Tips For A Long Lasting Garage Floor Coating

 

Are you sick of those unpleasant stains from oil spot on your garage floor? Do you have some cracking and peeling that makes your garage appear cheap and dilapidated? Would you be willing to devote a portion of a weekend solving this issue? If yes, then read along as I illustrate how to use a garage floor coating that will help resolve these problems.

There are various kinds of coverings that can be applied to concrete floors and there are two things you need to examine: how much time do I want the next lvl concrete coatings coating to last, and do I want the floor colored? You can choose basic garage floor paint if you only need a short term remedy, as they are generally easy to apply with a paint roller. If you go this way ensure you also buy a kit of anti-slip material to roll out on top. If you do not, the floor can turn out to be quite slippery if there is an oil leak in your car or if water from snow or rain drips off the car. Floor paint commonly lasts one to two years before it begins to dissipate.

The application of an epoxy based garage floor coating is a better long term remedy. The epoxy cures to an extremely hard surface and if properly applied will bond to the concrete and not flake up. Similar to the paint, you have to apply an anti-slip additive to the surface after mixing and applying the epoxy. You have two options for this material. The first is a rough sand like layer that is projected onto the surface before it fully dries. This works quite well because it gives very good grip. The second option, paint chips, is increasingly popular, however, because it adds a nice color. The paint chip choice provides a very good traction and can give you a second color on the floor for emphasis.

Whatever coating you choose the whole key to success is going to be the preparation. You definitely must have a fully clean surface for bonding either the paint or the epoxy correctly. In addition, if you already have a clear sealer applied, which is popular in many newer garages, it will need to be eliminated so as to provide good adhesion. The first preparation step is to sweep and mop the floor with soap and water. Then, use a good degreaser on any of the oil spots you may have. The major criticism about garage floor treatments is they do not adhere if there is any oil spots on the floor. You can verify that you have removed all the oil stains with the water bead test. Spray water on the concrete floor and observe how the water reacts. If it beads up in some points you then will need to do more scrubbing. If the whole floor beads, then you have a clear coat which will be eliminated in the etching stage. You are ready for the etching once the floor passes the spot bead test.

Etching is done with a weak muriatic acid solution which is rolled out on the surface and allowed to work for several minutes. It effectively erases the transparent layer and creates small cavities in the surface which permit the new flooring to bond better. This is not a dangerous mixture but it should be rinsed thoroughly with much water and kept far from plants. When the floor is ready, let it sit overnight with a heater working to dry it fully. The following day, all you have to do is to apply the garage floor coating following the guidelines on the kit. You should have an outcome that is very enjoyable if you have done a successful job of floor preparation.