How to Epoxy-Coat a Garage Floor

By: Jennifer Stimpson, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. GARAGE-FLOOR EPOXY KIT
Includes etching solution, colored epoxy paint, and color-fleck additives (which you can order more of if necessary). Measure the square footage of your space, then check the manufacturer's coverage and coating recommendations to see how much you'll need. clear epoxy top coat Comes in a separate kit and includes the antiskid granules.

2. ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
to prepare the floor, for previously painted floors only (in place of the cleaner that comes with the kit).

3. PLASTIC SHEETING
to protect the surrounding walls during the cleaning and epoxy application. 4. PAINTER'S TAPE
to secure the plastic sheeting.

5. 3/8-INCH-NAP ROLLER COVERS
to apply both epoxy paint and clear top coat. You'll need three if you plan to do two coats of epoxy and one of clear coat.

6. 3-INCH POLYESTER PAINTBRUSH
to cut in at corners, seams, and edges.

7. PAINT-TRAY LINERS

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Bristlepush Broom
- Paint Roller Tray
- Plastic Watering Can
- Electric Floor Maintainer (optional—rents for about $40 a day)
- Roller Frame with extension handle
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Product selections for this project
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Photo: Kolin Smith

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9

1. Prep and wash the area

Using painter’s tape, stick plastic sheeting to the walls along the edge of the foundation, or at the height to which you will apply the epoxy up the walls. Sweep the floor thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. Using an old paintbrush, dust out corners and seams. If your floor was not previously painted, skip to Step 2.

For painted floors: Using a floor maintainer fitted with a light-sanding pad, scuff the paint to degloss it. Sweep away the dust. Then, using a bristle broom, scrub down the surface with an all-purpose cleaner. Rinse the floor thoroughly and let it dry for at least 4 hours. Continue with Step 3.

TOH Tip: To check if the floor is clean, stick a strip of duct tape to it once it’s dry, then peel it away. If you see any dust or particles on the tape, clean the floor again.