The Dos and Don’ts of Applying Garage Floor Epoxy Clear Coat
If you’re like most people, your garage is one of the most-used areas of your home. It’s where you store your car, tools, and holiday decorations. And it’s probably also where you do a lot of your tinkering and DIY projects. So it’s important to make sure your garage floor is in good condition. Applying garage floor epoxy clear coat is a great way to protect your floor and keep it looking new. But there are a few things you need to do to ensure the job goes smoothly. Here are the dos and don’ts of applying garage floor epoxy clear coats.
DO:
- Make sure the temperature is right: Applying epoxy clear coat requires warm temperatures, both for the material itself and for the garage. Most brands will have a minimum temperature requirement, so be sure to check that before you start. If it’s too cold, the epoxy won’t cure properly and could peel or crack.
- Prepare the surface: The key to any good paint job is in the prep work. That means cleaning your garage flooring thoroughly and repairing any cracks or damage. If the surface isn’t smooth, the epoxy won’t adhere properly and could peel or crack.
- Follow the directions: Every brand of epoxy clear coat is different, so be sure to read the directions carefully before you start. Pay attention to things like cure time and how many coats you need to apply.
- Use a primer: Many brands of epoxy clear coat require the use of a primer. This helps the epoxy to adhere better and creates a more uniform finish.
- Use painters tape: To get clean lines and avoid any accidents, use painters tape to mask off any areas you don’t want epoxy on.
DON’T:
- Use a power washer: Power washers are great for cleaning driveways and sidewalks, but they’re not ideal for cleaning garage floors. The high-pressure stream of water can damage the concrete, making it more likely to crack when you apply the epoxy. Stick to a garden hose and a stiff brush instead.
- Forget to ventilate: Applying epoxy clear coat can generate harmful fumes, so be sure to open all the windows and doors before you start. If possible, set up a fan to help circulate the air.
- Walk on the floor too soon: It’s tempting to walk on your newly-coated floor as soon as you’re done, but resist the urge. Most brands require 24-48 hours for the epoxy to cure fully. Walking on it too soon could cause the coating to peel or crack.
- Use a roller: Many people think they can save time by using a paint roller to apply the epoxy, but that’s a mistake. Rollers create air bubbles which can ruin the finish. Stick to using a brush or a sprayer instead.
- Use too much epoxy: Applying too much epoxy will make the floor too slippery and could cause accidents. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and only apply as much as you need.
Following these simple dos and don’ts will help you get the best possible results from your garage floor epoxy clear coat. And it will ensure that your floor looks great and lasts for years to come.
Wise Coatings
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=2589512530409833629
(503) 855-6338
https://wisecoatings.com/portland/
