From colorful paint to protective epoxy kits, garage floor coatings can help spruce up your garage floor and protect it from scratches and spills.
However, picking the right coating may be difficult for inexperienced homeowners, as there are a variety of products and coating styles to choose from. Our team spent time reviewing the time garage floor coating options available to help you narrow down your purchasing decision.
Typically, DIY can cost from $30 a can to upwards of $400 for heavy-duty materials. The type, material, and quantity can influence costs, so it’s important to understand the differences before deciding on a product. Overall, we recommend the Rust-Oleum RockSolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Kit as our top choice thanks to its crack- and peel-resistant polycuramine coating that’s extremely durable and resistant to chemicals. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 7 Garage Floor Coatings
Based on our research, these are the best garage floor coating options.
- Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Kit: Best Overall
- KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint: Best Garage Floor Paint
- Colored Epoxies Clear Resin Coating: Best Epoxy Floor Coating
- Siloxa-Tek Penetrating Concrete Sealer: Best Concrete Sealer
- Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor Paint: Most Durable Garage Floor Coating
- MPC-275 Polyurea Coating System: Best Polyurea Coating
- Rust Bullet DuraGradeConcrete Coating: Best Adhesion
Compare Top-Rated Garage Floor Coatings
| Product | Size | Area Covered | Drying Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Rust-Oleum Garage Floor KitCheck Price | 1.4 gallons | 450–500 square feet | 8–10 hours; vehicle-ready in 24 hours |
KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor PaintCheck Price | 1 gallon | 450–500 square feet | 24 hours |
Colored Epoxies Clear Resin CoatingCheck Price | 3 gallons | 850–900 square feet | 7–9 hours; vehicle-ready in 24 hours |
Siloxa-Tek Penetrating Concrete SealerCheck Price | 1 gallon | 250 square feet | 4–6 hours; water-repellant in 7 days |
Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor PaintCheck Price | 1 gallon | 300–400 square feet | 12–16 hours; vehicle-ready in 3 days |
MPC-275 Polyurea Coating SystemCheck Price | 2 gallons | 400 square feet | 48 hours |
Rust Bullet DuraGradeConcrete CoatingCheck Price | 1 gallon | 300–350 square feet | 2–6 hours to touch and re-coat; 72 hours full cure |
Best Overall
Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Kit
This crack- and peel-resistant polycuramine floor coating kit features a self-leveling compound that covers up to a 2.5-car space. We were impressed with this coating’s fast-drying, high-gloss finish. Better yet, it’s ready for vehicle use in as little as 24 hours and comes with color flakes that add a little curb appeal to your floor.
Pros and Cons of Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Kit
- One kit covers up to 500 square feet
- Dries with a showroom-shine high-gloss finish
- Resists hot tire pick-up
- The complete kit is expensive relative to alternatives
- Heavy application will cover less than the advertised 2.5-car garage
What People Are Saying About The Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Kit
We found that a majority of customers who used this product to protect their garage flooring said that it was effective and produced satisfactory results. They also said that the high-gloss finish looked incredible. However, we saw that some also mentioned that the necessary preparation was cumbersome and that the amount of floor coating didn’t go as far as advertised.
Best Garage Floor Paint
KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint
Available in silver or slate gray, this epoxy acrylic paint is a durable and easy-to-clean garage and concrete coating. The paint comes in a 1-gallon can that covers up to 500 square feet of smooth surfaces. Additionally, our research showed this chemical-resistant paint dries to the touch in 2 hours.
Pros and Cons of KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint
- Comes in an easy, no-mix formula
- Resists hot tire pick-up
- Produces a slip-resistant satin finish
- May require multiple coats for complete floor protection
- Rough surfaces require more KILZ per square foot
What People Are Saying About The KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint
We noticed that customers who reviewed this garage floor coating positively said that it looked great, dried nicely, and provided even coverage throughout the floor of their garage. They added that there was little to no smell. Negatively, we saw that the coating started to peel for some users after a matter of months or weeks, despite following the directions carefully. Some users also experienced hot tire marks.
Best Epoxy Floor Coating
Colored Epoxies Clear Resin Coating
Made with 100% solid epoxy, this garage floor coating retains its thickness and shape when curing after application. We like that this product comes in up to a 15-gallon kit and is offered in a variety of colors. Additionally, the epoxy is water-, mildew-, and mold-resistant and dries in 7–9 hours.
Pros and Cons of Colored Epoxies Clear Resin Coating
- Dries on clear
- Comes in a 3-gallon pack for ample coverage
- Doesn’t produce a noticeable odor
- Takes 7-9 hours to dry, not including its 24-hour vehicle-safe dry time
- Some customers complained about the coating’s thin color opacity
What People Are Saying About The Colored Epoxies Clear Resin Coating
We noted that customers who used this garage floor coating raved that the finish was of high quality and delivered a shiny, durable finish, while others said that the manufacturer’s customer service was top-notch. Conversely, we also saw that unsatisfied customers experienced thin, nearly transparent coverage, wishing that the coating dried on thicker.
Best Concrete Sealer
Siloxa-Tek Penetrating Concrete Sealer
This floor coating protects concrete garage floors from water and moisture damage. The product comes in a 1-gallon bottle that easily sprays, rolls, or brushes onto surfaces like driveways, basements, and garages. We also noted that the concrete surfaces sealer doesn’t require pre-mixing.
Pros and Cons of Siloxa-Tek Penetrating Concrete Sealer
- Can be used on exterior concrete, brick, and masonry
- Protects surfaces against ice melt and rock salt
- Offers a superior water beading effect with no clouding effect
- Requires two coats
- Gallon only covers 250 square feet
What People Are Saying About The Siloxa-Tek Penetrating Concrete Sealer
We noticed that the majority of users who reviewed this penetrating concrete sealer recommended it to others, citing that it was easy to apply, dried on color-free, and covered the amount of area as advertised without any issues. On the other hand, we also saw that some unhappy reviewers felt that the product information was incomplete online, and others said that the instructions were vague and unclear.
Most Durable Garage Floor Coating
Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor Paint
This 1-gallon can of paint comes with a protective, smooth gray satin finish that we found can be applied to garages, patios, and basements. The easy-to-use paint can be washed with soap, is formulated with advanced acrylic technology, and is fade- and stain-resistant for a durable look.
Pros and Cons of Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor Paint
- Can be used on interior and exterior surfaces
- Offers UV- and weather-resistant
- Neutral armor gray color blends in with other surface colors
- Requires a careful and thorough application so it doesn’t dry blotchy or spotty
- Some users still experienced oil spots after applying the epoxy shield correctly
What People Are Saying About The Rust-Oleum Concrete Floor Paint
Many customer reviews that we saw indicated that this concrete floor paint was easy to spread and apply. They also felt that the product was relatively affordable and competitively priced based on the other options available to them. Alternatively, we also saw that several users damaged the floor coating just days after application by driving on it with wet tires, despite claiming to follow the instructions carefully and waiting enough time for the coats to dry.
Best Polyurea Coating
MPC-275 Polyurea Coating System
Polyurea coatings are heavy-duty and UV-resistant, making them one of the top options for garage floors. Although polyurea coatings are often used for commercial purposes, this at-home coating from Master Protective Coatings gives the benefits of excellent adhesion, a glossy finish, and a chemical-resistant barrier to homeowners.
Pros and Cons of MPC-275 Polyurea Coating System
- Provides superior abrasion, chemical, and UV-resistance
- Has a clear, glossy finish that’s built to last
- Has a one-to-one mixing ratio by volume
- Has a difficult application for non-experienced DIYers
- Should only be used for high-traffic areas
What People Are Saying About The MPC-275 Polyurea Coating System
Of the positive reviews we found for this product, we noted that customers were impressed with its easy application, how quickly it dried, and how well it shined, noting that it held up well over time. However, a few customers did feel this product had a strong odor, and others found the application difficult.
Best Adhesion
Rust Bullet DuraGradeConcrete Coating
Having a strong adhesion is essential when coating a garage floor, and this product can be purchased with an anti-skid material that can be added over the base polyurethane for added protection. This coating works on both indoor and outdoor surfaces and is completely scratch, chip, and UV-resistant. It also does not require a base.
Pros and Cons of Rust Bullet DuraGradeConcrete Coating
- Is available in a wide variety of colors
- Protects against wear and tear, as well as harsh chemicals and UV rays
- Can be applied directly to concrete
- Has a high price point
- Can dry out over time
What People Are Saying About The Rust Bullet DuraGradeConcrete Coating
Our team found that customers who gave this product a positive review were pleased with this product’s fast drying time, durable finish, and the accuracy of the color. However, there were some reviewers who felt this coating was challenging to apply, and others commented on the harsh smell it gave off during use.
Types of Garage Floor Coatings
Garage floor protectants typically come in two different styles: coatings and coverings. Coatings are typically thicker and are the type typically done by professionals, while coverings are more suited to DIY experiences. Read our guide below for more information on which is best for your home.
Garage Floor Coatings vs. Garage Floor Coverings
Garage floor coatings, typically available in either epoxy or paint, are more permanent solutions than non-adherent floor coverings.
- Garage floor epoxy coatings use a chemical reaction that bonds to the concrete and hardens to form a long-lasting and protective finish.
- Garage floor paints give your floor a new look while protecting its surface from chemical spills, dings, high traffic, oil spills, and moisture. To create a more durable finish, some garage floor paints add a small amount of epoxy to their formula.
Garage floor coverings, offered in floor mats or tiles, are removable protective solutions that shield your existing floor from scuff marks and oil stains. Although garage floor coverings are more convenient and forgiving than coatings, they don’t offer the same level of durability.
- Garage floor tiles interlock, creating a nonpermanent protective barrier and preventing damage to your garage floors.
- Garage floor mats are installed easily by rolling onto your existing concrete slab to create a durable surface that’s easy to clean up.
What To Need to Know When Buying Garage Floor Coating
Before upgrading your garage by investing in a floor coating, we highly recommend considering the installation and maintenance requirements of each option to help you find the right product for you. You should also examine your garage’s main use, and the amount of foot and vehicle traffic it gets. Finally, look into the square footage of your garage to determine how much coverage you need. Read our buying guide below for more information on the biggest factors to consider when buying garage floor coating.
Installation
The installation requirements for a garage floor coating will vary depending on the model. Polyurea and polyaspartic floor coatings go on in a single coat and cure faster than epoxy-heavy coatings. One such example we found is the Rust-Oleum’s Polycuramine coating, which is vehicle-ready within 24 hours of application.
Although some paints require just one coat, most garage floor paints, sealers, and epoxies require two coats to deliver a long-lasting and even finish, plus a few hours of dry time between coats.
Learn more about how to apply epoxy paint to your garage floor to help you decide whether epoxy resin, acrylic, or temporary flooring is the best choice for your needs.
Garage Use
When deciding between a garage floor coating, our team finds that you should consider how you use your garage. If you’re looking for a general protectant that can help your floor resist cracking and deter mold and mildew buildup, a simple sealer should work.
However, if you perform extensive car repairs and maintenance work in your garage, a waterproof and abrasion-resistant epoxy may be a better option.
Coverage
A coating’s coverage is measured in square feet. Most paints cover around 500 square feet on smooth surfaces, while sealers cover around 250 square feet. Because of their thick and heavy-duty consistencies, garage floor epoxies typically cover less than 200 square feet per gallon.
Maintenance
We find that it is significantly easier to clean a coated garage floor than it is to clean concrete that’s untreated. In general, both paint and epoxy are easy to clean because of their smooth finish and water-resistant properties. Weather- and corrosion-proof coatings require nothing more than soap and water.
Steps To Take Before Installing Garage Floor Coating
Without the proper preparation, garage floor coating could lead to poor adhesion, defects, or even possible safety hazards. Here are some important steps to take before you apply garage floor coating.
- Assess the surface condition: Examine your concrete floors carefully for cracks, pits, spalls or signs of damage that may need repair. You should also check for oil stains, wax residue, or any chemical contaminants that need to be cleaned before application.
- Make sure the environment is correct: Check the individual product description to see what the ideal conditions are for use. Generally, between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. If coating indoors, make sure the area is fully and properly ventilated.
- Check for moisture: Test your garage concrete for excess moisture that could interfere with coating bonding. Tape down a two-by-two plastic sheet for 24 hours before coating, and see how much condensation it has absorbed.
- Cover surrounding areas: Before using coating, protect the surrounding areas of your garage by covering them with painter’s tape, drop cloths, or other coverings to help ensure they won’t get excess splatter or spills.
Garage Floor Coating FAQs
How long will my epoxy floor coating last?
An epoxy floor’s lifespan depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of foot traffic and maintenance it receives. For most residential uses, our research shows that epoxy floors will last between 10 and 20 years before they need remediation.
Are garage floor coatings worth it?
Garage floor coatings are certainly worth the investment if you wish to preserve the original condition of the floor. We recommend them for those who frequently work in their garage and spill liquids such as oil, because the surface of the coating makes it significantly easier to clean the floor.
What is the benefit of a coated garage floor?
Applying a coat of epoxy or durable paint to your garage floor has a variety of benefits, including its creation of an impact-, stain-, and crack-resistant surface.
In addition to their durable qualities, epoxy floors are also moisture-resistant to prevent mold buildup and come in a variety of colors to match your garage’s design.
Should I paint or epoxy my garage floor?
It depends. If you’re looking for an affordable solution that can keep your garage floor protected from minor damage and stains, we think garage floor paint is a good choice. If you want a durable, heavy-duty garage floor that’s impact-resistant and lasts for years, then our team recommends upgrading your garage floor with an epoxy coat instead.
How We Selected the Best Garage Floor Coatings
To provide our readers with the best garage floor coating and concrete sealer recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garage floor coatings with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home improvement space, from ceiling fans and floor coating to doorbell cameras and garage door openers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.