Choosing the right floor coating for your garage is important, because it will affect the look and feel of your home. There are many options, but you need to choose one that will stand the test of time. The material you choose will determine how durable it will be, and it will also affect the costs and maintenance of the flooring.
Preparing the concrete
Getting an epoxy floor coating in your garage is an excellent way to make your home or business more attractive. However, it’s important to know that you need to prep the concrete first. Fortunately, there are several ways you can do this.
The most obvious is to remove any items that you don’t want to get scratched or stained. These include shelving units, old flooring, and anything that might impede your ability to apply the coating. You might also consider painting the walls.
Another less obvious, but more important, step is to grind away any previous epoxy coating. You can do this by using a grinder or a shot blaster. A shot blaster is a lot less dusty than grinding.
It’s also a good idea to get rid of any debris that may be on the surface of the floor. A stiff-bristled broom will do the trick, and degreaser will help to remove any grease.
Costs
Having an epoxy floor coating applied to your garage can improve the look and function of your space. It is a low-cost, highly effective way to update the appearance and protect your garage from damage.
Several factors can affect the cost of a garage epoxy floor coating project. These include the size and shape of the area to be covered. The type of epoxy to be used, the color, and the number of coats needed.
Some materials that may be needed for an epoxy floor are decorative color chips, tinted resin, and metallic flakes. The cost of these products will vary by brand. The average price for colored epoxy floor coatings is $3 to $5 per square foot.
The cost of crack repair can also be a factor. The cost to repair a crack ranges from $0.10 to $0.15 per linear foot. The location of the crack can also affect the price.
Durability
Choosing epoxy garage floor coating can make your garage floor last for a very long time. Not only does it provide a strong, scratch resistant surface, but it also minimizes slippage and oil stains.
Epoxy is a durable material that is suitable for high traffic areas. For example, it can withstand vehicle traffic and heavy equipment. It also has good chemical resistance, making it ideal for a variety of environments.
Besides its durability, epoxy flooring is easy to install and maintain. A professional team will use the appropriate equipment to ensure a quality job. It can also be customized for your particular design needs. It is also a great choice for a busy garage or warehouse.
It is important to choose the right type of epoxy for your needs. You will want a thicker coating that can withstand the weight of cars, heavy equipment, and forklifts. The thickness of the epoxy floor also affects the strength it can withstand against scratches.
Polyaspartic vs. polyurea
Whether you’re looking to coat your garage or just want to update your flooring, it’s important to understand the difference between polyaspartic and polyurea garage epoxy floor coating. Each of these coatings has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you must determine which one is the best option for you.
Polyaspartic is a two-part coating, while polyurea is a single-part coating. The latter is more durable than the former, and a better choice for long-term flooring. The former has a shorter pot life, and is not as UV-resistant. But both products are durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and oil spills.
The biggest difference between polyaspartic and polyurea is their cure time. The former takes just a few hours to dry, while the latter can take up to five days.
Maintenance
Keeping an epoxy floor in good condition takes a little maintenance. If you have a garage, you know how dusty it can get. It can be difficult to keep it clean, but you can protect your floors by installing mats and laying plywood down.
The best way to clean an epoxy floor is to use the right kind of cleaner. Make sure you choose a non-toxic cleaner and avoid concentrated chemicals. For example, battery acid and brake fluid can damage the finish. Also, look for biodegradable solutions.
In addition to cleaning your floors, you should wax your epoxy to help protect it from the elements. You can use a high quality household floor wax to give your epoxy the shine it deserves.