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Most garage floor paints are epoxy-based and available in DIY kits. One-part epoxies are simpler to apply than two-part epoxies, which have a more involved process. Sometimes, people also use latex-based paint because it’s easier to clean up mistakes with soap and water. Either way, make sure your paint is specifically designed for concrete garage floors. It should say so on the label.

The actual moisture level that is acceptable for your concrete floor depends on what primer or flooring material you plan to install above it. For this reason, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact details.

Generally, the moisture levels should be 3.5% to 4.5%, although it does vary. Some products can handle higher levels of moisture, so you should always test your concrete before purchasing your flooring materials.

Concrete sealers will help your garage floors resist water, but they will not make the floor waterproof. You will need to purchase a specific waterproof floor paint for concrete and apply several coats over several days if you want your garage floor to be truly impermeable. While the process is similar to sealing the floors, the materials are different, and the need for multiple coats will extend the process and drying time.

New flooring costs quite a bit, so longevity is important to think about. Concrete generally has the longest life span, but it’s not always a good solution for homes with wooden subfloors. That said, hardwood floors and stone floors can last up to 100 years, and you can refinish or restore them to remove imperfections from daily wear.