Are you looking to coat your garage floor? A new application of coating can take your concrete surfaces from grungy to sleek in a matter of hours. The tricky part is knowing which kind of floor coating is best for high-traffic areas, like a garage floor.
Not to worry. This simple guide explains which types of floor coating are ideal for concrete surfaces–especially those that must withstand wear and tear.
Floor Coating: Not All Coatings Are Equal
We all love a good DIY project. But, when selecting the perfect floor coating, the more professional advice you consider, the better. High-traffic areas in your home may include your garage floor, stairways, hallways, or bathroom floors.
These areas withstand wear and tear on a daily basis and are more likely to become chipped, scratched, scuffed or dingy-looking.
Keeping high-traffic areas in your home looking fresh is time-consuming. It can also be expensive if you don’t choose the right floor coating and sealant.
Truth be told, while you can coat these surfaces yourself, the risk of errors or problems is much greater. Because of this, we recommend finding a professional to do your coating job. Professionals can also advise you on the best color and finishes for your floor.
While the right finish will go a long way to protecting your highly-trafficked floors, the color of the coating you choose can be just as important.
Floor Coatings & Concrete Sealers
Once you have selected the color of floor coating you want, it’s time for coatings or concrete sealers. A good rule of thumb is that the glossier the coating, the better it is for high-traffic areas.
Glossy coating is easier to wipe clean. It maintains its new look longer than flat coatings. It’s also more durable.
Flat coating can be rubbed off of surfaces if they are washed or scrubbed. On the other hand, high-gloss finishes can be cleaned without damaging the coating job. Their smoother film also makes them stain-resistant.
Acrylic Sealer
Acrylic sealers create a film on top of your concrete floors. They are meant to keep water, moisture, and efflorescence from wearing your floors out.
Acrylic sealers are great because they offer stain resistance and color enhancements for your floor coating.
Some acrylic sealers are penetrating. This means they react with the concrete to protect the concrete floors. Unfortunately, penetrating acrylic sealers still leave the surface of the floor susceptible to cracking or chipping.
Another perk of acrylic sealers is that they’re easy to apply. Simply spray or roll them on. Very minimal prep is needed on the floors before applying them.
Acrylic sealers are also 100% UV resistant. This means they won’t chip or peel when exposed to sunlight. Choose from either high or low gloss depending on your aesthetic preference.
Water-Based Epoxy Floor Coating
Water-based epoxy floor resin is a great option for high-traffic areas. These coatings can be applied to floors with an existing sealant. No need for messy coating-removal or sanding jobs before you can begin coating.
Water-based epoxy coating is also excellent for confined spaces.
More durable than latex-based coatings, it has a similar moisture level and dampness control abilities. The downside to water-based epoxy coating is that it’s designed to last only 1-2 years. While it gives your concrete floor a smoother finish, you will need to reapply another coat in a year or two.
Professional-Grade Epoxy
Professional-grade epoxy coating is similar to water-based epoxy. It is an excellent option for high-traffic areas, especially garage floors.
It’s sturdy, durable, and becoming more common in garages. Because it’s professional-grade, this type of epoxy coating got its start in industrial settings.
You can bet this coating job will hold up well. However, it’s not one you want to apply yourself. It’s definitely called professional grade for a reason and attempting to do this job on your own can lead to frustration and unforeseen expenses.
Special tools and equipment are needed for a professional-grade epoxy job and without the proper training and equipment, the flooring won’t turn out quite right.
The one downside to professional-grade epoxy coating is that it will eventually begin to peel. Fortunately, it’s a bit more long-lasting than water-based epoxy. As a homeowner, you’re looking at anywhere from 5-10 years before you need a re-coat.
This is simply due to professional-grade epoxy not being UV-resistant. So, if your garage floor isn’t often in direct sunlight, your flooring will last longer.
Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic is another option for sealing your floors. It’s a great choice for garages or high-traffic areas as it’s tough and durable. One of the advantages is that this sealant offers a quick return to service.
It’s UV stable so has a longer life than some sealants. It’s also chemical-resistant and abrasion resistant in most environments. Gasoline, oil, and grease have a tough time penetrating this sealer.
The downside is it’s most effective as a top coat. Polyaspartic sealer doesn’t bond to the concrete and so won’t penetrate deeply.
Polyurea
A recent study shows that 55% of homeowners use their garages as the main entry point to their homes. If this is the case at your house, then polyurea flooring is the option to go with. It’s by far the best choice for garage floors and extremely high-traffic areas.
The unique thing about polyurea flooring is that it bonds to the moisture in your concrete. This makes this type of flooring the most durable and fully penetrating you can find. It’s not merely a surface coating that will need to be redone in a couple of years.
Polyurea protects against scratches, sunlight, weather, and other forms of damage. No more oil spills ruining your garage floor. It’s also effortless to install and is scratch resistant. Not to mention, it lasts longer than most other coatings or sealers while also being one of the most affordable.
Unlike other sealants, polyurea is completely UV-resistant so it won’t change color or fade due to exposure. Concrete is porous, which means any water that seeps in can cause damage.
With polyurea coating, your concrete is completely impervious to water damage. No more cracking or breaking down of the concrete.
Perhaps one of the best perks of using a polyurea coating is that it can last decades before needing touch-ups or a re-do.
Choosing the Right Coating
While each floor coating has its advantages and disadvantages, when it comes to high-traffic areas, it’s truly hard to beat polyurea. Regardless, it’s important to be informed before making a costly and long-term decision about how to coat your garage or high-traffic floors.
Our expert team of professionals is here to answer all your coating and flooring questions. Contact us today and get a free estimate within 24 hours of submitting your needs!
Coating your garage or high-traffic floors is essential for keeping them in great condition and looking their best. The investment in time and effort to take care of your floors up front will pay off in the long run as you enjoy beautiful and durable floors for years to come.