If you’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to revamp your garage, painting the floor stands out as the perfect answer. Before starting the job, you must understand how to complete the project and which garage floor paint will deliver the best results.
How To Paint Your Garage Floor
The easiest way to paint your garage floor is to find the best interior painters in Baltimore (or your location). It is the most convenient way to ensure that all aspects of the project will be completed to the highest possible standards. However, it is possible to take on the work yourself if you prefer.
Understanding the process will help determine whether hiring an expert or taking the DIY route would be best. To complete the project correctly, the following steps must be completed.
Prep the floor
If the garage floor is already painted, you must use a chemical stripper to remove the existing materials. Meanwhile, it will be necessary to clean the concrete with a power washer or floor buffing machine to remove any accumulated grime and dirt.
Repair cracks
When the garage floor is damaged by cracks, a mortar repair compound or concrete patch can be used depending on the size of the cracks. For deeper cracks, the process may need to be completed in several stages by treating one layer at a time.
Etch floors and use primer
Etching may be needed if the garage floor doesn’t absorb liquids well. It is a process that opens up the pores. Meanwhile, a pre-treatment primer can be used to aid the adhesion of the garage floor paint.
Paint your garage floor
With the prep work complete, you are ready to apply the paint. For a smooth result, the best approach is to apply two coats. The first should go across the width of the room and the second should cover the length. Use brushes for the edges and rollers for the main floor space.
Choosing The Best Garage Floor Paints: The Types
Before selecting the right shade for your garage, it’s important to understand the three main types of paint to consider. They are detailed below:
Latex garage floor paints
The water-based paints include a small amount of acrylic resin and offer an affordable choice with quick drying times. While it’s not the most durable option, it can work very well for garages that have been converted into living spaces and do not expect to encounter damage.
Acrylic garage floor paints
Acrylic paints are less prone to cracking caused by temperature changes and can be a great choice for garages that do not feature HVAC systems. The paints cost significantly more than latex paints but hold their color for longer and can be applied with ease.
Epoxy garage floor paints
Epoxy garage floor paints should only be applied after completing all of the aforementioned steps. This type of product usually comes sold as a two-part solution of resin and hardener, which must be mixed before application. Solvent-based and water-based products are available.
Selecting Garage Floor Paints: Our Picks
As experts in residential garage painting, we’ve picked our favorites for each of the three main styles. They are;
Best latex garage floor paint - UGL Drylok Concrete Floor Paint
Best acrylic garage floor paint - RTG Concrete Floor Paint
Best Epoxy garage floor paint - Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD Coating Kit
UGL Drylok concrete floor paint
Drylok’s UGL concrete floor paint is an affordable solution for residential garages, providing a user-friendly application for beginners who want to take the DIY route. The gray appearance can be achieved in as little as two coats. The first coat should be a mix made using a 1:1 ratio of paint and water, which means even greater value for money. It can be applied to the garage floor with a roller and is also suited to basements.
The latex-based paint includes small levels of acrylic resin and delivers a very quick drying time. The U.S.-manufactured product also offers great reliability. While formulated for internal use, it does outperform other paints when under the pressure of traffic, washings, weather, acids, and alkalies. It also delivers a non-slip finish that many users will deem preferential.
Key features:
Can be used to cover an area of 500 square feet.
Does not peel or crack due to its pH level, which is similar to concrete.
No primer is needed and it can be cleaned with soap and water.
It withstands a lot of pressure, especially for a latex paint solution.
One of the most affordable options on the market.
RTG concrete floor paint
RTG is one of the leading names in the arena of acrylic paints, and the waterproof concrete floor paint delivers a satin finish that resists chemicals. It is ideal for garages and basements thanks to fast drying times and extra durability compared to latex paint. It also produces very little odor due to its low VOC formula and can be applied with a brush and roller with little hassle.
It is a product that helps minimize your prep time while it has quick binding and adhesion properties. While its ability to resist heavy traffic is limited, most home garages will respond well to this product. RTG is a trustworthy brand and this is one of the best products of its kind on the market.
Key features:
Covers a floor area of up to 300 square feet.
Low-odor and low-VOC properties make the painting process more convenient.
Maintains its beauty longer than latex paint.
Still cheaper and easier to apply than epoxy coatings.
Boasts reflective features.
Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD coating kit
The Rust-Oleum EPOXYSHIELD kit includes everything ended for a single-car garage. It includes the materials for etching and coating the floor with a high-gloss sheen for lasting results. It does require mixing before application, but the actual process of painting the garage floor is relatively simple. Meanwhile, the included decorative chips will produce attractive results.
It is a water-based epoxy solution that offers good adhesion (you can drive on it within three days) and abrasion resistance, making it a good option for anyone using the garage for storing their vehicle. If you have a two-car garage, using a second coating kit should produce stunning results. The gray gloss color can also be maintained for many years as the coating cleans up very well with just soap and water.
Key features:
Offers coverage for a garage floor of 200-250 square feet.
The cured coating protects the floor against road salts and more.
Four colorways.
An all-in-one kit with etching materials included.
Great durability for years of happiness.
Get Your Garage Floor Painted Today
Now that you know how to paint the garage floor, there is no excuse for not injecting some fresh life into yours. And if you need an expert to complete the process, we at Aurora Painting are more than happy to help.
Get in touch for an estimate today.