How to Apply a Garage Floor CoatingGarage floor coverings can be installed over most concrete garage floors, providing they are properly prepared. A good garage floor system will consist of a primer, a base coat and a top coat. A primer coat is necessary to ensure a good bond. Apply the primer with a roller according to manufacturer's directions and allow to dry. When the surface is dry to the touch, apply the epoxy or urethane base coat. Broadcast the color flakes evenly into the wet base. The flakes can be applied lightly to show the base color or heavily for increased coverage and durability. Blow or sweep off loose flakes. Scrape the floor using a metal floor scraper to ensure no paint chips are sticking up then blow the floor again. Next seal the system with a finish coat. Stokes recommends a two-part aliphatic polyurethane, which he says is preferable to simple epoxy coatings. "They're the Cadillac of systems," said Stokes. "They are UV resistant, so they won't yellow or fade in the sunlight like epoxies do." Allow floor to dry for 48 hours before allowing foot traffic and up to five days for vehicle traffic. Two sealer coats may be required if a full broadcast is applied.  Epoxied floor with no color flakes from Elite Crete  Floor with added multicolor flakes from Key Resin To further customize your garage floor, options include additional slip resistance and framing the floor for a more finished look. For additional slip resistance Slip resistant aggregates can be added to the finish coat to increase traction and reduce slip-fall issues. The aggregates are available in different sizes, and issues such as climate and the degree of slip resistance desired must be taken into account when choosing the proper additive. In the Southwest, for example, a 40 to 60 grit aggregate is common, while in the Midwest, a 30 grit is the preferred size. Be sure to discuss the options with your contractor and have him or her show you a sample. Framing the floor for a more finished look The stem walls, those four-inch borders that go around the perimeter of the garage, can be covered with your chosen garage floor system for a cleaner, more finished look. Apply system as you would for any horizontal surface. Other Resources Find a Garage Floor Coating Contractor Concrete Contractors: Find Products and Suppliers Return to Garage Floors Section Find a Concrete Contractor 24 Services in 221 Metros -- U.S. and Canada 
| Follow us on:
 
| Sign Up for Our Newsletters:
© 1999-2009 ConcreteNetwork.com None of this site may be reproduced without written permission |
Find a Concrete Floor Contractor Design Ideas Other Resources |
Photo Gallery: Garage Floors
Outrageous Floor Projects
Free E-Book: Interior Floors
Learn about Concrete Floors
Sign Up Today
Epoxy Terrazzo Supplies
Concrete Coatings
Concrete Products
8 Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Stained Concrete Floors—Ideas for Concrete Stains
Choose a Theme for Your Concrete Floors
Are Concrete Floors Hard?
How Long Does Concrete Flooring Last?
Removing Carpet from and Existing Concrete Floor