Garage floors tend to get the most benefit from a coating system. The floor in the garage takes a beating with extreme temperatures, vehicles tracking in salt and chemicals from the pavement during winter, and overall wear and tear of garage use. Due to this punishment, the garage floors usually develop cracks and pitting and due to the porous nature of concrete, the floor harbors dirt, bacteria and the cracking and pitting can become a safety issue.

There are many do-it-yourself products that claim to make the process as easy, durable, and high-quality as having it done professionally. We have tested and disproved many floor coating myths, here are the facts.

FICTION: All garage floor coatings are the same.

FACT: All coating materials are not created equally. Jim Melchert, founder of Garage-Store.com, explains, “epoxy, polyurea and polyaspartic are various coating systems that use various polymer resins and curing agents that are all packaged separately, but then are mixed, just prior to use. However, when mixed and cured, the coating system becomes a solid polymer system that offers characteristics such as superior adhesion, hardness, UV stability and chemical resistance. These characteristics are dependent on the type of resins, curing agents, solvents and fillers used. The quality, cost, and durability of the coating system is related to the purpose. Be sure to consult a certified installer and review product specifications to ensure the correct product is used for your purpose.”

FICTION:  Floor Coating Systems are just “fancy” paint.

FACT:  Actually, generally speaking epoxy IS fancy paint, but that fancy paint provides so much more than regular paint.

The definition of paint is “a colored substance that is spread over a surface and dries to leave a thin decorative or protective coating.” The difference is that while epoxy may be classified as paint, not all paint is epoxy.

Epoxy is defined  as “very tough, very adhesive, and resistant to chemicals…. used to make protective coatings and glues.”

The level of protection epoxy coating provides far exceeds the paint purchased at a hardware store.

FICTION: A quick sweep and clean of the floor and it’s ready to be coated.

FACT:  If you want your flooring to bond and make sure it seals and coats properly just a quick clean is not enough. The concrete must be resurfaced with a diamond grinder or short blaster to remove imperfections in the surface as well as debris. The cracks/pits are then repaired. After the prep work is done the coating can be completed. If the floor is not prepped correctly, it will not result in a beautifully coated floor.

As you can see, a applying a coating system is so much more than just painting on some epoxy and calling it a day. Services provided by a professional usually go beyond what the typical DIY kit can provide.

Call the Professionals at Garage Store

Garage Store is Chicagoland’s leader in the floor coating industry, with more garage, basement, exterior and commercial floors sold and installed than any of our competitors. Our garage flooring systems are high quality, stain-resistant and are easy to clean. Concrete is a porous surface that harbors dirt, bacteria, stains, and other hard to clean material; but with Garage Store flooring, you will have superior surface protection that will last a lifetime.

For more information on how we can transform your garage floor see our Flooring Page or contact us for your free estimate today!