Using epoxy to finish your garage floors is a great way to improve the value of your home, and many homeowners are turning to it to give their garages a new look. However, the cost of installing epoxy can be a significant factor in whether or not you choose to go with this option. Luckily, you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the best material for your needs.
Water-based epoxy vs solvent-based epoxy
Depending on your budget and the level of care you want to give your garage floor, you might want to consider either water-based epoxy or solvent-based epoxy. Both are incredibly durable and offer an exceptional shine. But there are several differences between the two, and choosing the right one for your home is crucial.
The main difference between solvent-based and water-based epoxy is the amount of solids present. Water-based epoxies contain 40-60% solids, while solvent-based epoxies contain up to 40% solids. This is important to understand because it affects the thickness of the wet film.
When applying a water-based epoxie, it takes a little longer to cure than a solvent-based epoxie. The curing process can take up to three days for two-part epoxies and up to three weeks for one-part epoxies.
Unlike solvent-based epoxies, water-based epoxies do not produce harmful fumes, making them safe for indoor use. They also eliminate the possibility of moisture vapor transmission.
Polyaspartic
Compared to other floor coatings, polyaspartic garage floors are the most expensive. But they are also more durable and long-lasting. They offer improved flow characteristics, and excellent chemical resistance. And they are easier to apply than epoxy. They have an attractive gloss finish that makes them a great choice for standard gray garage floors.
Polyaspartic is a sub-group of polyurea, which is a two-component system that forms a hard, smooth coating on concrete. It’s available in various colors and forms. It’s the best type of floor coating for those who want a tough, easy-to-clean surface that is resistant to oil, mild acids and water. It’s a great option for assets that are exposed to UV radiation.
Polyaspartic garage floor coatings are relatively new to the market. But they’ve been a major breakthrough in the world of garage flooring. They can be applied at any temperature and can last four times longer than epoxy.
Polycuramine
Compared to epoxy, polycuramine is the cheaper of the two. However, polycuramine flooring may not be the best option for certain applications.
Polycuramine is a proprietary mixture of polyurea, urethane, and epoxy. It is an ideal solution for high-traffic areas like garages and basements. It is also resistant to chemicals, which is useful for many applications.
It is also self-leveling. This means it can be applied in less time. It also creates a hard, glossy finish. It can be applied in a wide range of temperatures. Most polycuramine coatings have a recoat window of about 24 hours.
Unlike epoxy, polycuramine does not need to be mixed before use. It can be applied to a floor with a thickness of about three millimeters. It is safe to walk on after 10 hours.
Polycuramine is a lot easier to apply than epoxy. It can be applied on fresh floors and to those with a previous coat. It has a low odor.
DIY options
Whether you have a brand new garage floor or your old one is in need of a face lift, you might want to consider epoxy coating. Not only is it durable and easy to maintain, it’s also a great way to create a stylish look for your home. But before you buy an epoxy floor kit, you should know what you need to do to get the job done right.
The first step is to prepare your concrete surface. This involves cleaning the floors and taking care to protect the walls. You should also remove any debris, dirt, or loose paint. Using a squeegee, apply a thin layer of epoxy to the concrete.
The second step is to broadcast colored quartz flakes over the epoxy. You can do this with a hand broadcaster, or you can use a shaker top can to make the process more convenient. You should broadcast the flakes evenly across the floor.