Commonly used in garages, epoxy is a synthetic resin coating that goes over the top of concrete surfaces. If you’re deciding between polished concrete and epoxy flooring, the best choice depends on your needs and personal preference. Epoxy is durable and highly customizable, while polished concrete tends to require less maintenance. They’re both long-lasting with similar price points, and professional installation is recommended for each.
Unlike staining concrete, painting concrete often results in chips and peeling over time. You can expect numerous touchups over the years if the concrete is in a high-traffic area. Since concrete paints are opaque, you may also find it more difficult to get the exact color results you want. Lastly, painting concrete can make it much more slippery unless you mix in an additive for traction.
When you’re painting a garage floor, it’s best to use a combination of rollers and brushes. You’ll want to start with a brush, making a border around the edges where the floor meets the wall. From there you can use a roller, though some people also like to do the entire first coat with a brush because it’s easier to work the paint into the textured concrete.
Garage floor sealers last anywhere from one to 10 years on average, depending on the type of sealer you use and the traffic it’s exposed to. Acrylic sealers have the shortest longevity, whereas most other options can last anywhere from five to 10 years. If you use an acrylic sealant to protect against stains, reapply every one to two years. Reapply other types of concrete sealers every five years for the best results and maximum protection.
Epoxy and polyurethane sealers can last five to 10 years, while acrylic sealers last two to three years or more depending on the use, wear of the surface, and type of sealer you choose. Areas that see heavy traffic or extreme ice and snow may require more frequent sealing. Test your concrete every two years to gauge how it responds to absorbing water or if it fully repels it for longer than 20 seconds.
The Carlin, NV homeowners’ guide to epoxy flooring services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
This guide breaks down the cost of installing epoxy flooring in your garage, basement, or other space. Costs depend on resin type, floor size, and more.
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