DIY Garage Floor Coating: Is It Worth the Effort?
Garage floor coatings for a house or commercial space seem like an easy weekend DIY task, don't they? But have you considered the time it takes to prep the surface and mix materials, as well as how long it takes for the coating to cure? DIY epoxy kits might seem appealing and budget-friendly, too, especially since the materials usually cost between $100 and $500.
The problem with these kits is that they are not a substitute for real experience. A professional contractor may charge up to $12 per square foot, but you get comprehensive service and the best products included in that price.
What Happens When You Don't Have the Necessary Experience?
If you don't have the necessary experience applying a garage floor coating, you will likely miss key steps and crucial details. These include moisture mitigation and mechanical grinding, which can result in the coating’s failure to adhere. If this happens, you'll need to have the floor recoated professionally anyway, costing you even more money.
Professional teams use commercial grinders and advanced polyurea formulations to get the job done. They also employ precise environmental controls to ensure an attractive, long-lasting finish.
Whether you use your garage for parking only or as a heavy-duty workshop, a professionally coated floor can last over 20 years.
Pros of DIY Garage Floor Coating
While you’ll encounter many challenges doing this project alone, that does not mean there are no pros to DIY garage floor coating. For example, these are some benefits:
Material-only DIY kits are half the cost of installation.
If you eliminate labor fees, the project's overall cost can be cut by around 60%.
If you go the DIY route, you can create your own color, including solid or metallic pigments, without paying for special mixtures. You can even opt for flake blends if you want a stand-out look.
You can also take as long as you want to when you DIY-coat your garage floor. However, this could become an eyesore if you procrastinate.
Cons of DIY Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Epoxy is one of the most common garage floor coatings, but if you DIY it, you may encounter problems:
To get epoxy to adhere properly, you must do mechanical grinding or shot blasting to prepare the floor surface. For epoxy to work efficiently, you must achieve a CSP 2-4 concrete profile.
If you ignore moisture vapor emissions, the epoxy will blister. To properly test the emissions, you need specialized meters and sealers.
If you decide on epoxy, it is important to know that the pot life only lasts up to 40 minutes. Mixing a large batch or mixing it too slowly could result in premature curing or an uneven coating.
You must also consider the temperature and humidity. Pinholes may form in the coating if it is 60 to 85°F and 70 to 75% RH. The floor may become clouded, or the cross-linking may be incomplete.
Epoxy doesn't last as long as other materials (polyurea or polyaspartic systems). This means it will last a maximum of 10 years in a garage with vehicles and lots of foot traffic.
Why Hiring Experts Makes Sense
There is no need to stress about a DIY garage floor coating project when you can hire experts to do it for you. Anderson Painting's team uses only the best equipment and materials to guarantee excellent adherence.
We partner with Penntek to install high-quality polyurea systems. These systems cure fast and have chemical resistance and UV stability. You will not find similar features with a standard DIY kit.
Furthermore, the Anderson Painting crew follows all EPA and OSHA standards on VOCs and waste containment. Plus, your garage floor coating will come with a full warranty on materials and workmanship.
Anderson Painting Can Elevate Any Garage Floor Coating Project
While an epoxy garage floor coating DIY project can save money and offer customization, the risks outweigh the benefits. You will end up with a blistering floor coating if you don't know how to prep the surface and apply the materials properly.
With Anderson Painting, you are guaranteed professional service and a high-performance, long-lasting floor finish.
If you're ready to elevate your garage with a stunning, durable floor, contact Anderson Painting today. Get your free quote and let the experts transform your space with the best garage floor coatings in the industry.
