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Epoxy floor coatings are made up of two components; an activating agent and a resin. The resin can be either epoxy (a combination of different chemicals) or polyaspartic (a polyurea-based formula). The activated solution is mixed together with the powdered product, which, once combined, starts to harden. Using this type of coating on garage floors has become increasingly popular because it provides a durable high-gloss finish that’s not affected by oil drips, gasoline fumes, grease, mildew, dirt, and other challenging substances.
Epoxy flooring also has tremendous wear resistance, so this might be able to give your garage floor better protection than just paint.
Here are some facts about epoxy coatings that you may want to know.
Fact 1: Not All Epoxy Are Created Equal
Not all epoxies are equal in terms of quality, durability, and price. The most important thing to remember with epoxy is that you usually get what you pay for. You can expect better durability from a more expensive epoxy with smoother surfaces and easier application. Low-cost products may save some money upfront, but the budget will be lost later when they have to do the job again or continue repairing the flooring, making it even more costly than if you had just used an appropriate product in the first place.
Fact 2: One Coat Is Usually Enough
One coat of good quality epoxy paint should be anywhere from 3-5 years, depending on the wear and tear of the garage. Some manufacturers make a product that needs to be applied in two coats (after the first is dry), but this isn’t necessarily better or more durable than single-coat applications.
Fact 3: Be Careful With The Weather
When applying epoxy floor coatings, you will want to avoid extremely hot and humid weather conditions. There are some products out there that can be used for installation under these conditions, but not all of them work well with high humidity levels so do your research before choosing one. In addition, extended periods of rain or freezing temperatures can also slow down or even shut down your project, so plan accordingly if you live in an area where extreme weather is common.
Fact 4: Epoxy Can Be Used On Other Surfaces
Epoxy floor coatings are not just for garage floors. They can be used on other concrete surfaces such as driveways, patios, and even basement floors. In fact, epoxy is a common coating for concrete countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The reason it’s so versatile is that it’s non-toxic, meaning it’s safe to use around food and won’t give off any harmful fumes.
Fact 5: Epoxy Is Great For High Traffic Areas
One of the biggest benefits of using an epoxy floor coating is its durability. It can stand up to lots of wear and tear without chipping or peeling. This makes it ideal for high-traffic areas such as garages, workshops, warehouses, walkways, and more.
Fact 6: Epoxy Floors Are Easy To Maintain
When it comes to keeping your epoxy garage floor looking good for years to come, the key is regular maintenance. You can either scrub or pressure wash your floor on a regular basis (say once every few months) depending on what you find easier for you. If there are areas that need patching, then simply mix up some more epoxy (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) and apply it over the damage. Once you’re done painting over the area, give it some time to dry before driving on it again.
Fact 7: Epoxy Floors are Customizable
Epoxy coatings can come in different colors, patterns, styles, and even textures. The only limit is your imagination, so you are free to create any look that you desire for your garage flooring. If you’re not the crafty type, then there are companies out there that will apply custom designs or logos onto your floor at an additional cost.
Fact 8: Epoxy Coatings Will Protect Your Floor For Years To Come
An epoxy coating will help protect against stains, but it won’t prevent damage from severe blows, such as dropping heavy tools on the surface. This process is often referred to as scuffing, so you should keep this in mind when choosing epoxy paint products, especially if your garage floor already has some tough wear and tear on it.
Fact 9: Some Epoxy Floors Require Priming
There are some epoxy floor coatings that need to be primed (meaning you apply another layer of paint before the first is dry), but this isn’t always a necessary standard for all products. If your garage floor already has wear and tear, then applying a primer might help make your epoxy coating last even longer by filling in any cracks or holes that may start to develop over time.
Fact 10: You Can Use A Roll On Or Spray To Apply An Epoxy Floor Coating
Some epoxy coats can simply be rolled on because they have low viscosity, while others require spraying with an airless paint sprayer. However, if your floor is extremely large and requires multiple gallons, it would be more cost-effective to simply call in the pros and have them finish the job for you.
Fact 11: DIY Epoxy Floor Coating Kits Can Help To Save Money
If you’re not familiar with painting techniques, then consider using a do-it-yourself epoxy floor coating kit. These products come complete with all of the materials that are needed, including paint, hardener, gloves, stir sticks, drop cloths, etc. Once your garage floor is prepped correctly, all you will need to do is mix the two parts together according to the manufacturer’s instructions, pour or roll it on evenly, let it dry for several hours or overnight depending on thickness and weather conditions, and then give it a final buff before you drive on it.
Fact 12: Epoxy Products Come In A Variety Of Colors And Styles
Although epoxy floor coatings are used primarily for garages, warehouses, and workshops, because of their durable nature, they can be applied to other areas in the home, too, if desired. For example, one could use epoxy paint to refinish kitchen countertops or bathroom floors/showers. Furthermore, there’s no limit to the number of colors and styles that can be used with an epoxy floor coating. Whether your tastes are modern or traditional, you should have no problems finding something suitable for your garage.
Hopefully, this article has given you a good overview of what to expect when applying this type of paint and has answered any questions that you may have had. As always, if you’re still unsure, then be sure to consult with the manufacturer before starting any project. Thanks for reading!