Garage Floors (Epoxy & Coatings)

Transform your garage with professional epoxy coatings that protect and beautify your floor.

Why Epoxy Coatings for Your Garage Floor

Your garage floor takes a beating. Oil drips, tire marks, spills, and constant traffic leave bare concrete stained and worn. Epoxy coatings provide a protective barrier that makes your garage easier to clean and gives it a professional, finished look. Once you coat your floor, you will wonder why you waited so long.

At Sun Lakes Concrete Expert, we apply industrial-grade epoxy systems designed for garage use. These coatings resist chemicals, impact, and abrasion while looking sharp. Whether you want a solid color, decorative flakes, or a custom design, we have options that fit your budget and style.

Epoxy does more than make your floor look good. It seals the concrete, preventing dust and moisture from penetrating. It also provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that resists stains and tire marks. A coated garage floor adds value to your home and makes your garage a more functional space.

Types of Garage Floor Coatings

Solid Color Epoxy

A solid color epoxy is the most straightforward option. You choose a color, we apply the coating, and you get a clean, uniform finish. This is ideal if you want a simple, professional look without extra cost. Solid epoxy is durable, easy to maintain, and available in a range of colors from neutral grays to bold blues and reds.

Epoxy with Decorative Flakes

Decorative flakes add texture and visual interest. We broadcast colored vinyl chips onto the wet epoxy, creating a speckled or multicolored finish. This option hides dirt and imperfections better than solid colors. It also adds a slight texture that improves traction. You can choose full-broadcast coverage for maximum durability or partial coverage for a more subtle look.

Metallic Epoxy

Metallic epoxy creates a unique, high-gloss finish with depth and movement. The metallic pigments swirl and shift as you view them from different angles, giving your garage a showroom appearance. This is a premium option that costs more but delivers stunning results. Metallic floors work well in garages that double as workshops or display spaces.

Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings

Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are similar to epoxy but cure faster and handle extreme temperatures better. These coatings are ideal for Arizona because they resist UV yellowing and heat. They also allow for quicker return to service, often within 24 hours. If you need your garage back fast or want the most durable coating available, polyurea is the answer.

The Epoxy Installation Process

Proper preparation is the key to a long-lasting epoxy floor. Rushing the prep work leads to peeling, bubbling, and early failure. We take the time to do it right so your floor performs for years.

Step 1: Surface Preparation

We start by cleaning the floor thoroughly and removing any existing sealers, oils, or contaminants. Then we grind or acid-etch the concrete to open the pores. This creates a rough surface that helps the epoxy bond. If there are cracks or divots, we fill them with patching compound. The floor must be completely clean and dry before we apply any coating.

Step 2: Primer Application

A primer coat helps the epoxy adhere to the concrete. Not all floors need primer, but we use it whenever there is any doubt about adhesion. The primer penetrates the concrete and creates a strong foundation for the topcoat. We let the primer cure fully before moving on.

Step 3: Base Coat and Flakes

We mix and apply the epoxy base coat, working in sections to ensure even coverage. If you chose decorative flakes, we broadcast them onto the wet epoxy. The flakes settle into the coating and become part of the finish. Once the base coat cures, we scrape off any loose flakes and prepare for the topcoat.

Step 4: Topcoat and Sealer

The topcoat provides the final protective layer. We apply a clear polyurethane or polyaspartic sealer that adds durability and gloss. This layer resists UV yellowing, chemical damage, and abrasion. The topcoat also gives the floor its final appearance, whether you want a high-gloss shine or a more subtle satin finish.

Curing and Drying Time

Epoxy needs time to cure before you can use the floor. Light foot traffic is usually safe after 24 hours, but you should wait at least three days before driving vehicles on it. Polyurea coatings cure faster, often allowing vehicle traffic within 24 hours. We give you specific instructions based on the coating system we use.

Maintenance and Care for Epoxy Floors

One of the best things about epoxy floors is how easy they are to maintain. Unlike bare concrete, which absorbs stains and holds dust, epoxy sheds dirt and wipes clean. Regular maintenance keeps your floor looking like new for years.

Daily and Weekly Cleaning

Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, mop with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can dull the finish. If you spill oil or chemicals, wipe them up promptly to prevent any potential staining.

Protecting Your Floor

Use mats under workbenches or tool storage to prevent scratches. Place jack stands on protective pads when working on vehicles. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor. While epoxy is durable, sharp edges and heavy impacts can damage any coating. Taking a few simple precautions extends the life of your floor.

When to Recoat

Most epoxy floors last 10 to 20 years depending on traffic and care. If you notice wear in high-traffic areas or the gloss starts to fade, you can apply a fresh topcoat. Recoating is much simpler than the initial installation and refreshes the appearance without starting over. We offer recoating services to keep your floor looking its best.

Coordinating with Other Concrete Work

If you are also working on your driveway or other outdoor concrete, we can coordinate the projects. Many homeowners coat their garage floor as part of a larger concrete upgrade. This ensures everything is done at once and matches visually. We can also handle floor leveling before coating if your garage has uneven sections.

Frequently Asked Questions