How to Choose a Garage Floor Coating: Everything You Need to Know
Did you know that the garage is becoming much more than a ‘he-man cave’ for men to work on their cars and other ‘man toys’?
Nowadays, the garage is a lifestyle room, where people come to unwind and relax from a long day of working or running around with the kids.
So if you’re looking to transform your garage from a stained mess to a shiny new floor that’s easier to clean, then a garage floor coating is the way to go.
Here is our quick guide on how to choose a garage floor coating that’s perfect for you!
Contents
Identify Your Garage Needs
Good garage floor coatings can make a dramatic difference in the appearance and performance of your garage. When choosing a floor coating, it is important to first identify your garage needs.
Consider the activity that takes place in the garage. What type of foot traffic do you expect? What type of substances will you or your family track in or leave behind?
And you also have to evaluate your current floor surface. You have to decide if it requires a repair or a complete renovation.
It is also important to think about what coating color you want and the level of maintenance you are willing to put up with. Once you have a good understanding of what the floor requires, you can start to research your options.
Research Different Types of Floor Coatings
It is important to consider how options for floor coatings are each unique. Floor coatings have different durability, color, cost, and functionality. Below are some options you can consider.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resins create a durable finish that’s chemical-resistant and weather-resistant. They are suitable for use in garages where spills and dropped tools are common.
They also help improve the look of garage floors. They are available in both single and two-part kits, which contain a base coat and a clear topcoat. This topcoat helps to seal and protect the surface from spills, scratches, and stains.
Not to mention that you can tint epoxy resins. You can create a custom color or pattern to give your garage floor a unique look. You can even use them over existing concrete and other substrate materials such as brick, stone, and wood.
Acrylic Resin
Acrylic resin is a type of garage floor coating that applies as a liquid and then cures and hardens into a plastic-like finish. This type of coating is a cost-efficient and durable option. It adds a great layer of protection to your garage floor and comes in a variety of colors.
The resin also features good resistance to tire marks, chemical and oil spills, and hot-tire pickup. It also provides excellent hiding and self-leveling characteristics. This creates a smooth, even finish. When you coat using acrylic resin, you will have a garage floor that is easy to clean and maintain.
Polyurea Coating
Polyurea coating is a multi-layer coating system that is resistant to water, oil, and extreme temperatures. The first layer of polyurea acts as a waterproof membrane. The second layer is a protective layer that helps to resist staining and scratching.
The texture of the coating is comfortable underfoot and it is often colorful and visually attractive. Polyurea is highly resistant to damage from heavy foot traffic, oil, and gasoline, and it has a long lifespan. It is often used for industrial and commercial applications as well.
Polyaspartic Coating
Polyaspartic garage floor coating offers the most robust protection against wear and tear. It is an advanced type of polyurea that cures in a short amount of time and forms a strong bond with the concrete.
This coating also has enhanced UV protection, abrasion resistance, and salt and chemical resistance. It is easy to install and requires no additional primers since it forms a direct bond with the underlying concrete surface. And another bonus is that it can last up to twenty years with proper maintenance.
Urethane Cement
This type of concrete coating has two layers, a primer coat and the cement itself.
The primer coat is a synthetic material that works to seal the concrete. It prevents water and other harmful substances from damaging the garage floor.
The cement layer is an elastomeric material that provides a waterproof barrier. It protects the underlying concrete from water and other fluids.
The cement also provides a durable, slip-resistant surface. And it has improved flexibility with temperature changes.
Urethane cement is non-toxic, easy to apply, and does not need mixing or special tools before installation. It is also resistant to stains, cracks, chemicals, and moisture.
Read Online Reviews
Reading online reviews is an important part of choosing a garage floor coating. It can help you make the best decision for your needs. Reviews can provide invaluable insight into a product’s performance, quality, and longevity.
Look for reviews from those who have used the product and experienced the performance firsthand. And look for ratings from customers who have used the product for a minimum of six months. They should give you an accurate view of the product’s quality, performance, and durability over time.
Consider Your Budget
Before finalizing your decision, consider your floor coating budget. The price for garage floor coating can vary depending on the product you choose and the amount of coverage that you need.
Take into consideration the upfront cost and assess any ongoing maintenance costs. This is to ensure that you’re selecting a garage floor coating that will meet your needs while remaining within your budget.
And don’t forget that installation services may be an extra cost. It is always beneficial to compare the cost of installation between this location and other providers.
Choose a Garage Floor Coating That’s Right for You
A key step toward upgrading your garage space is to choose a garage floor coating that is perfect for you. It can improve the look and make cleaning much easier.
When selecting a coating, choose one that fits your needs, is easy to apply, durable, and won’t break your wallet. Visit your local supply store today to get started!
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