Installing a new garage floor coating is a great idea for protecting your investment. However, many homeowners do not know enough about this type of flooring to make the right choice. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a coating for your garage. Keep in mind that there are three basic types: epoxy, rubber and composite garage floor coatings. With all three, there are different methods to install the coating so it is important to choose the stronger than epoxy method that best fits your style and budget.
Epoxy garage floor coating is the most expensive of the three. The reason it is so expensive is because it is made of hardening chemicals, which creates a chemical reaction that makes the concrete more durable against moisture, but at the same time makes it more difficult to clean. Epoxy floor coating can be removed with water or by chemicals, and it is not recommended to use the chemical-based cleaners because they are more toxic than the paint itself. Because of this, epoxy finish has a limited lifespan compared to the other two.
Polyurea coatings resist damage from ultraviolet light and most chemicals. Unlike epoxy, they have a chemical structure that makes them almost impossible to remove with water. However, because they are more brittle than epoxy, polyureas are more likely to chip after heavy use. For this reason, polyurea garage floor coating is not recommended for areas exposed to a lot of heavy traffic or areas prone to accidents. In addition, with polyurea coatings, there is a second layer that resists water from entering your concrete and potentially causing damage.
Another option is using a rubber garage floor coating. Rubber paints can be applied as a liquid or as a paste or slurry. This type of DIY garage floor coating also resists water entry but has an added step in its application. In addition to applying the paint by hand, the paint also must be cured through a special hardening process with the assistance of a heat gun.
A third alternative is acrylic paints. Like polyureas, acrylics resist moisture but unlike acrylics, they cannot be applied with a brush. They are highly absorbent paints that are usually applied in thick, clear coats. Unfortunately, since it is so absorbent, it does not adhere well to concrete.
Regardless of which type of garage floor coating you choose, make sure that you choose a good sealer that will provide a superior finish and will stand up to your business's activities. There are many options available in the market today. Some epoxies and some types of paints have more additives to increase their effectiveness and some have other added features. Before you make your decision, take the time to study what each type of garage floor coating has to offer. Check out more details about flooring here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flooring.
