How Much Does a Garage Floor Coating Cost?
Epoxy coatings are durable and provide a clean new look to your garage floor. They are also easy to clean and stain resistant, so oil, anti-freeze, and other caustic car chemicals can be wiped up with ease. Read on for some ideas.
Most epoxy paints are single-coat applications. However, there are high-performance commercial quality epoxy flooring systems available in kit form that include an epoxy primer, base epoxy color coat, and clear epoxy topcoat.
Cost
There are several factors that can influence the cost of your garage floor coating project. For example, the type of coating you choose, how much prep is needed to remove any existing flooring material, and the condition of the concrete will determine the cost of the project. Additionally, the size of the project and any customizations you add to your coating will also affect the price.
There is a wide range of epoxy floor coatings available, ranging from water-based to 100% solids. Water-based coatings are usually less expensive than solid epoxy and provide a glossier finish. However, they are not as durable and may need to be reapplied more frequently than solid epoxy.
You can also find DIY polyurea coating kits that offer great durability and are easy to install. Just make sure to compare the coverage that each kit offers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
Durability
Garage floor coatings are one of the most durable floors available. They are resistant to chemicals and stains, hot tires, scratches, and more. They also provide great traction, which helps prevent injuries caused by falling objects.
Many large national companies offer DIY garage floor coatings in kits that are easy to mix and apply. These typically have a water-based epoxy base coat that can be mixed with color flakes and embellished with decorative chips for an upscale look. They often promote this feature in their marketing, websites, and brochures.
Appearance
An epoxy coating will transform a dull, cracked, stained, or damaged garage floor into a workable and attractive space. It will also help to protect the concrete and add to the resale value of your home.
Epoxy coatings are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. They can be solid, or they can have a flake that creates a granite or terrazzo look. They are resistant to impact, chipping, stains, chemicals, and surface abrasion. This is particularly important for those who use their garage as a workshop or for metal fabrication since welding can be tough on floors.
One drawback of epoxy coatings is their vulnerability to hot tires. This can cause the coating to soften and weaken, leading to a condition called “hot tire pickup.” This can be a particular problem with big-box retail epoxy coating systems. Professional quality poly aspartic coating systems are significantly more durable than epoxy and will not suffer from this issue.
Maintenance
Your garage is your hardest working space, and it takes a beating. From hot tires, spilled chemicals, and tracked-in road salt, your floor is constantly subjected to wear and tear. A customized concrete coating can protect your garage floor from these issues.
Epoxy floor coatings are chemical and stain resistant. They can easily be wiped down with caustic car fluids like oil, antifreeze, and gasoline. They also resist surface abrasion. They will hold up to rolling toolboxes, floor jacks, and other equipment.
Epoxy flooring is also dust-resistant and easy to keep clean. It is a good idea to use a degreaser in your garage. However, be aware that trisodium phosphate (TSP) can damage the epoxy flooring and the environment. If you choose a TSP cleaner, be sure to use a non-toxic formula. Otherwise, it may contain phosphates that are a hazard to fish and plant life in lakes and streams. Click here for the next blog post.