subject: Application Of Garage Floor Coating Can Be Vital - Understanding The Right Way May Save You A Small [print this page] Applying a good garage floor coating will add a whole new dimension to your garage and and some additional value to your home. When it comes to durability of coatings, epoxy is a 5 step solution that is very popular, although there are some dangers involved in it's application, so you may consider hiring a professional to do it. Here is a "to do" list, start to finish, of what needs to be done.
Clear everything out. Yes, you can apply the coating around cabinets, appliances, and the like, but it's far easier with nothing but an empty garage with clean floors.
Also part of this first step is preparing the floor for the coating by removing all existing paint, sealants, or previous coatings. A buffer is used next to grind a rough edge into the surface. This provides the coating something to "leak" into giving it some traction, and helps prevent peeling. Acid etching is not a recommended strategy because it makes the floor smoother than before and the coating won't have anything to adhere to.
If there are any surface cracks or damages they will be dealt with now. Any repair may result in additional charges from the contractor.
At this point, application of an alkali moisture barrier must be put down to prevent moisture from getting in. Next is the epoxy itself, although it's not uncommon to apply both of these simultaneously. A spreading of vinyl chips is next, which can easily be done by hand, then dried overnight.
After the 24 hour period is up remove the excess vinyl chips, then sand the floor. After sanding it softens the 'gritty' feeling of the floor up, but provides you with a no-skid surface. Next, you need to apply an impervious clear coat, which will also need to dry for a while...usually half a day....also, remember these are highly toxic chemicals that need plenty of ventilation.
Expect to keep your cars off the surface for at least three days, giving the coating a chance to dry and cure. The entire process usually takes about three days.
