Do you want to give your garage floor a finishing touch? Every time you come home, a colorful, lustrous epoxy floor finish will make you—and your car—feel like you're driving into a showroom.
Epoxy Floor Coating
Epoxy garage floor coating is sometimes sold in kits that include the two-part epoxy, etching solution, decorative colored chips, and detailed instructions. Some kits also include a link to online instructions. Many coatings are grey, while others are brown or off-white, thus color options are limited. Examine the kit's contents to determine which extra supplies are required.
Preparation
- Tape plastic sheeting to the walls along the foundation's edge or at the height you'll apply the epoxy up the walls, using painter's tape.
- To eliminate dirt and dust from the floor, sweep it well. Dust the corners and seams with an old paintbrush.
Etch the Garage Floor
- For new or bare concrete, use the following formula: In a plastic, watering can mix the etching solution with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- When working with chemicals, always be sure to use protective gloves, rubber boots, and safety eyewear.
- Using a garden hose, wet the floor.
- Fill a 10-by-10-foot area in the corner farthest from your exit point with the solution.
- Scrub the area in one direction with a bristle broom, then go over it again in a perpendicular direction.
- Continue etching little portions of the floor. After you've completed the garage, rinse the floor with a garden hose, starting in one corner and working your way forward.
- Rinsing should be continued until the water is completely clear.
Mix the Epoxy
- Two-part epoxy is made up of a catalyst (or hardener) and a resin (or "paint") that must be mixed together immediately before use.
- Swirl the paint for a few seconds before pouring in the catalyst and continuing to stir. Stir for a few minutes after the catalyst bottle has been emptied until the two components are fully mixed.
- Replace the cover on the mixture and set aside for the amount of time the manufacturer specifies, which will vary depending on the temperature.
- If you're going to use decorative color chips, leave them out of the mix.
Apply the Epoxy
- Begin applying the coating as soon as the epoxy mixture is complete.
- You will have no more than two hours to apply the epoxy, and you will have even less time if it is hot outside.
- During the application and initial curing, keep the garage well-ventilated.
- Cut in along the edges with a 3-inch paintbrush, then spread epoxy on the floor with a 9-inch roller with a 1/2-inch nap roller cover.
- Work in sections of 10 x 10 feet. If you have a helper to handle the cut-in work, this job will go much faster.
- Maintain a wet edge by rolling over previously applied epoxy edges, making sure to roll an even coating.
- Allow 24 hours for foot traffic to dry and up to 72 hours for cars to dry before parking—longer in humid or cold conditions.
If you are planning to paint the garage floor, contact the Interior Painting Contractor in CT
