Concrete floors in garages can become stained, damaged and very difficult to clean over the years. Epoxy coatings are ideal for areas such as garages, basements, and industrial spaces.
Before you apply an epoxy floor, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. Sweep the area and treat stains with degreasers or other cleaning products.
Clean the Surface
If the floor of your garage or shop is covered in dirt, oil, grease, or dust, the epoxy coating will be less likely to stick to it. This can lead to peeling and other serious flaws. To avoid this, the concrete surface should be cleaned thoroughly to remove all contaminants.
In most cases, a good mopping with warm water will do the trick. However, if there are large dirt deposits that won’t loosen up with the use of mopping equipment, then a hand scraper or squeegee may be needed. Just make sure to use one with rounded corners so that it won’t damage the epoxy flooring.
You should also make sure that you regularly sweep the floors and/or vacuum them with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt, sand, or dust that may have settled on the floor. Doing so will help prevent scratching of the floor when you drive cars or other vehicles into and out of the garage. In addition, you should always wipe up any spills immediately to prevent staining and other potential damage to the floor.
Another thing to keep in mind is that your floor is going to be subjected to a lot of wear and tear from vehicles, heavy equipment, tools, and other items being moved on it. Because of this, it is a good idea to place mats at entrance doors and in areas that see a lot of traffic or where there might be a lot of welds being made. This will help prevent the dirt and grit from grinding into the epoxy and scratching it.
If you do find stains on your floors that aren’t coming up with the cleaning process, then it is a good idea to saturate them with a concrete degreaser. This will soak into the stains and make it easier to scrub them away with a kitchen scrubbing pad or a soft deck brush. You should also be careful when using this type of cleaner because it can dull the gloss of the epoxy coating.
Grind the Surface
Getting your concrete floor ready for epoxy is a messy and sometimes dangerous job. Unless the surface is completely free of oil, chemicals, dirt and other debris the epoxy cannot bond properly with it. This is why it is important to remove any objects from the garage including vehicles, tools and any furniture that sits on the floor. This will also allow you to sweep and clean the floor thoroughly.
Once the space is clear it is a good idea to cover any walls with painter’s tape and plastic sheets. This will prevent any cement dust from getting on your walls and other things you don’t want it to. It is a good idea to use a dust mask and eye protection for this step.
Next you will need to grind the floor. Grinding your garage floor will open up the pores of the concrete to allow the epoxy to stick properly. This will help make sure the final product lasts and looks great for years to come. The best way to do this is with a hand grinder with a plate that is specifically designed for sanding down concrete. Be careful not to go too far or you may create some large divots in the floor that will show through the finish.
It is best to grind the floor a day or two before you intend to apply the epoxy. This will give it a chance to dry a little and will make the process easier and less messy for you.
When you are done grinding the floor be sure to sand it again to get rid of any rough spots and make sure it is completely dry. This will also ensure that the epoxy sticks and does not crack or peel over time.
The last step before you start applying the epoxy is to prep the area where you plan to put it. If you are going to spray the floor, you will need special equipment and training to do this properly. It is a much more advanced technique than rolling the epoxy. For this reason, if you do not have the right equipment or experience, it is recommended that you leave it to a professional.
Acid Etch the Surface
Concrete etching is the process of roughening the surface of the concrete with an acid wash. This makes the surface of the concrete porous so that it will accept and bond well with an epoxy coating. The most common acid used to etch concrete is muriatic acid. This is a strong chemical that can be dangerous to work with. It is recommended that you wear gloves, a face shield, and safety glasses at all times when working with it. You should also avoid breathing any vapors that may be released. Some etching products, like the DRYLOK product discussed here, are safer alternatives to using muriatic acid.
The etching solution should be applied by sprayer or brush/broom and left on for the amount of time recommended on the label (it will vary from product to product). After the specified time, rinse off the concrete with a hose. This step is particularly important if you have any areas of the garage floor that are sinking or sunken. Getting these areas leveled before applying the epoxy will help prevent them from bubbling or peeling.
After rinsing the concrete, it is important to allow it to dry completely. If you apply the epoxy while it is still wet, it will not adhere well. This can lead to the epoxy cracking or peeling. You can speed up the drying process by running a fan over the floor.
It is also a good idea to cover up any surfaces that you do not want to get splashed with the acid. You can use a plastic sheet or drop cloth to protect these areas. It is best to perform this step during warm weather if possible.
Once the floor is completely dry, you can move forward with the rest of your project. Be sure to remove any freestanding cabinets or furniture from the garage. If you do not, these items could be stuck to the epoxy coating and be difficult to remove later on. It is also a good idea to remove any storage shelves or bins that are sitting on the floor. This will make it easier for you to access the area when it comes time to apply the epoxy.
Mix the Epoxy
Once your garage floor is clean and ready to be coated, you’ll need to mix the epoxy. Read the product instructions carefully to ensure you’re working with the correct ratios and that you know how long the mixture needs to sit before it can be applied. Depending on the air temperature, this may be anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 or even 45 minutes. The longer the mixture rests, the more exothermic heat it generates and the more slowly it cures. This can also reduce the quality of your final epoxy coating.
Some epoxy systems require non-skid additives to be mixed directly into the paint while others call for them to be added to the finished coating after it has been poured. Again, be sure to follow the product instructions to the letter. If you have any questions, contact a professional for help with the process.
When it comes time to apply the coating, make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area and that all surfaces that will be covered with epoxy are taped off. You’ll want to protect anything that’s hanging from the walls, as well as your car and any equipment you’re using in your garage. This is especially important if your concrete flooring has settled or sunken areas that you need to lift with concrete leveling before applying the epoxy coating.
Once you’ve mixed the epoxy, pour it onto the garage floor in a ribbon. Use a paintbrush to cut in the edges, and a roller to spread it over the rest of the floor, working toward the exit door of your garage to avoid getting it on yourself or any equipment you might have in there.
It’s a good idea to let the coat dry for 24 hours before you park your car in the garage. It’s also a good idea to wait a week or so before adding any chemicals to the floor, as they may affect its performance. Properly prepared and tested, a high-quality epoxy floor should last indefinitely, as long as it is lightly sanded and re-coated from time to time.
