How to Upgrade a Garage Floor with an Epoxy Coat | A Stepwise Guide

Your garage floor goes through a lot of wear and tear over the years of usage! Oil stains, spillage, dirt, and general grime all of this can take away all its shine and make it look unattractive and difficult to clean. If you are missing those shiny floors, then opting for an epoxy garage floor coating is the best option. It provides a durable, glossy finish that resists stains and is easy to clean. Don’t worry if you haven’t done this by yourself before because this blog post is here to guide you through the essential steps that are required to apply an epoxy coat to your garage floor successfully.  From preparation to final touches, everything is included:   

Pre-coating Considerations

Choosing the right product: 

Before starting the garage floor paint with epoxy, you need to access the right product. There are epoxy coatings of different brands, such as Carboline, MAPEI, PUREPOXY, MPC, Ureco, and others, available in the market. Each one has its own pros and cons. You need a high-quality 100 %  epoxy product that can withstand time. Also, make sure you choose a floor-appropriate colour and finish options such as high-gloss, semi-gloss, or matte. 

Tools and Material Checklist: 

Here is the checklist of tools you need:

• Epoxy coating kit ( including resin and hardener)
• Color flake ( Optional)
• Concrete cleaner/ degreaser
• Etching solution or floor grinder, 
• Painter’s tape and plastic sheeting 
• Bristle broom and squeegee
• Paint roller with an ⅜ inch nap
• Paintbrushes ( for edges and corners)
• Protective gear (gloves, goggles, and respirator)
• Wet-dry vacuum
• Mixing sticks or an automatic mixing  drill and paddle

Preparing the Garage Floor Surface Before Applying the Coating: 

Remove Dust, Dirt, and Debris: 

Start by clearing the garage space and completely remove everything from the garage to create an open workspace. Use painter’s tape and plastic to cover the lower wall areas around your project site to prevent accidental splatters. 

Degrease the Garage Floor: 

After that, rinse the floor thoroughly with water using a hose, then use a bristle broom and a cleaning solution to scrub the surface. Just make sure that all the grease, oil stains, and dirt are removed. It is an important step, as the presence of contaminants on the floor can affect the epoxy’s ability to adhere properly. 

Etch the Garage Surface:

Etching is a thorough cleaning process and an essential step in epoxy application that enhances the bond between paint or protective sealants and the concrete surface. You can use an etching solution or a floor grinder. If you choose an etching solution, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. For grinding, rent a concrete floor grinder from a local hardware store, it will not only make the floor clean but will also roughen the surface, providing a better grip for the epoxy. 

Additional Preparation Steps: 

• Repair Cracks and Potholes: You need to fill any cracks or potholes with a suitable concrete repair compound and let it sit for a while. 
• Keep the Surface Dry: After all the cleaning and etching, just make sure that the floor is completely dry.  You can use a wet-dry vacuum to eliminate moisture and also let the floor rest for at least 24 hours.
• Double-check For Dust:  Perform a final cleanliness test by sticking a strip of duct tape to the floor and then peeling it away. If any dust or particles stick to the tape, you must clean the floor again. 

Applying the Epoxy Coating: 

Mixing:

Epoxy garage floor installer kits contain resin and hardeners that are packaged separately. You need to mix all the ingredients. Start by opening all the epoxy containers and combine the hardener with epoxy resin, according to the product label and technical data sheet. If you are using epoxy pigments, mix them in as well. Stir thoroughly for about three minutes. You can also use a mixing device for a more consistent blend. Mixing sticks are also pretty effective if used properly. 

Applying the coating: 

After you are done with the mixing, now it’s time to apply the coating. Pour the mixed epoxy into a roller tray and begin the application process from the furthest corner of the garage, working towards the exit to avoid trapping yourself in a corner. Use a 3-inch paintbrush to carefully coat all borders and corners first. Then, using a 3/8-inch-nap roller, apply the epoxy to a 10×10-foot section of the floor, making sure to feather out any uneven lines for a smooth finish. Continue this process section by section until the entire floor is covered. 

Enhancing Durability with the Topcoat Application:

Now that you are successfully done with your garage’s epoxy application wait for it to dry and then apply the clear topcoat. This protective layer will increase the durability and provide you with a polished finish. You can use a clean paintbrush for the edges and the roller for the main floor area. It would be better if you work in one direction and then roll perpendicularly for better coverage. Now, allow some 24 hours for the topcoat to get dry before allowing any foot traffic and 72 hours before parking a car on the surface.  

Maintenance and Care: 

Regular Cleaning:

If you want your epoxy-coated garage floor to look its best for years to come, it is important to clean it regularly. Sweep or vacuum to remove dust and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a mild detergent with water and a soft-bristle brush to scrub the surface gently. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the epoxy garage floor coating. 

Handling Spills: 

Epoxy garage floor coatings are resistant to most chemicals, but cleaning up spills promptly is still essential. Oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids can be wiped away with a cloth. For tougher stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the area gently.

In a Nutshell:

Upgrading your garage floor with an epoxy coat is a rewarding DIY project that can dramatically improve your garage space’s appearance and functionality.  With all these steps, it is also important to choose a suitable coating product for an epoxy garage floor in Ottawa that can align with your project perfectly. If you are looking for a reliable seller, reach out to Chromology! We offer customization options with various colours and finishes to suit any design preference. Our products are easy to apply and of high quality. Visit our website for more detailed information.