Are you one of those people who think there’s no use in painting the garage floor and it better be left as bare concrete? Guess what! There are many reasons why you should change your mind because garage floor paint has more benefits than you might think.
Painting the garage floor is a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetics of your space, protect the concrete from damage, and make cleaning easier. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can easily achieve a professional-looking finish. But first, how much paint do you need for your garage floor?
How Much Paint Do I Need?
To determine how much paint you would need, measure your garage floor’s square footage. It is always a good idea to purchase 10-20% more paint than your calculations to account for spills or mistakes, touch-ups, and variations in surface absorption. Some garage floors may require two coats for optimal durability and coverage. Likewise, rough or porous concrete might also require more paint.
Now that you have determined the quantity of paint, it’s time to decide on the best paint for your garage floor.
Which is the Best Garage Floor Paint?
Selecting the best garage floor paint is just as important as selecting the best paint for your home. When deciding, consider your needs, such as durability, resistance, ease of application, and budget. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings are top-tier choices for long-lasting protection and aesthetics, while acrylic latex is great for lighter use.
Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paint is one of the most popular choices for garage floors due to its durability and resistance to chemicals, stains, and abrasions. You can use One-Part Epoxy Paint such as Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield 1-Part Epoxy Garage Floor Paint. It is suitable for low-traffic garages and is easier to apply as it doesn’t require mixing.
Two-Part Epoxy Paint is ideal for high-traffic garages or those exposed to heavy machinery as it offers superior durability and protection. It requires mixing a resin and hardener before application. You could use - Rust-Oleum RockSolid Garage Floor Coating, KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Concrete & Garage Floor Paint.
Acrylic Latex Paint
Not as durable as epoxy, it works well for light-duty garages. It is also affordable and easy to apply. Examples - BEHR Premium Concrete & Garage Floor Paint.
Polyurethane Coatings
These are extremely durable and resistant to UV rays, making them ideal for garages with windows or exposure to sunlight. Although more expensive, these are worth the investment for long-term use. Examples - ArmorPoxy PU Coating.
Non-Slip Additives
For added safety, consider paints or coatings that include non-slip additives or mix your own additives into the paint.
How To Paint Garage Floor?
Before diving into painting, make sure to prepare your surface as proper preparation is important for long-lasting results.
Preparing the Garage Floor for Painting
Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove surface dust and debris. Use a concrete cleaner or degreaser to eliminate oil stains, grease, and dirt. Use a pressure washer for deeper cleaning.
Inspect the floor for cracks, chips, or holes. Use a concrete patch or filler to repair any damage.
Some concrete surfaces require etching to improve paint adhesion. Use a concrete etching solution then rinse thoroughly and allow the floor to dry completely.
If your floor is very smooth or has a glossy finish, lightly sand it or use a floor grinder to create a rough texture for better paint adhesion.
Tape off edges using painter’s tape to protect walls, baseboards, and other areas you don’t want to paint.
Pre-Paint Primer
After you have prepared your surface for the paint job, it’s time to apply primer.
Apply an even coat using a paint roller, starting from the farthest corner and working toward the exit. Allow the primer to dry completely before starting to paint.
Finally, Painting!
Mix the paint thoroughly for an even consistency. If you’re using a non-slip additive, mix it into the paint at this stage.
Using a paint roller with an extension pole, apply the paint in sections. Begin at the farthest corner and work your way toward the exit.
Use a brush to paint edges and corners where the roller can’t reach.
After the first coat dries up, apply a second coat for better durability and coverage.
Let it Cure
Allow the paint to cure completely before walking or driving on the floor. This typically takes 3-7 days, depending on the paint type and environmental conditions. Avoid placing heavy objects or vehicles on the floor during this period.
How To Remove Paint From Garage Floor?
Over time, paint on the garage floor can chip, peel, or simply lose its appeal, making it necessary to remove it. Whether you're looking to apply a fresh coat of paint or restore the natural concrete, removing paint requires the right tools, materials, and techniques.
Remove Loose Paint
Use a paint scraper or putty knife to remove any peeling or flaking paint. For stubborn areas, a wire brush or floor scrubber can help.
Apply a Chemical Paint Stripper
For adhered paint, a chemical stripper is the most effective solution. Select a chemical paint stripper specifically formulated for concrete surfaces.
Most strippers need to be poured or brushed onto the surface and left to sit for around 15-30 minutes. After the stripper has softened the paint, use a scraper or wire brush to remove it. Once the paint is removed, rinse the floor with water. Use a pressure washer for faster and more effective cleaning.
Use a Floor Grinder for Stubborn Paint
If chemical strippers fail to remove the paint, a concrete floor grinder with diamond grinding wheel can help. Be cautious not to grind too deeply into the concrete.
Clean and Neutralize the Surface
After removing the paint, clean the floor thoroughly with mild detergent. Rinse the floor with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Be it painting garages or removing the paint, it is indeed a cumbersome task and better be left to the experts. At Adam Painters and Decorators, we have the right tools and materials along with the expertise to carry out the task professionally, without leaving any scope for mistakes. Contact us and get a free estimate for your next garage painting project.