A Step-by-Step DIY Guide for a Satisfyingly Smooth Finish.
If your garage floors have seen better days—enduring constant car traffic, oil leaks, heavy equipment, paint splatters, dropped tools, and even some uninvited guests—it's time for a makeover. Garage floors are often poorly insulated, leading to cracks and chips caused by temperature changes and natural settling.
Don't worry, though. You can easily revitalize your garage floors with an epoxy coating by taking on a DIY project over the weekend. Rust-Oleum's epoxy garage floor kit provides all the necessary materials
to bring your garage back to life.
To epoxy your garage floor, you'll need the following tools and supplies:
TOOLS:
- Shop broom or leaf blower
- Shop vacuum
- Wide paint brush
- Pressure washer or hose
- Gloves
- Paint roller
- Long painter’s pole
- Spiked painters shoes (optional)
SUPPLIES:
- Epoxy floor kit
- Concrete degreaser
- Duct tape
- Painters tape
- Visqueen or another plastic sheet
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful epoxy application. Skipping this step may result in poor adhesion and wasted time and money. Take the time to do it right the first time and follow these preparation guidelines (while also referring to your epoxy kit instructions):
- Clear everything off the garage floor. Paint around objects is not recommended.
- Check for moisture issues. Moisture can hinder epoxy adhesion. Tape a large square of plastic sheet or visqueen to the floor and leave it for 24 hours. If condensation appears, consult a concrete repair specialist before proceeding.
- Remove dirt and dust using a leaf blower, clean broom, or shop vacuum.
- Degrease the floor using a suitable degreaser according to the instructions provided. It's best to degrease the entire floor to avoid missing spots.
- Rinse the garage floor thoroughly with a pressure washer or garden hose. Squeegee any remaining water towards the garage doors to empty it onto the driveway.
- Double-check that the floor is completely clear of dirt and debris before proceeding.
Now, onto the application and the exciting part!
- Etch the entire surface of the garage floor using an etching solution provided in most epoxy kits. Follow the instructions to mix the solution and apply it. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then thoroughly wash it off with a hose or pressure washer. Allow the floor to dry completely for approximately 24 hours.
- Fill cracks and sand down stains. Sand away any paint, glue, or other stubborn stains. Repair cracks using a concrete patch kit, following the instructions. Once dry, sand the patchwork to achieve a smooth surface. Clean up any residual dust.
- Prepare the epoxy by mixing the resin and hardener/activator as instructed. Use a plastic container wide enough to accommodate the paint roller.
- Begin applying the epoxy by using a brush to paint the surface around the walls and floorboards. This ensures full coverage in tight corners while preventing epoxy from getting on the walls. After painting the perimeter, use a roller brush on a long painter's pole to cover the rest of the floor.
- Optionally, add color flakes included in the epoxy kit to provide texture, dimension, and camouflage imperfections. Sprinkle the flakes evenly over each section before the epoxy dries.
- Follow the specific instructions in your epoxy kit, painting small sections at a time and applying the color flakes before moving on to the next section.
Remember, DIYing an epoxy floor offers numerous benefits, but if you're unsure about the project, it's wise to hire an epoxy flooring professional with experience.