Epoxy paints and flooring covers add color and beauty to a concrete floor in a garage or basement. Concrete floors can be dressed up with a number of options including stains, stencils, paint and epoxy and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Evaluating the pros and cons of each flooring material or process allows you to select the concrete floor covering that best suits your budget and plans for the room.
Durability
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Epoxy floors are a durable choice for a concrete floor in a garage or basement. In a garage that you use for parking, the vehicle can create problems for the material you choose for the floor. The hot tires from a car can cause paint to peel, but epoxy floors can withstand automobile damage. Epoxy floors resist peeling, cracking and stains.
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Adherence Problems
The material does not adhere well in a moist environment such as a basement. If the basement floor is dried and prepared in advance of the epoxy application, you can avoid the adherence problems. Applying epoxy in a damp environment on a moist floor causes the epoxy paint to lift off the floor. In addition, you must clean the floor thoroughly before applying epoxy to avoid adherence issues.
Cost Effective
Epoxy kits are a cost-effective method to create an attractive floor on a concrete surface. Applying an epoxy floor is a do-it-yourself project, which cuts the cost of professional installers. Processes such as concrete staining or stenciling can be difficult and requires the services of a professional, which adds to the cost of the floor.
Application Time
The application of an epoxy floor can be time consuming. You must clean and prepare the floor before applying the material to the concrete. In addition, the first coat of epoxy must dry completely before adding the next coat.
Variety of Styles
Epoxy floors come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can also customize the appearance by adding paint flakes and chips that create a flecked look to the floor. The variety of colors gives you the ability to create your own designs such as a checkerboard or diamond pattern on the floor.
Slippery Surface
The epoxy floor paints can be very slippery when it is wet. In an area that may be prone to spills or water on the floor, an epoxy floor is not a good choice. You can add texture to the floor with add in products to reduce the slippery surface.