Spruce Up Your Garage Floor by Applying an Epoxy Coat to the Concrete

For some people, the garage is just a place to park cars and store excess junk like that box of third-grade art projects. Those people aren’t bothered by stacks of boxes, a pile of tools tangled in the corner or a floor that’s covered in oil stains.

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re not one of those people. For people like you, the garage is an important room. It’s a place to work on home improvement projects, display your toys, show off your impressive collection of tools on neatly arranged hooks - even a place to hang out and entertain friends.

An epoxy finish can be the finishing touch to an otherwise perfect garage. The finish smooths out the surface of the floor, adds shine and covers oil stains. When you walk into the garage, you’ll feel like you’re walking onto a showroom floor. Aside from just the look, epoxy-coated floors prevent stains and will not absorb water.

What’s the Best Way to Apply an Epoxy Coat?

As with any project around the house, you can choose to hire a professional or do the job yourself. Home improvement stores carry epoxy coating products, and the project is fairly straightforward and inexpensive. However, professional jobs tend to look better and last longer. Some of them come with lifetime warranties.

If you hire a pro, the company will start by grinding or blasting the concrete to improve adhesion, repairing any cracks in the concrete and thoroughly cleaning the surface. Then the epoxy is laid, followed by decorative color flakes, if you opt for them. The floor is allowed to dry overnight and then a topcoat is applied the next day. Most professional services offer a wide range of color choices and finishings, including metallic epoxy coatings, which are relatively new to the market. Pricing varies, but you’re likely to spend anywhere from $800-$1,500 for the average garage.

DIY kits sell for about $100-$200, but sometimes larger spaces require two. If you’re tackling the project yourself, keep in mind that proper prep work is extremely important. The floor won’t look good without it, and the finishing might not last. Set aside a full weekend for the project so you can do it right. Also keep in mind that DIY kits can be problematic. If you’re doing the project yourself, read DIY forums and discussion boards first to learn about problems other homeowners have encountered.

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