Professional preparation and installation is the key to longevity for epoxy garage floors. While DIY kits are available, they will not give you the same quality and durability as professional products applied by experts. Epoxy garage floors require good floor preparation which is critical for a successful coating. When properly applied, epoxy floors can last up to 10 years in a residential garage, but if the preparation stage is not done correctly, the epoxy coating will not adhere properly and will require replacement much sooner.
The first step is to clean the garage floor thoroughly. We then profile the garage floor surface with either diamond grinding or shot blasting, depending on the surface conditions and coatings to be applied. Diamond grinding is usually the preferred method for epoxy garage floors because most coatings are applied at less than 125 mils (1/8”) thickness. Any cracks or other damage to the concrete must be patched or repaired before applying the epoxy to create a seamless look.
Depending on which application you choose, a variety of solid colors, custom colors, and blends of color flakes that match your style or even your favorite sports team are available. Epoxy garage floor coatings consist of two components that start a hardening chemical reaction when mixed together. Once the floor is properly prepared and cleaned, the epoxy coating is mixed and poured. We must work quickly at this stage, as the epoxy begins to harden immediately and there is only a small window of time to get it on the floor and roll it out to provide a uniform thickness of the epoxy and eliminate bubbles, roller marks, and application imperfections. We then apply color flakes if they are being used. The installation technique is what determines the final look of the floor and is a critical part of attaining the desired effect.
A durable epoxy garage floor will require at least two coats, and to be cured overnight between them. We will then apply a top coat, containing anti-slip additives if requested. The finished floor will need to be left alone for 24 hours before accepting foot traffic, and at least 72 hours before pulling in vehicles.
Epoxy garage floors are one of the most durable and impact resistant finishes you can use in an area where safety and resistance to chemicals, stains, chipping and peeling is of the utmost importance. Now is a great time to upgrade, and Elite Epoxy Floors can install an easy to care for anti-slip floor coating that will look great for years to come, even with heavy use.
For more information about garage epoxy floors or any of our other services, call (816) 729-7143. To request a quote, click here.