All About Epoxy Garage Floor Coating Systems
Epoxy flooring systems use a thick polymer coating to cover a garage’s concrete surface. This high-tech coating works to protect new concrete and rejuvenate older floors equally well. Epoxy is stain resistant and waterproof, making it easy to clean up after projects or automotive repairs. If you want your garage to look like new for decades, rain or shine, then epoxy floor systems are a smart option.
Types of Epoxy Flooring for Garages
Epoxy coatings are prepared by mixing resin with special hardeners. There are several options available:
- Epoxy and polyurethane solid color coating: The vibrant color and sheen of this option lasts approximately five to seven years, though a touch-up coat of pigment may be required. The two coats of epoxy applied provide a thickness of anywhere from 4–20 mils.
- Granitex and polyurethane top coat system: This epoxy coating features 100-percent distribution of vinyl chips for long-lasting color and performance. The primer coat with pigment, color coat with vinyl chips and top two layers of polyurethane give the garage covering a thickness of 30 mils or more and last for 12 to 15 years. This system is the Ferrari of epoxy flooring.
- Epoxy Chipstone and polyurethane top coat: This intermediate option provides an excellent balance of longevity and color for great all-around performance. It uses a combination of pigmented primer, partial vinyl chip broadcast and several layers of polyurethane. Its 20–30 mils can easily last from seven to 12 years.
Factors To Consider
When selecting an epoxy flooring system for your garage, the right choice depends on weather conditions, usage and your budget for the project. Professionally-applied epoxy is always durable, maintenance-free, nonslip and brilliant. Increased thickness leads to even more resistance and longevity, but at a higher initial cost. If your budget allows, going with the best option available is a sound investment.
The quality of epoxy surfaces depends significantly on in-depth preparation of the garage floor to ensure perfect adhesion, in addition to knowing when and how to apply each coat. For these reasons, it’s always best to call an experienced installer.