Garage floors are often comprised of concrete, which is durable enough to withstand heavy traffic and damage. However, they can succumb to extreme abuse such as tire traffic, oil spillage, and chemical damage, which is where a suitable floor coating material comes in handy. It provides an extra layer of protection that enables the concrete to endure constant wear. Besides, coatings add a decorative touch that makes garages incredibly attractive. While there are many types of garage floor coats from which you can choose, some of the best are discussed below.
Polyurea Coatings
Polyurea is a relatively new garage floor coating. It can be described as a flexible, synthetic material that bonds quickly and firmly to create a robust coat on the floor while providing a smooth surface. It’s virtually impermeable and can withstand more abuse than your conventional epoxy coatings. For instance, it offers protection from UV rays, falling items, as well as harm from substances like oil, water, and chemicals. Polyurea is also very durable and cures extremely fast as compared to your conventional epoxy floors. Besides, it adds a decorative touch to your garage floor by providing it with a long lasting gleam that will make your garage quite a sight to behold.
Epoxy Coating
This coating is sometimes regarded as paint due to the similar application methods with rollers and brushes, but its performance surpasses that of paint by all means. Epoxy coatings provide your floor with a sturdy cover that resists marring and damage from oil, gasoline, and chemicals. These coats come in three types, which include solvent-based, water-based, and 100% solid. The former two types are thinner, cheaper, and easy to apply, while the latter is thicker, more durable, and more expensive. Epoxy coatings come in multiple colors, which render them a suitable option for those seeking a unique design for their homes.
Concrete Stain
This garage floor coating is probably the cheapest and easiest to apply. Concrete stain is applied in a very thin coat that allows the floor to show through while giving it a natural stone look with a watercolor finish. The stain contains pigments that give it more color and makes your garage floor very attractive. It lasts longer than floor paint as it becomes part of the concrete, which prevents it from chipping off. Ideally, concrete stain should be applied on a floor without dents or oil stains; any imperfections will show through.
Acrylic Sealers
Availablein water-based and solvent-based forms, acrylic sealers are ideal for homeowners looking for an easy and economical method of sprucing up their garage floor. They provide a protective film on the floor that protects it against water, chemical, and UV damage. Acrylic sealers are also available in various shades, which allow you to enhance the beauty of your garage. Just like with concrete stain, however, acrylic sealers don’t hide blemishes, which mean that you will need to repair all the dents and cracks on your floor and clean the oil stains before applying them. Acrylic sealers also wear faster and require reapplication much quicker than their counterparts.
Polyurethane Coating
Polyurethane coating denotes a polymer material that contains a high concentration of abrasion and UV resistant properties, which makes it an ideal garage floor coating. It’s known to be super robust but flexible, which makes it durable and more impact absorbent than most flooring materials like epoxy. This flooring material can be applied on epoxy floors, where it serves as a clear coat that prevents the floor from the yellowing ordinarily caused by UV rays. The polyurethane coating material can also be blended with a cement-sand matrix to create a durable polyurethane concrete floor.
Floor Paint
Paint is an excellent floor coat, especially if you’re trying to hide stains caused by grease, rust or oil. The paint will also render your floor more resistant to caustic materials like solvents. Floor paint comes in two main types, which include oil-based and latex. The latter is more robust and resistant to stains, which makes it ideal for high traffic garages. Floor paints can also be formulated with a non-slip finish to provide more traction.
Floor coatings are excellent additions to garages as they create a protective layer that will safeguard your flooring from wear and protect it from damage caused by oil, grease, UV rays, and gasoline spills. They come in a wide assortment from which you can choose depending on your taste and preference. Besides, they can make the garage incredibly attractive, not to mention comfortable to walk or work upon.
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