Garage floor resurfacing is just one way to improve appearance

Garage floor resurfacing is just one way to improve the appearance and longevity of a garage floor and with the many types of surfaces and services available, homeowners don’t have to face the dilemma of choosing from an unending list of available selections. Floor coverings are offered in various types of materials and levels of protection, which allows homeowners to decide the best options for their garage flooring needs.

In thinking about floor covering services, which should probably be acquired through certified professionals who know the ins and outs of floor resurfacing, it is to a homeowner’s advantage to engage experts who can do the work in a safe, convenient, efficient and timely manner as well as provide for ongoing consultation and input throughout the resurfacing process.

Garage floor resurfacing types range from epoxy paint, latex acrylic paint, acrylic sealants, topical sealants to garage floor epoxy coating, and those types are explained as follows:

Garage Floor Coating Types

– Epoxy Paint

Paint used on garage floors is a latex acrylic based product with a small amount of epoxy added to the mix to make it more lasting and durable, but it is still paint that has to dry before use. This type of flooring paint is called epoxy paint or one-part epoxy paint. It is not totally stain resistant as fluids like oil and anti-freeze can stain concrete flooring if in place for any period of time. Gas and brake fluid can cause paint to peel away, shrivel and wrinkle. Professionals recommend that the concrete be cleaned before paint applications for acceptance of the paint along with a possible acid etch as well as a primer coat application, which provides for bonding of paint and peeling reduction. Regular latex paint is another garage flooring option, but it does not have the lasting power or resistance of epoxy paints. Peeling, warping, chipping and cracks can occur.

– Benefits

moderate garage floor protection
variety of colors
concrete dust inhibitor
mold, mildew and water resistant
moderate resistance to most vehicle fluids
easy clean up of garage floor if done quickly
lasting – up to two-three years

– Acrylic Sealers

Acrylic sealers are usually clear and create a thin layer of protection on bare concrete that is easily applied in two thin coats. It gives a somewhat wet or glossy look to a garage floor, but matte applications are available as well. It dries in just a few hours or sooner, (which depends on the weather), and a vehicle can usually be parked on it the following day. These sealers are not as durable as other topical sealers, but they do endure light to moderate traffic and may require reapplication at two year intervals.

– Benefits

protects concrete floors from water and invasive chlorides
protection from vehicle fluids, oil stains, hot tire pick up and road salts (with quick cleaning)
protects from sunlight exposure when sealer contains UV protection

– Other Topical Sealers

Topical sealers attach or adhere to the surface of concrete garage floors and are known as floor coatings or film forming sealers. They are made of acrylics, siliconate, and polyurethane. They form a layer of protection to the surface of the concrete. They can be clear or of color and can enrich bare concrete or change the appearance of already colored or stained concrete.

Benefits

Polyurethane – extremely durable/ comparable to epoxy
Polyurethane choices of matte, semi-gloss, glossy, colors
Polyurethane – Resistant to UV rays (non yellowing)
Siliconate penetrates concrete floor /forms barrier
Siliconate – non-film forming
Siliconate resistant to wear stains and moisture
Less costly/less preparation

– Epoxy Floor Coating

This type of coating is not paint. Garage floor epoxy is actually a thermosetting resin, which is a synthetic plastic or resin that solidifies and permanently hardens after the application of heat and pressure to garage concrete flooring. It provides an intense cross linked adhesion through its chemical bonding capacity. Garage floor epoxy sealers provide a much thicker coating than acrylics and are very durable, though more difficult to apply. They are available in clear coat and pigmented colors that give a glossy finish to concrete. Multiple coats may be required as well as floor preparation that may involving grinding, shot blasting or acid etching for the epoxy to adhere. Additionally, crack or patch repairs need to be completed before application. Epoxy coatings can yellow if exposed to sunlight, so UV protection within the epoxy product is recommended.

– Benefits

withstands heavy and concentrated traffic
attractive looking
repels concrete dust
great covering for cracks and concrete flaws
resistant to chips, impacts, and abrasion
enduring/durable
strong and unyielding bond
resistant to moisture, chemicals, oil
vehicle fluids, road salts and hot tires that can damage sealants
easy to clean with mild soap and water

Whether the motivation to resurface a concrete garage floor is simply for showcasing cars and trucks, recreational vehicles or tools or if the reasoning is simply protective, there are some quality and lasting resurfacing systems that will not only improve the appearance of garage flooring but will last for years to come. With the choices available to today’s homeowner, there are options and features that most any homeowner can utilize to fit their specific needs.