If you find yourself constantly cleaning your garage floors or dealing with frequent cracks or stains, it’s high time for an upgrade. Since traditional stains fall short, a more durable yet stylish solution has emerged— epoxy garage floor coating— transforming your garage floor altogether. Epoxy resists peeling, chipping, or fading, serving as the perfect protective barrier for your garage.
However, with multiple options out there, selecting the right epoxy coating can often be a challenge. In this blog, we’ll explore the best epoxy garage floor coatings to revamp your garage for a newer, more polished look. Let’s begin!
Best Types of Epoxy Garage Floor Coatings
Studies reveal that epoxy flooring has an incredible adhesive strength, reaching up to an estimated 1.5 thousand pounds of adhesive power per square inch. This explains why Epoxy is a popular choice for garage flooring now. However, it’s important to decide on the right category to achieve your desired results.
Solid Epoxy
Epoxy coating with high solid content, or solid epoxy, is a popular choice for its excellent adhesion, bonding well to your garage floor. With its high chemical resistance, it won’t peel off or lift and handle stains, spills, and heavy foot traffic without breaking a sweat.
What’s more, this low-maintenance coating is easy to clean—a quick sweep or mop is all it takes. However, this high-quality formula typically comes with a relatively bigger price tag than other epoxy coatings.
Solvent-based Epoxy
Solvent-based epoxy works by combining epoxy with acetone or other solvents, resulting in a tough, chemical-resistant coating that adheres well to the surface. It’s particularly suited for garages where spills, peeling, or humidity are common. Plus, the solvent makes the coating resistant to petroleum contamination.
While they’re pricier than water-based epoxy formulas, they are much more affordable than solid epoxies. However, keep in mind that the solvents are volatile organic compounds, which means they produce strong fumes or odors during the application process. But if you ensure proper ventilation, it’s possible to steer clear of these issues.
Water-based Epoxy
When it comes to epoxy garage floor coating types, water-based epoxy stands out as the most pocket-friendly option. Using water as its primary solvent, these epoxy coatings produce no fumes during application, which makes them fit to work with in enclosed spaces. They’re also generally easy to clean, as water can be used for both application and cleaning up.
Nonetheless, water-based epoxy might not be as resistant to heavy chemicals and high impacts as solvent-based formulas.
Top Epoxy Styles to Choose From
Fortunately, epoxy-based concrete coating comes in different styles, each with its unique benefits and aesthetics. Here are some top epoxy styles to choose from:
Metallic Epoxy
Metallic epoxy garage floors are perfect for those wanting to add a flair to their garage. This durable coating not only adds a glossy finish but also gives your floor a luxurious, textured look. While the real magic lies in its aesthetics, it can also conceal oil spills, debris, or tire tracks. The reflective appearance, however, may scratch more easily.
Epoxy Flake Coating
Epoxy flake coating adds vibrant flakes to the floor, creating a visually striking look that makes it a top choice for garage spaces. Better yet, it comes with a multitude of colors and flake options, so you can achieve the desired finish. These colored flakes create a multi-tonal surface that masks dirt, stains, or minor imperfections, making your garage look cleaner for longer.
Self-Levelling Epoxy
Ideal for garages with uneven floors, self-leveling epoxy efficiently can smooth out all imperfections without needing a lot of prep work. This pourable epoxy spreads out evenly across the floor, filling in small pits and defects as it dries out. It’s ideal for giving older garages a more modern, finer look. But it may not be as chip-resistant as other epoxy coating options for your garage.
Factors Affecting Epoxy Garage Floor Coating Costs
While there’s no universal price for epoxy-based concrete coating, certain factors can help you calculate the exact figure you’ll be paying. Understanding these factors can help you decide if epoxy coats for your garage are worth the investment. However, a budget of between $2400 and $3200 for the project should be set aside.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
First up, DIY vs. professional installation is an essential consideration when calculating your epoxy garage floor coating costs. DIY flooring can save labor costs, but it often takes longer to achieve a top-notch finish. On the other hand, professional installation may be pricier, but the proper concrete prep makes it worth the extra bucks.
Garage Size & Layout
Goes without saying that larger spaces require more effort, materials, and labor. The condition of existing concrete also determines the price you’ll be paying to the contractors. Expect higher expenses if you have a larger garage or rougher surface requiring more effort. Even if you opt for a DIY, don’t forget to consider the extra material required for larger garages.
Type of Epoxy
Did you choose solid epoxy, solvent-based epoxy, or water-based epoxy for your garage floor? The answer to this will determine the costs you pay for the material. Typically, solid-based epoxy tends to be pricier, while water-based can be the most affordable option.
Customization
Want a custom finish? If yes, then know that adding epoxy flakes, metallic pigments, or heavy-duty quartz adds up to the price, mainly because of the specialized installation. However, customization is your best bet at achieving a more aesthetically pleasing garage!
Which Epoxy is Best for Your Garage Floor?
Now that we’ve seen the different types of epoxy for your garage floors, it’s important to note that each type comes with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right coating means balancing your budget against the value you’re looking for in the long run. For instance, if you want a top-notch finish, go for a thick, epoxy flake coating.
At the end of the day, the answer lies in which type handles your specific wear and tear, giving you the best durability for your budget!
Final Thoughts
For homeowners or builders looking to give their garage a facelift, epoxy garage floor coating is the ultimate answer. It’s durable, easy to keep up with, and offers multiple customization options to keep your garage in the best shape for years to come. Although seemingly high, hiring a professional for epoxy flooring makes it last much longer, making it better value in the long run.
Ready to transform your garage? Join hands with us to start your journey to an aesthetic garage floor today!