How to Apply An Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

Apply a durable epoxy garage floor coating.

An epoxy garage floor coating creates an extremely durable and protective finish that lasts for a long time. An epoxy garage floor coating also helps to prevent stains and cracks from forming on the surface. The smooth and shiny finish of an epoxy garage floor looks a lot better than dirty old concrete floors, and it can help add value to your home. The smooth and durable finish of an epoxy garage floor also allows easy cleaning. You can easily apply an epoxy garage floor coating yourself, instead of hiring a professional. Epoxy floor paint is different than regular paints and extra preparation may be required before you get started applying the material. For the best results, it's best to use a quality epoxy garage floor coating. Depending on the size of your garage and the prepration involved, you can apply an epoxy garage floor coating in two to three days.

Things You'll Need

• Quikrete epoxy or another brand of epoxy garage paint
• Blue tape
• Broom
• Empty Bucket or paint tray
• 1/4 inch paint roller
• 9 inch roller handle
• Extension pole
• Respirator

Instructions

1. 

   Prepare the area for your epoxy garage floor coating by first removing everything from the work area. Parking vehicles in the street.You'll need to avoid parking, or walking on your newly painted epoxy garage floor coating for at least one week after the floor has been coated.

2. 

   Sweep the garage floor thoroughly and remove as much dirt and dust as possible. Floors must be completely free of dirt before applying epoxy floor paint. Remove stains using bleach or a specialized cleaner. Use a firm bristle scrub brush to clean the surface for the epoxy garage floor coating.

3. 

   Power wash the surface. It's recommended that you use a power washer instead of a garden hose to clean the surface for an epoxy floor coating. This cleaning method will be more effective at removing stains and dirt trapped in the surface.

4. 

   Repair cracks in the floor using a product called Dry Lock. Fixing cracks not only makes the epoxy floor coating look better, but it will last longer. Cracks can spread across the surface if you ignore them.

5. 

   Determine if acid etching is necessary for your epoxy garage floor coating. This opens pores in the surface so the epoxy floor paint can be absorbed properly into the surface. You may or may not need to do this. Pore some water onto the floor. If the concrete soaks up the water quickly, the floor probably doesn't need it. If the water beads up on the surface and does not absorb easily, you'll need to apply muriatic acid to get the best results with your epoxy garage floor coating.

6. 

   If necessary, apply acid before applying the epoxy floor paint. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. Follow the directions for application. Scrub the floor after applying the cleaner. You must remove all traces of acid before you apply epoxy garage paint. Clean the floor with a power washer. Let the floor dry overnight and you can apply your epoxy garage paint the next day if the surface has dried completely.

7. 

   Purchase a quality epoxy garage floor coating. Quikrete epoxy is an excellent epoxy floor paint. Visit your local paint store and ask about Quikrete epoxy, or other quality epoxy floor paints. For maximum cleanability, you can purchase an epoxy floor paint in a gloss finish.

8. 

   Apply tape where the floor meets the wall, to prevent epoxy floor paint from getting on the walls. When your remove the tape, your new epoxy garage floor coating will have nice straight lines on the wall edges.

9. 

   Mix your epoxy floor paint according to the mixing directions. Determine the square footage of your garage so you can mix the appropriate amount of epoxy floor paint. Some epoxy garage paint utilizes hardeners, or chemical parts.

10. 

    Apply the epoxy garage floor coating along the wall edges with a brush before rolling it. You should try and work quickly because epoxy floor paint may begin to harden. Read the directions on the container to determine your application time. Brush the epoxy garage paint around the perimeter of the room.

11. 

    Begin rolling the epoxy floor paint onto the floor using a 1/4 inch roller and a 9 inch handle attached to a painters pole. Avoid painting yourself into a corner. Start on one side of the room and work to the other side. Contain the epoxy garage paint in a bucket or a paint tray.

12. 

    Allow the epoxy garage floor coating to dry completely before applying a second coat. Follow the recoating recommendations for the epoxy floor you purchased. Most epoxy floor paint will need an entire day to dry, but each product is different.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply floor wax over the top of a cured epoxy garage floor to create a highly cleanable surface.

• See if your local store sell Quikrete epoxy.

• Wear a respirator when painting an epoxy garage floor.

• Do not walk on an epoxy garage floor until the coating has dried according to the recommendations on the can.

• Avoid wasting epoxy garage paint by only mixing small amounts needed to complete the job. Follow the directions on the container