How to Epoxy-Coat a Garage Floor
By , This Old House magazine
Photo: Kolin Smith
For new or bare concrete: Mix the etching solution with water in a plastic watering can, following the manufacturer's directions. Make sure to wear protective gloves, rubber boots, and safety glasses when working with the chemicals.
Wet the floor with a garden hose. Pour the solution over a 10-by-10-foot area in the corner farthest from your exit point. Using a bristle broom, scrub the area in one direction, then go over it again in a perpendicular direction.
Continue etching the floor in small sections. Once you've finished the entire garage, rinse the floor with a garden hose, starting in your first corner and moving forward. Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear. Allow the floor to dry at least 4 hours.
TOH Tip: Stubborn, dark discolorations may be the sign of a set-in oil stain, which will require additional scrubbing with fresh solution.
Steps
- Introduction
- Overview
- 1. Prep and wash the area
- 2. Etch the floor
- 3. Mix up the epoxy paint
- 4. Paint on the epoxy
- 5. Roll the epoxy paint
- 6. Apply the color flakes
- 7. Prepare the top coat
- 8. Apply the top coat
- Helpful Info:
- Skill Builder: How to Patch a Concrete Floor
- Video: How to Apply an Epoxy Coating to a Garage Floor
- Video: How to Muffle a Noisy Garage-Door Opener
- Article: A New Generation of Garage Doors
- Ask This Old House: Insulating and Ventilating a Garage Roof
- Ask This Old House: Wet-Garage Framing
- Ask This Old House: Replacing the Panels on a Garage Door
- Skill Builder: Garage Door Tune-up