Choosing the Best Type of Garage Floor Paint
Garage floors are often neglected. Unfortunately, spills and dents will cause the concrete to degrade over time. This is why adding a floor coating is crucial, especially if you’re planning on using the space for more than parking a vehicle or storing tools.
The most affordable floor coating option is concrete paint. There are a number of factors you’ll need to consider when choosing which type to use, however, so here are some recommendations from the experts at Creative Door Services™.
Best Types of Garage Floor Paint
When it comes to painting garage floors, there are three standard options: latex, water-based acrylic and epoxy-based. Here’s what you need to know about each option.
- Latex paint. This product provides good coverage and won’t require a lot of preparation. It’s also the cheapest option. On the other hand, it’s likely to peel off relatively quickly, especially if it’s exposed to water, oil, or chemicals. Make sure to select paint formulated for outside use, as indoor paint won’t hold up.
- Water-based acrylic paint. This product is more expensive than latex paint and doesn’t offer as much coverage. Acrylic is also a lot less resilient than latex, especially in garages that see a lot of foot traffic. Hot tires can also rip some of the paint off the floor. Overall, this is unlikely to be the best choice.
- Epoxy-based paint. While epoxy is technically a glue and not a paint, it behaves the same way concrete paint does. It’s by far the most resilient and resistant to damage of the three options discussed here, making it a clear winner. Its main drawback is that two-part formulations need to be applied quickly and, in general, epoxy can take a very long time to dry. You’ll likely have to wait a few days before walking on it, let alone park your car on it.
The bottom line is that epoxy, especially a two-part formulation, is the most resistant. However, it’s harder to use than one-part epoxy paint and a lot harder to use than latex paint. There’s also limited colour choices. If colour maters, latex is likely your best bet, but be ready to re-apply it often.
Concrete Floor Painting Tips
Once you’ve chosen the best garage floor paint for your needs, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Here are some helpful tips:
- Prepare. Remove everything from the garage. You’ll need to give the space a thorough cleaning, so there’s no way around this. This part will require some planning and will likely take longer than you think, so plan accordingly.
- Allow the floor to cure. Letting the floor cure is crucial, as walking on it too early could compromise the paint. With epoxy, you may have to wait for several says before using the garage.
- Clean. You need to make sure that the floor is as clean as possible; otherwise the paint may not adhere properly. Start by vacuuming or sweeping the floor a minimum of three times before using a concrete cleaner. Muriatic acid and a power washer can help remove tough stains; just remember to neutralize the concrete with baking soda.
- Seal the concrete. Patching up any cracks is essential; otherwise moisture might seep through and cause the paint to peel.
- Apply the primer. Depending on the type of paint you’re using, you may not need to apply a primer coat. Make sure to check, as some paints require a base coat to adhere to, so it’s not a step you want to skip.
- Apply the paint. Be careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you put on the paint. You’ll need to apply more than one coat to get full coverage, and you’ll need to wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure your garage floor is protected and looks its best.
Creative Door Services™ Will Help You Choose the Perfect Garage for Your Home
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your garage door, make sure to talk to the experts at Creative Door Services™. We can help you choose the best garage door for your home, install it and set up planned maintenance so you don’t have to worry about anything. For a quote, or if you have any questions, contact one of our locations in Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.