Epoxy paint is one of the most popular floor coatings for garages due to its durability, attractive finish, and relatively easy application process. An epoxy floor coating creates a hard, protective layer on top of a concrete floor that is resistant to chemicals, impacts, and abrasion. This makes it an ideal solution for busy garages where cars, tools, equipment and other potentially damaging items are frequently used.
When shopping for the best epoxy garage floor paint, there are a few key factors to consider:
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Coverage
Epoxy paint is sold in kits that include the resin base and a hardening agent or catalyst that causes the epoxy to cure and harden after application. Kits cover differing amounts of floor space depending on their size. For a typical 2-3 car garage of 400-600 square feet, a 2.5 car kit or larger is recommended to ensure complete coverage in 2 coats.
Durability
You want an epoxy paint that will hold up well to foot traffic, dropped tools and parts, tire marks from cars, impacts from jack stands and other garage activities. A mid to high-build epoxy is ideal for garage use. These have thicker, more protective coatings thanks to a higher epoxy resin content in the formulation.
Finish
Epoxy paint comes in a variety of finish options. Standard or clear coat epoxies have a glossy look once cured. An epoxy flake system has color flakes broadcast over the coating to create a decorative, speckled finish. Anti-slip additives can be mixed in to provide traction for walking.
Application Method
Many epoxy kits are self-leveling, meaning they spread evenly over the floor during application. Some very thick build epoxies require spreading with a squeegee tool. Self-leveling epoxies are the simplest for DIY installation.
With these factors in mind, let’s take a look at 5 of the best epoxy paint options for garage floors:
Reviews of the Top Epoxy Garage Floor Paints
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield
Rust-Oleum is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in garage floor coatings. Their EpoxyShield line offers kits for both solid color epoxy finishes as well as decorative flake systems.
Key features:
– Two-part epoxy formula provides excellent adhesion and durability
– Available in gray and tan solid color options
– Also available as a two-tone flake system
– Self-leveling for easy DIY application
– Covers up to 400 sq ft for 2.5 car garages
– Cures in 24 hours
For a mid-priced option from a leading brand, EpoxyShield is an excellent choice. It provides excellent protection and aesthetic improvement of concrete garage floors.
KILZ Liquid Epoxy
KILZ makes a line of epoxy floor coatings sold at home improvement stores. Their liquid epoxy kit is one of the most affordable options that still provides professional-grade protection and durability.
Key features:
– Water-based two part epoxy formula
– Available in gray and brick red color options
– Self-leveling liquid application
– Covers 500 sq ft for large garages
– Dries tack free in 5-6 hours
– Fully cures in 1-3 days
For DIYers on a budget, KILZ improves the look of concrete while providing excellent protection from garage use at a very reasonable price point.
Rust-Oleum RockSolid
Rust-Oleum RockSolid is the sister product to EpoxyShield that offers metallic epoxy kits. The polyaspartic metallic coating gives a decorative, speckled finish. Kits include colored chips you sprinkle onto the coating for even more visual appeal.
Key features:
– Polyaspartic formula suitable for floors and high traffic areas
– Metallic finish available in silver, gray and tan variants
– Flake chips further enhance the speckled decorative look
– Self-leveling for easy roll-on application
– Covers up to 400 sq ft
– Recoat in 24 hours
For garage owners who want a very attractive, professional-looking floor, RockSolid delivers great durability and an eye-catching metallic finish.
EPOXY-SEAL Concrete Floor Paint
EPOXY-SEAL makes a quality solid color epoxy kit. It uses a 100% solids epoxy formula to deliver excellent adhesion and protection for garage use. Their kits also include color flakes for added visual appeal.
Key features:
– 100% solids epoxy resin
– Available in 8 color options including gray, tan, green and brick red
– Includes colored flakes for decorative finish
– Self-leveling application
– Covers 500 sq ft
– Fully cures in 24 hours
For a high solids epoxy kit that includes colorful flakes, EPOXY-SEAL is an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
Supercoat Epoxy Garage Floor Paint
Supercoat makes a few epoxy options but their most popular is the metallic epoxy kit. It uses a polyaspartic formula with a fast cure time. The metallic/speckled finish is both durable and decorative.
Key features:
– Polyaspartic formula suitable for high traffic
– Metallic finish creates speckled look
– Available in gray, tan and brick red
– Flake chips add extra decoration
– Self-leveling application
– Cures in as little as 5 hours
– Covers 500 sq ft
For those wanting a fast-curing epoxy with a professional metallic finish, Supercoat is an excellent choice that delivers great looks, durability and application ease.
What to Consider When Buying Epoxy Garage Floor Paint
When choosing the best epoxy paint for your garage, keep the following tips in mind:
Surface Prep
Proper surface preparation is crucial for epoxy paint to adhere correctly. The floor must be clean and etched so the epoxy can form a good mechanical and chemical bond. Cleaning involves removing all oils, sealers, waxes, dirt and debris. Etching opens up pores in the concrete using an acid solution so the epoxy can penetrate.
Kit Size
Measure the square footage of your garage floor space before buying a kit to ensure you get one large enough to cover it adequately. Most kits can cover a 2-3 car garage in the 400-600 sq ft range. Larger 4+ car garages may need multiple kits.
Application Tools
Self-leveling epoxy paints are the easiest to apply as they spread evenly with a roller. Have an epoxy roller frame and quality roller covers ready to properly spread the coating. Also use paint brushes for cutting in edges and corners neatly.
Recoat Time
Epoxy paint requires 2 coats for an even, protective film. Check the recoat time for your product and plan to apply coats within that window. Typical recoat times are 24 hours.
Cure Time
The full curing time can range from 1-3 days with epoxy paint. Avoid heavy foot traffic or moving cars onto the coating until it is fully cured. The surface may feel dry but will not achieve maximum hardness until the full cure time passes.
Safety Gear
Epoxy resins and hardeners contain chemicals like solvents, amines, VOCs and more. Always use protective gear like safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a respirator mask to avoid breathing vapors when working with epoxy paint kits. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Now that we’ve reviewed some of the top products and factors to consider, let’s dive into some more detail on the benefits of an epoxy garage floor system.
Benefits of Epoxy Garage Floor Paint
Upgrading from bare concrete to an epoxy coated floor provides some great benefits:
Enhanced Durability
Hot tire pickup, chemicals, impacts from tools/jacks and everyday wear take a toll on bare concrete. Epoxy paint forms a thick, protective barrier that resists these damaging factors. It will not peel, crack or wear away easily.
Improved Appearance
A bare gray slab is dull and dreary looking. Epoxy coatings provide attractive solid color or speckled metallic finishes that brighten up the space.
Better Light Reflectivity
The glossy surface of epoxy reflects light much better than porous concrete. This makes the garage seem brighter.
Easier to Clean
Bare concrete readily absorbs any oils, greases or chemicals that spill on it, making stains difficult to remove. Epoxy seals the floor and prevents absorption, so spills can be easily wiped up.
Reduced Dusting
When cars drive over bare concrete, tires grind up the surface releasing dust into the air. Epoxy forms a protective barrier that prevents tire dusting.
Improved Safety
The non-slip texture of epoxy paint provides better traction when walking on the floor, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Many epoxy kits even include anti-slip additives for further traction.
Cost to Epoxy a Garage Floor
Epoxy floor coating kits designed for DIY installation range from $100 up to $300 depending on the brand and square footage covered. For a typical 2-3 car garage of 400-600 sq ft, you can expect to pay $200-300 for a good quality epoxy kit from Rust-Oleum, KILZ or similar brands. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs to apply an epoxy coating:
| Item | Cost |
| Epoxy paint kit (covers 400-600 sq ft) | $200-300 |
| Concrete etch solution (1-2 gallons) | $20-40 |
| Application tools (rollers, brushes, trays) | $30-50 |
| Anti-slip beads or metallic flakes (optional) | $15-30 |
| Total Cost | $265-420 |
Hiring a professional to prep, prime and apply the epoxy coating typically costs $4-$7 per sq ft including materials and labor. To coat a 500 sq ft garage, that equates to a cost of $2000-3500. Doing the work yourself can save thousands versus paying a pro.
How to Apply Epoxy Garage Floor Paint
Applying an epoxy coating is a bigger project than just rolling on paint, but DIYers can tackle it with proper preparation and by following the kit directions closely. Here is an overview of the process:
Step 1: Clean the Concrete
Sweep and mop the floor, then use degreaser to remove any oil stains or spills from cars. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely.
Step 2: Etch the Concrete
Mix the included concrete etch solution according to directions and evenly apply over the surface. This opens pores for the epoxy to bond with. Rinse thoroughly and allow the slab to dry.
Step 3: Mix the Epoxy
Combine Part A resin and Part B hardener in a bucket and mix thoroughly with a drill mixer on low speed for 3-5 minutes. Only mix as much as you can use within the pot life.
Step 4: Apply Base Coat
Use a roller to apply the mixed epoxy evenly over the floor. Spread it across the surface and backroll to smooth out the coating.
Step 5: Broadcast Flakes (Optional)
For a decorative flake system, sprinkle colored flakes over the wet epoxy, allowing some to partially sink in. Apply at a rate of 1/2 lb. per 100 sq. ft.
Step 6: Apply Top Coat
After the base coat cures, mix more epoxy and apply a second coat to achieve full coverage. Allow the top coat to fully cure for 24-72 hours before walking on it.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when working with epoxy paint. Pay attention to recoat times, coverage rates, and required dry time before use.
Epoxy Floor Coating Maintenance
Once applied, an epoxy floor needs just simple maintenance to retain its appearance and function:
– Sweep or dry mop regularly to remove dirt and debris
– Mop up spills when they occur to prevent staining
– Use mild detergent and water for occasional mopping
– Avoid chemical cleaners which can dull the finish
– Reapply 1-2 coats every 2-4 years in high traffic areas
– Touch up any damaged areas as needed
With proper care, an epoxy garage floor coating can last 5-10 years or more before needing reapplication. Be sure to check for wear and recoat high use sections like drive paths as needed over time.
Conclusion
Installing an epoxy coating is one of the best upgrades you can make for your garage floor. It protects the concrete from damage, makes the space more attractive, and provides excellent durability for busy garage environments. Review the top products from trusted brands like Rust-Oleum, KILZ and EPOXY-SEAL to choose the best epoxy paint kit for your needs and budget. With some time and effort, you can renew your garage floor yourself and save thousands over hiring a professional.