If you are planning to get your garage floor coated with epoxy, you need to know that proper preparation is crucial for a durable, long-lasting floor. A common mistake that many DIYers make is skipping steps in the preparation process.
A professional contractor uses a shot blasting machine that pummel metal beads into the concrete to prepare it for epoxy coating. This is a more effective way of prepping the surface than acid etching or diamond grinding.
Clean the Substrate
Whether you are looking to install epoxy flooring in your home garage or your industrial floor, it is crucial that you start with a clean substrate for its ability to maintain a sterile environment. This means removing any dirt and debris, and repairing any cracks or holes. Once the floor is clean, it is important to apply a concrete primer that will allow the epoxy to bond to it. The primer can be applied using a paint roller or sprayer. Once the primer is dry, it is time to begin applying the epoxy.
There are a number of different ways to prepare the substrate for an epoxy coating, including shot blasting and grinding. These techniques will create the ideal surface for the coating to adhere to, ensuring a long-lasting and durable finish.
Once the epoxy is applied, it will form covalent bonds with the substrate, creating a strong chemical bond that won’t break down over time. Epoxy also has superior tensile strength and chemical resistance, making it an excellent choice for high traffic areas.
Despite the fact that epoxy floors are very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear, they still require regular maintenance to ensure they stay in top condition. Regular scrubbing will keep the floor free of dirt, debris, and other contaminants. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful pathogens on the floor, which could cause health issues for employees or customers.
It is also important to clean up spills and other debris as soon as they occur. This will not only help prevent future damage to the floor, but it will also keep the dust and grime from settling in the epoxy and becoming more difficult to remove.
To keep your floor as clean as possible, it is recommended that you sweep and mop it on a weekly basis. You may also want to consider placing mats at the entrances of your building to trap any dirt and debris before it can make its way onto the floor. This will save you a lot of time and effort and will help to extend the life of your floor.
Remove All Debris
If you want an epoxy floor that looks great and lasts a long time, it’s essential to take care of the substrate before it gets coated. That means cleaning it regularly and removing any materials that aren’t appropriate for an epoxy coating. For example, engine oil, antifreeze, and other automotive chemicals are toxic to an epoxy resin surface and should be wiped up as soon as they spill. The same goes for household cleaners, paints, and abrasive solvents. Even a little bit of grit or dirt can embed in the concrete and cause abrasions on your epoxy surface, so keeping it clean is important.
If your floors are especially dirty or damaged, a professional can help you clean and prepare them for an epoxy coating. They’ll use a pressure washer to remove any oil or other materials that may be present. They’ll also remove any damaged or cracked areas of the concrete and fill them with repair mortar so that they look good once the new coating is applied.
After a thorough cleaning and any repairs, the concrete floor is ready for an epoxy primer to be applied. This step helps the epoxy adhere to the concrete and increases the durability of the finished product. Professionals will usually acid etch the concrete before applying the primer, but this can be difficult for an average homeowner or small business owner to do on their own.
Once the primer is applied, it’s important to let it dry completely before applying any more layers of epoxy. You can use a roller or spray, but either one requires the same level of preparation to ensure that the final coat is smooth and durable.
A professional can also assist with floor leveling and lifting if necessary. If your garage floor has become sunken or uneven, this will be an essential step to ensure that the new epoxy doesn’t sink and crack, leading to further damage and potential safety hazards. Getting your floor leveled is an inexpensive and quick process that can save you a lot of money in the long run by protecting your expensive epoxy flooring.
Level the Substrate
The surface of the concrete floor needs to be leveled before applying any epoxy coating. This is usually done by using a concrete leveler, which lifts sunken areas of the substrate and creates an even surface. If the substrate is not leveled, the epoxy will eventually crack and peel from uneven surfaces.
Another important aspect of this process is ensuring that the concrete is dry. Moisture can cause the epoxy to blister, delaminate, or fail completely, and it is crucial that it is not present in the substrate before beginning the process. A moisture meter or plastic sheet test can be used to detect excess moisture.
After the concrete has been thoroughly cleaned and leveled, a self-leveling concrete primer should be applied to the surface. This allows the epoxy to bond with the surface and create a strong, durable floor.
Finally, the actual floor can be coated with a high-quality epoxy resin concrete sealer. This will protect the floor from chemicals, water, and other elements that can damage it. It is critical that the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application are followed precisely, as improper techniques can result in bubbling or flaking.
If you are considering having your garage floors coated with epoxy, it is essential to choose a contractor that has extensive experience with this type of flooring. Look for a contractor that is affiliated with an industry leader or recognized epoxy manufacturer, as this is often a sign of a company that is dedicated to quality and best practices.
Brandon Coleman is a full-time garage remodeler and epoxy flooring specialist with over 10 years of experience in creating beautiful, resilient floors. He is passionate about helping clients transform their garages and basements into functional spaces that can be enjoyed for years to come. He is always happy to provide transparent quotes and discuss the best options for each client’s individual space. Contact him today to learn more about his services or to schedule a consultation!
Seal the Substrate
Installing epoxy flooring is a great way to upgrade any space, from a home garage to an industrial warehouse. This material is durable, easy to clean, and offers a wide range of color options. It can also be customized to include non-slip elements, making it ideal for areas where foot and automobile traffic are high. However, it is important to properly prepare the substrate prior to applying an epoxy floor coating. Otherwise, the material will peel or bubble up.
The first step is to remove all of the concrete dust from the floor. This can be done with a hand grinder and diamond cup wheel or by renting a walk behind floor grinder machine. It is important to vacuum or use a blower between each grinding pass and when you are finished. This will prevent the fine concrete dust from getting into the air where it could interfere with the application of the epoxy coating.
Once the surface is clean, it can be prepped for application by sanding any rough areas and cleaning the substrate once again. You should also test for moisture, as this can affect the performance of an epoxy resin. To do this, pour a small amount of water onto the surface. If it beads up rather than soaking in, the substrate is not sealed and will need to be treated with a moisture seal before the epoxy coating can be applied.
After the moisture seal is applied and allowed to dry, it is time for the epoxy coating. This can be done with a solvent, water-based, or 100% solids product. Most contractors recommend the 100% solids product because it can be used in any temperature and doesn’t require a chemical stripper like the other two types.
Once the epoxy is mixed, it can be broadcast across the floor using a roller. Many contractors prefer to work in 10-by-10-foot sections, and it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves while doing this because it can be messy. After the initial coat is rolled on, you can apply additional layers of epoxy or add color flakes.