Epoxy paint is a cost-effective option for concrete floors in various industrial environments. Epoxy paint is certainly more durable than standard paint due to the infusion of epoxy in the paint mix. The added epoxy makes the paint mixture more durable, tough, corrosion resistant, and easy to maintain.
Epoxy is a better choice for garages that see more activity and different types of traffic, as tools, weights, car parts and more can all do significant damage to the finish on a painted concrete floor. Epoxy coating, on the other hand, is one of the most durable finishes there is for concrete.
Floor Paint for Garage Floor Coating
Floor paint is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches your garage's decor. It is also easy to apply; simply brush it on the floor and wait for it to dry. Floor paint is probably the least expensive garage floor coating.
One of the most affordable garage floor ideas is concrete paint, which is, essentially, a tougher version of interior wall paint for your home. Highly susceptible to damage from road salts and other chemicals, floor paint is not as tough as the other options on this list. It is, however, the least expensive by far.
An epoxy garage floor can increase a home's value by up to $8 per square foot. That's a lot of money considering that an epoxy floor is a relatively fast and inexpensive upgrade.
Epoxy does not do well in cold weather or in very hot weather. Indeed, the complex application process of epoxy requires temperature conditions below 32 degrees. Using epoxy for your garage flooring is not a good idea if you live in a climate consisting of different seasons.
Professional epoxy coating kits use true epoxy coatings. Because they're often several times thicker than DIY store kits, they protect your flooring longer. They also tend to be more durable and last as much as four times as long as paints in many cases.
While existing paint can be painted over, new floors or those with any bare spots (including areas revealed when scraping loose, peeling paint) should be acid etched before painting. It's recommended this job be left to a professional, but an experienced DIYer can etch concrete when the task is done carefully.
Let's face it, the formation of bubbles is one of the most common reasons why cracks and chips occur on epoxy flooring. They make the flooring weak and prone to chips and cracks when it comes in contact with heavy objects.
In the realm of garage floor paint, there are two options. There’s latex acrylic paint and epoxy paint. Latex paint is often chosen as a cheaper and shorter-term option. Latex acrylic paint can last for approximately two years.
Here's a quick list of the reasons that coating your garage floor is a win win! It will make your entire garage feel put together and look better. It makes it easier to clean! It can cover flaws and cracks in concrete.
Epoxy is prone to yellowing, chipping, and hot-tire pickup which can ruin the look of your garage floor. Concrete is a much better and more durable choice for high-traffic areas like your garage.
If the humidity has been high at your business, moisture can seep out of concrete floors under your epoxy. The buildup of moisture can cause different problems, peeling included. Changes in temperature may also cause condensation, adding more to your moisture problem.
How long does garage floor epoxy last? Depending on the additives present in a coating and the levels of foot traffic, drop impact, wear from vehicles in a space and other factors, an epoxy garage floor coating can last between two and ten years with proper maintenance.
For a typical one car garage, two gallons of epoxy should be more than enough for two coats after a primer has been applied. Three gallons should cover the average two car garage, and five gallons will generally be needed for a three car garage.
The longevity of an epoxy floor system will vary based on thickness, use and maintenance. Typically, epoxy floors last between 10 and 20 years; much longer than a painted concrete floor, which will chip and wear quickly in high-traffic areas.
If the temperature is lower, wait for 36–48 hours before allowing light foot traffic. Heavy foot traffic is permissible on the epoxy floor coating 48 hours after the installation as long as the temperature is 77° F or warmer. In cooler conditions, please wait 72–84 hours (three to four days).
Epoxy, tiles, and mats are suitable garage floor finishes. They last several years without replacement or intense maintenance. However, when choosing any of these products, ensure you pick the highest quality. Also, hire professional installers for a perfect finish.
Skilled labor ranging from floor plan design to garage door opener installation is often the most expensive part of any construction budget.
The average sized 2 car garage's square footage usually ranges from 400 (20×20), 576(24×24), and 720 (24×30) square feet.