Whether you’re thinking about renovating your garage or simply wanting to refinish your existing floors, there are several things to consider before you start the process. You should consider what colors you’d like to have, how long the floor will take to cure, and whether you’ll need to get your own tools.
Water-based vs 100% solids epoxy
Choosing a garage floor epoxies can be difficult. There are many different types of epoxy coatings to choose from, and it’s important to know the differences between them.
There are three main types of epoxy floors: solvent-based, water-based and solid-based. Each of these has their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of surface you’re covering.
If you’re just looking to cover a small portion of your garage, a solvent-based coating may be all you need. However, if you have a heavy-traffic area, you’ll need to install a two-part epoxy that has solids.
The most common choice for a garage floor coating is a solid-based epoxy. These products are more durable and have a glossy finish, but they aren’t the easiest to work with. You’ll need to use special tools and protective gear. You should also take precautions to avoid getting epoxy on your skin or into your eyes.
A 100% solids epoxy is the strongest type of coating. It’s more durable, chemical resistant and impact resistant. It can also resist scratches and hot tires.
Preparing the floor
Putting an epoxy floor in your garage can be a fairly easy project if you follow the right steps. However, the process can be a bit daunting if you’re not a professional.
First, you need to remove any existing shelving units and painter’s tape off the walls. These steps are pretty obvious, but it’s a good idea to do them before you start.
Next, you need to prep the concrete in preparation for the epoxy. This includes removing stains and other residue, and grinding the surface. This will leave you with a smoother, more porous surface to work with.
You can apply the epoxy using a brush, a roller, or a high-pressure nozzle. The latter method will produce a thicker coat and is much less messy.
The most important part of the epoxy floor process is making sure the surface is clean. There are a variety of cleaners available, ranging from harsh degreasers to safer, but less effective organics. You will also want to ensure the surface is dry.
Colors available
Choosing the right epoxy garage floor colors for your home is not a trivial matter. The right choice can improve your organization, security and ambiance. However, the selection process can be daunting for property owners who are unfamiliar with the various colors available.
The best way to go about it is to consult a professional. These experts can help you make the most of your cement surfaces. They also offer expert advice on the best products for your needs.
The right color can also boost the safety of your garage. For example, a dark colored floor can hide oil spills and tire marks.
The best color for your garage depends on the type of car you drive. For instance, if you have a red vehicle, a black floor will make it stand out. A light colored floor will make the room feel bigger.
The best epoxy garage floor colors will be the ones that best complement your existing flooring. For example, if you have wooden flooring, a gray floor won’t look out of place.
Duration of cure
Typically, epoxy garage floors will take between seven and twenty-four hours to completely cure. The length of time is based on a number of factors. It depends on the type of epoxy, the size of the room, and the conditions surrounding the curing process.
The duration of cure for epoxy garage floors will vary depending on the climate. If you live in an area with high humidity, your floor will take longer to dry. In addition, the colder the weather, the more time it will take to complete the project. In such a case, you may have to wait several days to complete the installation.
You can speed up the curing process by using an epoxy accelerator. The epoxy accelerator will not affect the decorative concrete surface. However, the surface roughness will increase and the cured resin may not be evenly colored.
You will also need to make sure that you do not place heavy objects on the newly cured floor during the hardening stage. Then, you will need to wait at least five days to drive on the floor.