How to Install and Maintain an Epoxy Floor for your Garage

How to Install and Maintain an Epoxy Floor for your Garage

Epoxy floor coatings are tough, resin-based paints that come in two separate mixtures combined together to create a beautiful floor coating.

Installing epoxy is normally done by professionals but for better understanding, the following are some of the steps you can expect during installation. 

6 Steps in Installing Epoxy Flooring

  1. Prepare your garage and clean the floor. Move the furniture out if there's any, including the shelves, bins, tools, and other items. Utilize the tape to protect the walls from epoxy stains. Use a degreasing additive to remove stubborn stains on the floor.
  2. Etch the concrete. Concrete flooring can be slightly rough for the epoxy paint which is why it’s essential to etch it. You can use an acid etching product but you have to wear complete protective gear when doing it because some chemicals might enter your body. Generally, you need to have glasses, a respirator, and glovers. Pour the liquid etching on the floor and wait for it to flatten the floor. Once all dried up, you can sweep the residue or vacuum. 
  3. Rinse the floor. Your floor must be perfectly clean before applying epoxy paint. Vacuum dirt, dust, leaves, and other small debris from the garage floor. In some cases, a pressure washer might be required to remove stubborn dirt and grimes.
  4. Apply the base coat. If you notice a chemical reaction, you only have 2 hours to use the epoxy. Pour the epoxy paint into the tray and apply the base coat just like any painting project. If you’ve taped the side of your walls enough, you won’t have to worry about epoxy paint staining your walls. But make sure to keep a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Leave the first coat for about 12 to 24 hours to completely dry up before applying the second coat.
  5. Sprinkle the color flake on the wet floor. After applying the second coat, you can sprinkle the color flake onto the floor. Make sure you apply them as evenly as possible. 
  6. Mix and apply the top coat. Stir the hardener together with the top coat and make sure it is fully mixed. Pour anti-skid sand into the mixture and start applying the topcoat to the base layers. Leave the floor to dry for about 2 to 3 days or longer if it is still wet. 

5 Tips for Epoxy Flooring Maintenance

  1. Map and sweep the floor once a week to maintain its gloss. Areas with high foot traffic may require more maintenance than other areas like the hallways, living room, and kitchen. You may use a soft fiber cloth mop or mechanical floor scrubber with soft bristles to preserve its shine.
  2. Keep sharp objects away. Don’t put heavy and rough decorations on the floor or better yet use a carpet, mat, or thick base before putting anything. For example, large terracotta or ceramic pots may scratch or puncture your flooring. While metallic epoxy flooring has a higher resistance, it’s better to take precautions.
  3. Clean spills right away. While epoxy flooring isn’t very likely to get stained right away, it’s always good to clean spills immediately. Considering the shiny surface, people might overlook spills and slips. Stubborn stains from coffee, paint, grease, wine, ink, or fruit juice can be dealt with using warm water and a good mop, or a deck-scrubbing brush. Avoid using soap-based cleaners as they may cause a haze on your floor. If stains are stuck you can call a professional to help remove them.
  4. Protect your floor using mats at all entrances. It provides an extra protective cushion especially if there is heavy equipment or furniture on the surface. Carpets also don’t just protect your flooring system but it also helps improve the ambiance of your home. During winter, it helps retain warm air and provides a comfortable place to sit and play.
  5. For garages, you can use mats and plywood to protect floors from heat and splatters. However, for the most part, a high-quality household floor wax can keep your floor looking neat and clean. Tire marks can be removed by mopping it but the mud that has already dried up and gotten stuck on the floor can use help with a concrete degreaser. Just drip the degreases directly onto the tire marks and other stains and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Wait for the liquid to turn into powder form. Once it’s powderized, you can just quickly sweep it away.

Need help with epoxy cleaning and coating products?

Feel free to contact Epoxy Floor Supply Company for your needs. We are here to help answer your questions and offer guidance on selecting the best epoxy flooring materials and accessories.

Contact us today for more information at 888.713.3002.