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Is it time to give your garage floor a makeover? Dirt, oxidized materials, scale, and other debris will build up over the years no matter how much you clean. Garage floor paint can make the surface look better, but it won’t offer durability. Adding epoxy is a great way to freshen up the space while ensuring it remains in good shape for years to come.

An epoxy floor is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. There are a wide variety of colors and styles, so you’ll be able to find something that matches your taste.

Adding epoxy to a garage floor is always worth it. The only question is whether you should hire a professional or attempt to do it yourself.

A DIY Floor Coating Kit: What’s Included?

A garage floor epoxy kit will typically come with the epoxy itself, a clear coat, decorative flakes, and an etching solution. In addition you will also need a variety of tools, including:

  • Rollers and paint brushes
  • A roller frame, tray, and extension pole
  • Multiple buckets
  • Latex gloves, rubber boots, and safety glasses
  • Painter’s tape
  • A mixing paddle
  • Spikes 
  • Plastic & tape 

For best results, you should consider resurfacing the concrete before you begin the epoxy process. This will require a diamond grinder or shot blaster. While DIY kits skip this step, it’s highly recommended to create the best bond. Resurfacing will remove contaminants, pits, and other imperfections. This creates a new profile that’s as flat and smooth as a freshly poured concrete slab.

Resurfacing the floor will mean buying or renting a diamond grinder. You should do this over the etching process. Etching the surface helps the epoxy adhere. Etching will only get you a CSP “Concrete Surface Profile” of 1. Although this might work on a thin DIY coating it wouldn’t be enough for a professional floor.  The process requires an acidic chemical, which can be dangerous without rubber boots, gloves, and eye protection.

epoxy garage floorAdding Epoxy to a Concrete Floor: How Much Time is Required?

When using a DIY system the actual work of adding an epoxy garage floor coating should take around three to four days. There will be a day of cleaning or resurfacing the floor followed by two days of applying the coats of epoxy. After that, the epoxy will need about a week to harden. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enter your garage for a week. In most environments, the coating will be hard enough to walk on after about 12 hours. In cold, dry climates, the curing process could take longer. Our systems, however, will be completed in 1.5 days and you’ll be able to use the floor the next day. 

In general, you should expect to avoid parking your car or putting other heavy items onto the floor for a few days at least. The specific length of time will depend on the type of epoxy kit you use.

Why Should You Avoid a DIY Floor Coating Kit?

You can do anything if you set your mind to it, from applying garage floor paint to spreading epoxy. That doesn’t mean you’ll end up with a good-looking floor. An epoxy kit might seem like a great deal on paper, but DIY projects aren’t for everyone. In the following situations, you might want to contact a professional.

It’s Only You

Garage floor epoxy is best installed by multiple people. If you’ll be the only person working on the project, you’ll likely have a hard time. Rather than taking the risk of messing up, it’s worth it to have the professionals handle the job.

You Want the Floor to Last

A lot of people who’ve coated a concrete floor themselves find that the results look okay for a year or so and then begin to degrade. The DIY kits will flake up and get tracked through your house. This is usually due to mistakes during the preparation and application process. A professionally installed epoxy floor can last 20 years or more.

Some people might enjoy redoing their garage floor coating every few years. If that isn’t you, and you want a nice-looking floor that will last for many years, contact the professionals.

You Don’t Own a Diamond Grinder

Any experienced contractor is going to take one look at your garage floor and know the best way to prepare it for an epoxy application. In most cases, this will involve resurfacing with a diamond grinder. Having to rent and learn how to use a new piece of equipment will add time and expense to the project.

The Appearance Matters

Some people might not care about the color or style of their garage floor. If you have a specific theme in mind, you’re better off going with the professionals. Most garage floor epoxy kits only come in solid colors or with multicolored vinyl flakes.

Professional installation gives you access to options you won’t find in DIY kits, such as quartz aggregate, metallic, or marbled epoxy in a wide variety of colors. If you’re looking to create a stylish and unique space, the professionals can help make it happen.

Contact the Pros at Epoxy Floors by Welch, LLC for Stunning Floor Makeovers

While DIY epoxy flooring is possible, it involves a lot more than simply applying a layer of coating to concrete. A professional installation will  last longer, look better, and be a lot more reliable than a floor installed using a kit.

Are you interested in having an epoxy or metallic garage floor installed in Johnson County, KS? The team at Epoxy Floors by Welch, LLC is here to help. Please contact us today, and we will get back to you within 48 hours.