Why Epoxy is a Premier Garage Floor Coating
Epoxy garage floor coating is one of the strongest and most durable choices on the market at the moment, while also retaining a professional and beautiful finish. Not only is epoxy used commercially, but it is also proving a popular choice in residential properties, giving your garage a showroom feel.
Of course, you can also select from a multitude of colours and styles to match your function or personality. So, let’s take a look into the wide world of epoxy garage floor coatings.
What is epoxy garage floor coating?
Let us start by confirming that epoxy flooring is not paint, as some people seem to believe. Garage floor paint is a latex acrylic material which is often laced with epoxy to make it more durable, known as epoxy paints. However, epoxy itself is a thermosetting resin that can be used as a floor coating, made from one-part polyamine hardener and one-part epoxide resin. The polyamine hardener is what makes epoxy so tough. When these two ingredients are mixed, it sparks an exothermic curing process, creating cross-linked polymer structures that are both strong and durable. This makes epoxy thicker than paint, while it also bonds to and cures surfaces.
Benefits of epoxy garage floor coating –
There are many different benefits when it comes to using epoxy garage floor coating, so let’s take a look through some of the most important.
- It looks beautiful
- The coating is durable
- It is very resilient when it comes to impact
- It can also resist chemicals, chips, stains, and more
- You do not have to worry about damage or wear and tear
- Thick coatings can cover breakage in the floor (cracks)
- Epoxy is anti-dusting
- Epoxy is moisture resistant
- You can wash it with just a little soap and water
- It comes in many colours and styles
- Some epoxy variants are anti-slip, meaning lots of extra grip
- It is highly-rated among experts, mechanics, and hobbyists
- In terms of commercial use, oil, gasoline, anti-freeze and the like can simply be mopped up.
- The reflective properties mean that it lights up the room
What is hot tire pick up?
Hot tire pick up is a common topic of discussion when it comes to epoxy floors. This is basically when hot tires can soften poor quality flooring, causing damage. The tires heat the floor, then cool and contract, meaning that the rubber tread tugs away at the flooring. Eventually, the epoxy will become de-laminated due to this process. Such a problem is often associated with cheap, poor-quality products, such as epoxy kits bought in-store. These water-based coats are usually pretty thin when compared to professional epoxy coatings, making them more susceptible to hot tire pick up. When it comes to thick and top-quality epoxy coatings, professionals often offer 15-year warranty due to the strength on offer.
How do you apply epoxy garage floor coating?
The floor must first be prepared before any epoxy can be laid down. This comes in the form of floor grinding, acid etching, or shot blasting and is designed to profile the floor. If this process is not done correctly, the epoxy will not fully adhere and you will be left with sub-par flooring. The floor must also be removed of any cracks or damage before application.
Due to the required multiple coats, an epoxy primer is often applied ahead of time to ensure a resilient coating. This is what binds directly to the concrete before sticking to the following layers. The primer will also likely serve as a barrier for any moisture.
Once the primer is done, the colour or base coat must be laid. However, in some cases, this can be done without a primer. This is where paint chips may be added if the client opts for them. Finally, the last coat is called the clear top, which is designed to provide the glossy finish and depth.
Epoxy garage floor coating costs –
For epoxy, professional installation often costs upwards of $4 per square foot. However, it really depends on the style you choose, the colour, where you live, and what the competition is like there. The cost usually includes three coats but can vary when it comes to the top coat.
In terms of how long epoxy takes to lay, the average time is between three and five days. Having said that, there is some newer technology on the scene that allows for one-day installation. However, this would set you back closer to $6 per square foot and should be applied by professionals.