How to Paint a Garage Floor with Epoxy

Before prepping your floors for painting and epoxy coating, you’ll first want to thoroughly clean the surface of dirt, debris, oil patches, grease stains, wax, and other contaminants. This includes sweeping and washing the floor, preferably with a pressure washer and a scrub brush.

Unsightly oil and grease stains in particularly need to be removed because oil stain deposits will prevent the epoxy from bonding to the garage floor, resulting in an unsightly ‘fisheye’ effect. Soap and hot water won’t be enough to remove wax or grease but there are several brands of industrial-strength, non-toxic degreasers you can purchase for the job.

After thoroughly cleaning your garage floor, inspect the surface once again for cracks and fill these with an epoxy of your choice. Be sure to choose a brand that will sand easily when it dries, so you can sand down and flush the surface after it hardens. If you choose a patching compound, use a trowel to apply the mixture and level it.

As an alternative to epoxy, crack filler can be used for cracks smaller than ¼ inch. Simply pour the latex into the groove and let it dry. Since it’s a liquid, it levels with the floor without any need for sanding.

Although mixing the epoxy coating kit can be a straight-forward process, rushing this crucial step can result in a finish that fails to properly seal and coat your floors evenly.

A common mistake when applying epoxy coating to your garage floor is underestimating the amount you’ll need. Concrete floors are porous and absorb moisture from the epoxy during the drying process. Depending on the size of your garage floor and the level of seasonal humidity you experience, you’ll need to make sure you have enough epoxy to completely cover the surface with at least 2 – 3 coatings.

Pay attention to the coverage rate listed on the coating the kit before you purchase it to avoid running out. Stretching the epoxy mix to finish the job will only weaken the compound, making it appear distinctly less glossy and different in colour when it dries.

Be sure to mix the appropriate ratios of Part A Resin and Part B Hardener and follow the mixing instructions closely. Avoid mixing them too quickly with the paddler, as this can cause air bubbles once the mix hardens and settles. Instead of creating a vortex or swirling motion, churn the mixture with the paddle closer to the bottom rather than the top for more even results.

Finally, pay attention to the induction time required for the epoxy to settle. Some epoxies require this sitting time for the batch to cure and harden adequately before it can be applied.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to buy more epoxy than you need. In fact, many manufacturers expressly state that you can expect up to a 15% material loss during the coating process.

With your garage floor thoroughly prepped, cleaned, and coated with epoxy, you can now paint the floor in your desired shade.

It’s important to choose an epoxy paint designed specifically for garage floors. Paint used for walls will typically fade in a few months.

Paint from the edges of the room out, using a brush to carefully paint the edges. A paint roller with an extended reach or long handle will make painting the floor much easier physically and allow for a more even coat.

For even results, move the roller with perpendicular strokes, progressing in small areas of 2ft x 6ft until you have completely covered the area. Apply two coats of paint for a spectacular finish.

Decorative paint chips are the final step in your garage floor renovation. These can be easily sprinkled across the surface at your discretion to create an effect that neatly conceals any flaws in the flooring.

While a new coat of epoxy will take up to seven days to completely cure, epoxy paint will typically dry within 24 hours, enough for you to lightly walk across.

Excessive moisture or humidity will extend the time it takes for the paint to dry and leave you with an uneven finish that may require touching up. Ensure as much ventilation as possible during the drying process. Remember to keep pets and children well away for at least the first 12 hours.