Garage Floors (Epoxy & Coatings)
Transform your garage with durable epoxy floor coatings that protect, beautify, and last for years.
Why Coat Your Garage Floor?
Your garage floor takes a beating. Vehicle traffic, oil drips, spilled chemicals, road salt, and temperature swings all work together to damage bare concrete over time. You might notice staining, dusting, or even cracking as your floor deteriorates. A quality floor coating protects your concrete from all this abuse while making your garage look cleaner and more professional.
Epoxy and polyurethane coatings create a tough, sealed surface that resists chemicals, moisture, and impact damage. These coatings are much stronger than simple concrete paint and can last 10-20 years with proper care. They make cleaning spills easy since liquids can't soak into the concrete, and they reduce the concrete dust that untreated floors produce.
At ApexPoint Thornton Concrete, we install professional-grade garage floor coatings that transform your space. Whether you want a showroom look for a car collection or just a clean, protected floor for daily use, we have coating systems that fit your needs and budget.
Types of Garage Floor Coatings
Not all garage floor coatings are created equal. Understanding your options helps you choose the right system for how you use your garage and what look you want to achieve.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy is the most popular garage floor coating. It consists of resin and hardener that chemically bond to your concrete when mixed and applied. The result is an extremely hard, durable surface that resists chemicals, impacts, and abrasion. Epoxy comes in solid colors or can include decorative color flakes that hide imperfections and add texture for slip resistance.
Epoxy coatings typically last 10-15 years in garage environments. They're available in different thicknesses, with thicker applications providing more durability and impact resistance. We use commercial-grade epoxies that are much tougher than the DIY kits you'll find at home improvement stores.
Polyurethane Topcoats
Polyurethane is often applied as a clear topcoat over epoxy. It provides extra UV resistance to prevent yellowing and adds an additional layer of chemical and abrasion protection. Polyurethane is slightly more flexible than epoxy, which helps it resist cracking if your floor develops minor movement. For high-performance applications, we recommend a polyurethane topcoat over your epoxy base.
Design Options
- Solid colors: Clean, uniform appearance in your choice of color
- Color flakes: Multi-colored chips broadcast into the coating for a terrazzo-like look
- Metallic finishes: Creates a unique, flowing metallic appearance
- Custom patterns: Logos, borders, or designs incorporated into the coating
- High-gloss or satin: Choose your preferred level of shine
The right coating system depends on your garage's use and your aesthetic preferences. We help you select options that match your goals while staying within your budget. If you're also considering other concrete projects, our experience with decorative concrete finishes ensures a cohesive look throughout your property.
Professional Garage Floor Coating Installation
The key to a long-lasting garage floor coating is proper surface preparation. This is where professional installation differs dramatically from DIY approaches. We take the time to prepare your floor correctly so the coating bonds perfectly and lasts for years.
Surface Preparation
We start by thoroughly cleaning your garage floor to remove all dirt, oil, grease, and any existing coatings. Then we use professional diamond grinding equipment to open up the pores of the concrete. This creates a profile that allows the coating to bond mechanically to the surface. We also repair any cracks, spalls, or damaged areas so the final surface is smooth and uniform.
For floors with significant damage or imperfections, we may recommend a thin concrete overlay first. This gives us a perfect surface to coat and ensures the best possible results. If your floor has serious issues, our repair services can address them before coating.
Coating Application
Once the floor is prepared and primed, we apply the base coat of epoxy. We work carefully to ensure even coverage and proper thickness across the entire floor. If you've chosen color flakes, we broadcast them into the wet epoxy to create the decorative effect. After the base coat cures, we scrape off any loose flakes and apply the topcoat.
The topcoat seals everything together and provides the final protective layer. We make sure edges and corners are properly sealed and that the coating extends slightly up the walls to prevent moisture from seeping underneath. The entire application process typically takes 2-3 days, with curing time between coats.
Curing and Use
Your new floor coating needs time to cure before you can drive on it. Light foot traffic is usually okay after 24 hours, but you should wait at least 5-7 days before parking vehicles on the surface. This curing time allows the coating to reach full hardness and chemical resistance. We'll give you specific timing based on the products used and current weather conditions.
Maintenance Tips
- Sweep or blow out your garage regularly to remove dirt and debris
- Wipe up spills promptly to prevent staining, though coatings resist most chemicals
- Use a mild detergent and water for deep cleaning when needed
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or metal scrapers that could damage the coating
- Place mats under car tires during winter to catch salt and prevent buildup
With proper care, your garage floor coating will look great and perform well for many years. The low maintenance requirements make it a smart investment that pays dividends in cleanliness, durability, and appearance.