How to apply epoxy to a garage floor

prettyliving

Difficulty: Beginner

Epoxy garage floors provide a durable and stain-resistant finish that looks amazing and is easy to maintain. We'll show you how to achieve professional-looking results in your own home.

Video Tutorial

Steps

Step 1

Clear everything off the garage floor. Sweep out all dirt and debris and then scrub any oil or grease spots with a degreaser and a stiff bristle brush. When cleaning oil or grease, regularly soak it up with a towel or cloth to prevent spreading it as you scrub.

Any loose concrete or previous deteriorated coatings will need to be removed or sanded before applying epoxy. Epoxy cannot be used on sealed concrete.

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Step 2

Use a concrete cleaner or detergent to clean the entire floor, scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom. Once it’s clean rinse it thoroughly with a pressure washer.

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Step 3

Empty the contents of the etch packet into 10L of warm water.

Working in one small section at a time, wet the floor with water and distribute the etching solution on to the floor. Use a stiff bristle broom to scrub the solution into the floor. The solution may fizz for a few minutes. Once it stops fizzing hose it off and start on the next section.

Remember to wear appropriate safety equipment including gloves, safety glasses, a respirator mask, long pants and closed shoes when working with these products.

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Step 4

Once you have completed the etching, thoroughly clean the entire floor with a pressure washer while scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom.

Leave to dry for at least 72 hours.

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Step 5

After 72 hours, check that the floor is completely dry. If you’re unsure, test for moisture by taping a plastic sheet (60cm x 60cm) to the floor and leaving it for 24 hours. If there are water droplets on the underside of the sheet the floor needs more time to dry.

Once the floor has completely dried, check that all the etching solution residue has been removed by rubbing your finger along the floor. If there is dust or powder on your finger you will need to rinse the floor again until it is all removed and then wait for the floor to dry again before applying the epoxy.

If necessary, repair any cracks or holes with an appropriate filler and allow to dry before coating.

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Step 6

Using a flat paddle stirrer, stir the contents of each can. Pour Part A (the base) into a 12L to 20L bucket, followed by Part B (the activator). Mix thoroughly for at least three to five minutes.

Remember always to wear safety equipment.

Leave to stand for the 20–30 minute induction time, stirring occasionally. For the appropriate induction time, refer to the table in the instructions included in the kit.

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Step 7

After the induction time, use an angled cutter brush to edge. If necessary, use painter’s tape to protect the walls of the garage.

Working in one small section at a time, roll on the epoxy with a suitable roller.

It is best to roll apply the epoxy in the morning as the pot life is reduced to just 90 minutes in temperatures over 30 degrees.

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Step 8

After rolling a small section of epoxy, sprinkle on the decorative flakes. Where possible, have one person roll while the other does the flakes.

A handy tip for applying the decorative flakes is to separate them evenly into containers or cups before spreading. By allocating a cup for each section of the garage you can ensure an even coverage over the entire floor.

Continue the process until the floor is complete.

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