Floorguard Admin
January 15, 2015
Garage floors are generally made of concrete. This is a tough, wear resistant surface with a long life. Concrete will wear down with normal use. Walking or driving on a concrete floor will cause minute particles to break off. These become concrete dust. This dust will float onto every surface in the garage. Over time a concrete floor may also develop small cracks. These are annoying and may look unsightly. Concrete can be stained by a wide variety of liquids. These stains may be permanent. Covering a garage floor with epoxy may be the answer.
When planning to epoxy a garage floor there are many factors to consider. Is the garage also used as a shop? Epoxy can stand up to many tools being dropped but it can be burn scarred if welding slag hits it. Is there a lot of rain in the area? Some epoxies are slippery when wet. Is there excessive water under the slab? This can cause less wear life in an epoxy floor. A professional will know which types to choose for these situations.
Covering a garage floor with epoxy is a multiple step process. It does require specialized knowledge. A professional will know the answers for the concrete preparation. They will also understand the catalytic processes which control the epoxy curing and the different coats necessary for a complete covering. There are several layers which must be applied with most epoxy coverings and a professional will understand these layers.
The first step in getting a concrete garage floor epoxy done involves preparing the concrete surface. This may involve etching the concrete with acid or grinding the floor with machines made specifically for the task. All small holes must be filled at this time. The epoxy must have a stable base for adherence. Speak to a professional about getting this step done. If done improperly the epoxy will not bond and may loosen over time.
A good garage floor epoxy coating involves several layers. Epoxy primer is the first step. It is applied to insure adherence of the next epoxy layer to the concrete base. It is also used as a moisture barrier between the concrete and epoxy.
The next step is the base or color coat. This is where the color for the final look of the floor is added. The epoxy components must be mixed, creating a catalytic reaction. This compound must be applied in a timely manner and the floor must cure. A coat of acrylic paint may be added to this layer for a denser paint color. This depends upon the manufacturer’s recommendations. A professional will know the options and will explain them during the planning process.
The last layer of application is the clear coat. This is applied after the epoxy cures or when the acrylic paint finishes drying. The sheen expected of an epoxy floor is the reason for this coat. It provides the glassy look for the floor.
There are many options and decisions to be made when choosing a garage floor epoxy. These decisions would be best handled by a professional with the skill and knowledge to steer the garage owner.