.
Improves Property Value:
A professionally installed epoxy floor coating adds value to your property. Owning a home is a major investment so upgrading your garage floor will add value and will be a benefit if you decide to sell your home. It’s easy to see why potential buyers are willing to pay more for a home with a light reflective, shiny garage floor coating.
Note: It’s worth mentioning that the quality of the coating installation and the preparation of the concrete surface are crucial factors in achieving these benefits. Professional installation and proper surface preparation are recommended for the best results. The most common methods of prep include acid etching, diamond grinding, and shot blasting.
Gulf Coast Paint manufactures a full line of floor coatings for garage floors, warehouse floors, aircraft hangars, auto shop floors and many other types of flooring applications. All products are made in Loxley, Alabama and we have certified installers locally in Baldwin County, AL (Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, etc,), as well as Mobile County, Pensacola, FL, Biloxi, MS and many other locations throughout the U.S. If you need to speak with someone about a recommendation for a Garage Floor Coating or need recommendation for an installer, please contact Todd Theis at 251-964-7911 or todd@gulfcoastpaint.com
