Date: 12 Dec 2010 Comments: 0

If you are interested in getting a treatment for your garage floor, you will quickly realize that there are several options that you must consider so you can have the look and protection you desire. Applying a coating to your garage floor is both practical and creative. First, the coat acts as a protector of the sub-floor concrete against possible damage and it provides a surface which is safe and anti-slip even if there’s a mixture of water and dripped oil. Secondly, a coating also makes the garage look great and can be a source of pride while your car is sitting still on it.

There are two major types of garage floor coatings which provide a protective safeguard for the concrete. These are epoxy and polyurethane. The systems of epoxy coatings are the most favored because, when cured, they become really hard. Epoxies are actually made up of two parts which are the resin and hardener. These two chemicals should be kept separated until it is time to apply the coating because they will start to set up within ten minutes after getting mixed. It is usually wise to apply the coat for every 6’ square area so you have enough time to roll it out before it begins the curing process. After 18 hours of curing time, you can walk on the floor but you cannot drive over it with your car for the next three days. One way to make the floor look great is by spreading out color flecks on the surface once it is rolled out and before it cures. This can actually add a vivacious accent.

The second main type of garage floor paint is polyurethane. This material is also durable and it is more elastic that epoxy. It also tends to have longer life even if under direct sunlight that gets through the doors and windows. The main disadvantage is it requires a two step procedure which includes the rolling out of a layer of primer before the application of polyurethane. Also, it can be tinted like epoxy and color flecks are optional.

Standard floor paints like latex are also available but they don’t hold up very well. They cannot offer protection from dings and drips. Painting a good covering on your floor is absolutely a great do-it-yourself project, especially if you don’t mind some hard work.