How to Epoxy a Floor

Update a tired concrete floor with epoxy coating.

If you are thinking about remodeling a room which currently has a concrete floor, you may be at a loss as to what to do with it. The concrete is great because it's durable, but it can get stained and cracked in places, making it look much older than it really is. One solution is to epoxy the floor. Epoxying a floor is a job you can do yourself and will make a concrete floor look brand new.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete sealant
• Painters tape
• Etching solution
• Broom with bristles
• Painting tarps
• Rollers (with long handles)
• Paint tray
• Roll on epoxy solution and hardner
• Color flakes
• Clear sealant with hardener
• Small paintbrush
• Watering can
• Protective gear

Instructions

1. Use the painters tape to attach the painters tarp to the walls up to the point where the epoxy will end. Sweep all the dust and dirt off of the floor, making it as clean as you can. Use the small paintbrush to clean out any dust from corners.

2. Fill up the watering can, and mix the etching solution in with the water, following the manufacturer's instructions and wearing protective gear. Spray down the concrete with a hose, and pour a little of the etching solution in the corner farthest from your exit. Use the broom to scrub the floor in 10- by 10-foot sections, moving section by section until you reach the door. Spray etching solution away, and let the floor dry for 4 hours.

3. Mix the epoxy paint and hardener together. Stir for three minutes to get a good blend, and then let it sit for 30 minutes. You will only have two hours to use it before it hardens. Immediately pour it in a paint tray.

4. Use another small brush to paint an outline of the epoxy around your room to give it a border. Then roll out the epoxy paint across the entire room in sections. Make sure your paint is even. If you are planning to do two coats, let the first coat dry completely (usually 24 hours), then start the second coat.

5. Apply the color flakes. Stop after each section, and sprinkle the color flakes while the epoxy is still wet. Once the entire garage is painted and the color flakes are stuck, let the entire floor dry for at least 24 hours.

6. Pour hardener into the top coat, and mix together until blended. Then set it aside for 30 minutes while the chemicals work together. About a minute before you plan on using it, stir it again, and add any anti-skid granules you are using. Apply the top coat to the epoxy floor in sections. This coat will appear white at first but will dry clear. Allow 24 hours to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To check if your floor is clean, place a piece of duct tape on the floor, and pull it up. If there is dust on the tape, clean the floor again

• Make sure you leave enough time for the epoxy to dry before adding a second coat or the sealant. If not it will not coat properly, and you may be forced to re-do it.

References

• This Old House: How to Epoxy-Coat a Garage Floor