Do you want a new epoxy floor coating for your garage but don’t want to spend the money on a professional installation?
Maybe you’ve attempted a DIY epoxy floor coating in the past, but it didn’t go well, and you’re looking for advice before trying again. If that’s your case, this blog post is for you!
In this post, we’ll talk about the differences between polyurea and epoxy floor coatings, and we’ll give you some tips on how to apply an epoxy coating yourself.
Also, we’ll discuss some of the potential issues that can occur when doing a DIY epoxy floor coating project. Read more!
What’s Epoxy Coating?
An epoxy coating is a polymeric material applied to concrete floors to protect them from wear and tear, chemical spills, and other types of damage. Epoxy coatings come in many different colors, so you can choose one that matches your style or the color scheme of your garage.
Benefits Of Epoxy Coating
There are many benefits to using an epoxy coating on your garage floor. Some are:
- Protection from wear and tear
- Protection from chemical spills
- Resistance to staining
- Abrasion resistance
3 Prep Steps Before Applying Epoxy Coating
Now that we know what epoxy coating is and some of its benefits, let’s talk about applying it. Before you start the project, make sure to:
#1 Clean The Floor
Before applying any epoxy or primer, there must be no dust or residue. You’ll get a lot of particles trapped in there if you don’t do it that way. The adhesion between the 2 surfaces will suffer considerably. The less micro-dust on the surface, the fewer primers you’ll need.
#2 Repair Cracks Or Holes
If there are any cracks or holes in the concrete, you’ll need to repair them before coating them. This is because epoxy coatings can’t bridge gaps or fix structural problems. If you don’t fix the cracks first, they’ll just appear again once the coating dries.
#3 Apply A Primer
Applying a primer is important, even if the surface looks clean. Primers help the epoxy coating adhere better to the concrete and help protect it from moisture and other chemicals.
3 Steps To Effectively Apply Epoxy Coating
Once you’ve done these things, you’re ready to start applying the epoxy coating. Here’s how to do it:
#1 Apply The First Coat Of Epoxy
The first coat is usually used to assist show the floor. The first layer of colored epoxy will show how well the actual substrate holds up. Any remaining fractures and gaps should be visible now.
The most common method of applying the first coat is with a squeegee or a roller. If your floor has many small dents and tiny holes, use a squeegee to make the first layer a filler coating.
#2 Final Sanding and Filling
When the first coat has been dry for 16-24 hours, it should be dry enough to proceed to the next stage. After applying the first coat, you may notice some issues, such as new cracks and holes.
The first coat frequently captures dust and debris. Before starting the next coat, check whether any new fractures or holes have opened up. If necessary, wait an extra day for the grout to dry before re-coating.
#3 Apply The Last Coat
The last coat is the actual epoxy floor coating. This layer should be as smooth as possible because it will be the one people see. If you used a squeegee for the first coat, use a roller for the second to
make sure it’s smooth.
Make sure to let each coat dry completely. Depending on the temperature and humidity, this can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.
Potential Risks Of A DIY Epoxy Flooring Project
Now that we’ve talked about applying an epoxy coating, let’s discuss the potential risks of doing it yourself. Some risks are:
- Applying the coating too thick.
- Not letting the coats dry completely.
- Choosing the wrong type of epoxy.
- Not preparing the surface properly.
- Not having the proper conditions.
Polyurea vs. Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Let’s now talk about the differences between polyurea and epoxy garage flooring.
What’s Polyurea Coating?
Polyurea is a polymeric coating designed for industrial and commercial applications. It was first introduced in the early 1990s. Polyurea is more flexible than epoxy, and it has higher abrasion resistance. Professionals typically install polyurea Coating, and it offers all of the benefits of epoxy without needing any DIY work.
Main Differences Between Polyurea Vs. Epoxy Floor Coating
- Polyurea coatings are more flexible than epoxy.
- Polyurea can be applied in a wide range of temperatures, while epoxy has a limited temperature range.
- Polyurea dries faster than epoxy.
- Polyurea is more resistant to chemicals than epoxy.
- Polyurea can be applied in thicker coats than epoxy.
- Epoxy is less expensive than polyurea.
- Polyurea can be used in many applications, while epoxy is mostly limited to floors.
Titan Garage Flooring Solutions Installs Your Garage Floor Coating In Nashville
If you’re looking for a professional garage floor coating installation in Nashville, look no further than Titan Garage Flooring Solutions. We offer polyurea and epoxy coatings in a variety of colors and finishes. We also have a wide range of textures to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Get an estimate today.
