When it comes to protecting your garage floor, is it better to go for garage floor paint or epoxy coating options? While both have obvious benefits, the ultimate choice will depend on your specific needs.
Below, Concrete Coatings closely examines these two options to help you make the best decision for a concrete garage floor in Locust Grove, GA.
What is Garage Floor Paint?
Garage floor paint is essentially an epoxy paint mix. It mainly comprises acrylic latex. However, some paint formulas may include epoxy to promote durability. The epoxy also creates a stronger bond with the concrete floor beneath the paint.
Garage floor paint does not deliver the same level of durability as real epoxy resin coating. While more cost-effective than an epoxy coating, the end product only provides minimal protection for the concrete surface beneath it. The paint dries instead of hardening, which does not create a tight seal with the substrate.
A notable downside of garage floor paints is that these products are prone to cracking and peeling. They do not stand up well on a concrete floor with a lot of foot traffic or heavy vehicles and machinery. Paint is a thinner layer without epoxy coatings’ robust qualities and resistance.
What is Epoxy Coating?
An epoxy garage floor coating is not just a thin layer of paint. It is a thermosetting epoxy resin comprising a hardener that cures after application. Professionals like Concrete Coatings will also apply a top sealant that creates a solid, long-lasting surface.
Why is it a great choice for a garage? Epoxy coating application makes a floor resistant to the following:
- Stains
- Grease
- Oil
- Chemicals
- Scratching and more
Installation requires thorough surface preparations to ensure a proper bond and better finish compared to splashing on some garage floor paint. Without professional help, this preparation process can be quite costly and time-consuming. Still, an epoxy floor coating represents a cost-effective way to protect a concrete floor.
Epoxy floor coatings come in a wide selection of flakes and decorative finishes that make it easy to achieve your desired look (unlike the less versatile epoxy paint options). A slip-resistant top coat and a UV-stable protectant are also excellent additions for protection and greater functionality.
Epoxy Paint vs. Epoxy Coating: Installation Process
It is possible to safely apply epoxy paint by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. On the other hand, epoxy coatings require a professional application for the best results. Before applying garage floor paint or epoxy coating products, our team would start with the following:
- Thoroughly clean and prepare the concrete surface
- Repair any damaged areas
- Perform a moisture test
Epoxy paint application involves simply opening the product and rolling or spraying it on the concrete surface. However, the next steps for coating would involve exposing the concrete’s pores for the resin to seep through and form a stronger bond. An epoxy coating installer will usually use rollers, squeegees, and other special equipment to apply the coating.
The most notable similarity in applying epoxy paints and epoxy coatings is that two to three coats get higher-quality results.
Why Choose Epoxy Coating for Garage Floors?
Epoxy floor coatings are ideal for high-performance flooring, making them a far better option for garages than an average garage floor paint. Professionally laid coatings provide long-lasting layers of robust protection in any garage, with the following benefits:
- Versatile
- Slip-resistant
- Visually appealing
- Withstand hot tires
- Resistant to harsh chemicals, stains, oil spills, and other contaminants
- Prevent leaks, moisture problems, and impact damages
- Offer lasting protection for concrete surfaces and more
Why not explore the broad selection of colors and colorful flakes available? It has never been easier to create a customized look in your garage. Some epoxy coatings even mimic natural stone or tiles for a stylish new floor.
Speak to Locust Grove’s Flooring Specialists Today!
If you would like to explore the possibilities of using either garage floor paint or a specialized floor coating, feel free to contact us. The reliable professionals at Concrete Coatings would love to help you upgrade your garage floor in Locust Grove, GA, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in flake floors with a polyurea base under a polyaspartic top coat.
- We offer a five-year warranty for our flake floors.
- We have a one-year manufacturer’s warranty for other products.
Would you like to know more? Contact the Concrete Coatings team at (678) 782-7580 today to find out whether your garage could benefit more from garage floor paint or epoxy coating.
