If you are considering using garage floor epoxy, there are several things you should know. Before you begin, consider the pros and cons of the product. You will learn about the cost, safety requirements, and durability. In addition, you’ll learn about the equipment you will need. To make the process as easy as possible, consider these tips. Learn more by clicking here.
Drawbacks of garage floor epoxy
Epoxy flooring is a great option for garage floors. It provides a smooth, glossy surface that is easy to clean. The coating is highly resistant to impacts, chemicals, and stains, making it a good choice for the garage. It will also not absorb liquids, making it less likely to show stains from spills.
Garage floor epoxy is also resistant to impact and fire. It also hides minor imperfections in the concrete surface. It also reduces dust and dirt. Concrete that is bare is prone to dust. Dust is kicked up by regular foot traffic and settles on vehicles and tools. Garage floor epoxy is an effective way to minimize dust in these areas, since it acts as a topical sealer.
Epoxy coatings are relatively inexpensive. You can purchase a single coat of the material for about $6 per square foot. The downside of these inexpensive coatings is that they are not very glossy or durable. However, they are easy to clean and stain-resistant. If you can spend a little more, you can get a more durable coating.
Safety equipment required
There are several steps that you can take to ensure the safety of yourself and your garage floor when using epoxy flooring. One important step is to make sure that you have the correct safety equipment. This includes a respirator and PPE, which are necessary to protect yourself from the harmful effects of epoxy. You can buy a set of PPE from companies such as International Enviroguard. These products come with chemical-splash coveralls, aprons, and sleeves.
Before you begin applying the epoxy flooring, you should thoroughly clean the floor to ensure that no stains or cracks are present. You can also use a leaf blower or compressed air to get rid of stubborn stains. You should also make sure that the floor is completely dry before mixing the epoxy and hardener. If the mixture is too stiff to produce a smooth finish, you may have to mix it again.
After pouring the epoxy, you should allow it at least two hours to cure properly. To avoid the risk of spillage, work in a well-ventilated garage. Once the epoxy has cured, you should use a paintbrush with a 3-inch width and a paint roller with an extension handle. The epoxy should be applied in sections of 10 x 10 feet. You can even use a helper to do this part of the job.
Cost
The cost of garage floor epoxy is dependent on the type of epoxy used, as well as the amount of prep work needed. In general, an epoxy coating can cost between $3 and $12 per square foot. This cost includes materials and labor. The prep work can range from $50 to $100 per square foot. However, many pros will include this cost in the total cost.
Preparation: The best way to prepare a garage floor for epoxy coating is to sand down the existing concrete. This will give the epoxy the necessary surface to bond with. In most cases, this requires a full day of prep work. This work includes cleaning the area and repairing any existing cracks or holes. After the prep work is complete, the epoxy will be applied using rollers or brushes.
Cost per square foot: The cost of garage floor epoxy installation will depend on the type of epoxy, the size of your garage, and the complexity of the pattern you want. A smaller garage will typically cost less per square foot than a large garage. Standard epoxy can cost between $3 and $7 per square foot. Decorative flake or metallic epoxy can cost up to $12 per square foot.
Durability
DIY garage floor coatings have a much lower lifespan than a professionally installed coating. These coatings may look good for the first two to three years, but after that they often peel away from the original concrete. This is because DIY floor coatings do not have a smooth surface to form a solid bond with. Additionally, the epoxy layer may be too thin, resulting in a lower bond strength and increased separation risk.
Garage floor epoxy must be properly prepared and inspected before application. If there are cracks or blemishes in the floor, you can make repairs before applying the coating. You also need to prepare the concrete by using a diamond wheel. Once you have completed these steps, you can apply the epoxy over the concrete. Allow the epoxy to cure for at least 24 hours. By that time, it will be fully or 90% cured.
In addition to being hot, epoxy coatings can be damaged by hot tires. The tread of hot tires may pull on the coating, causing it to soften and delaminate. To ensure the durability of your garage floor epoxy, look for a coating with a lower abrasion loss rating. Read next.
