How to Do Epoxy Flooring in Garage
If you are wondering how to do epoxy flooring in the garage, you may want to consider the different options available. This material is durable and will resist chemicals from housework and your cars. The layers of the coating prevent these chemicals from seeping through. In addition, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up chemical spills or chemicals from your car collection, as the coating will protect against them. Here are some steps that you can follow:
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Apply a second coat of epoxy coating
The first step in applying an epoxy coating to your garage is to prepare the surface by sanding it thoroughly. Before applying the second coat of epoxy, you should allow the first coat to dry for at least 12 hours. Afterward, you can apply the second coat, following the same procedure as the first one. When you apply the second coat, you should wait four to twenty-four hours before walking on it.
Etch concrete floor with da egreaser
The first step to etching a concrete floor for epoxy flooring in your garage is to clean it thoroughly with a strong-bristled broom. Then, apply an acid solution to the surface. This solution must be damp, and it is best to apply it in sections, working your way across the floor. Rinse off the acid solution as much as you can to prevent a buildup of calcium carbonate.
Apply vinyl color flakes
If you want a contrasting look on your garage floor, consider applying vinyl color flakes to epoxy flooring. They come in an array of three or four complementary colors. You can match your vinyl color flakes to your garage floor color, or you can use the same colors as your base coat. Greys and tans are the most common base color choices. If you’re looking for a unique color, you can request a custom mix to get the exact color you want.
Allow the epoxy to dry
You should allow epoxy flooring in the garage to dry completely before parking your vehicle on it. It’s best to do this overnight since epoxy products can differ in drying time. However, you can apply a non-skid product before parking your car the next day. After 16 hours, it’s safe to park your car on it. However, this process should be left alone for a month or more for the epoxy to fully cure.
Expose floor to UV light
Although garages do not have windows, they typically have some kind of lighting installed. Because of this, a good floor coating system needs to be UV resistant. Most epoxies do not have this ability, so decorative floor coatings are usually made with a polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat instead. The UV stability and inhibitors of these coatings help them withstand exposure to the sun.
Test coating for durability
If you have a concrete floor in your garage, you can use a sample of the coating to see how it stands up to repeated foot traffic. A regular coat of epoxy can take up to a week to dry, which means you’ll have to wait until it is completely dry to drive on it. If you want to save time and money, you can use a penetrating concrete sealer. However, you won’t have an epoxied garage floor. Also, darker shades of epoxy tend to have a noticeable ammonia smell after application.