Garage Floor Epoxy Paint

[cmoore74]

Buying a new house and I'm looking to put down epoxy paint on the garage floor. I've seen a few options such as Quikrete and Rustoleum. Was thinking of going with Quikrete due to the color options, but a buddy of mine was recommending the Rustoleum. Rustoleum has the standard homeowner garage floor epoxy and then a professional strength one.

 

What do you recommend and why?

[cracked_up]

I would check out http://www.ucoatit.com/2011web/main.htm

 

I don't know anyone that has it, and never seen it down. To me it looks like a good product with nice results.

[RyanbabZ71]

Rustoleum Professional topped with their clearcoat epoxyshield would be what I would go with again.

 

I did the standard kit and after 3 or 4 yrs it started peeling up, even after patching the areas that started to flake off. Last yr I re-coated with the professional and topped with the clearcoat, it is great, no more failing epoxy (my problem was from "hot" tires.). The professional is a thicker material. My only current issue is when I put the clear down last year I didnt mix the no-slip additive well enough and it was very slick, I slipped 3 times and hit the ground this winter. I am in the process of re-coating with another layer of clear with additonal anti-skid. I have done 2 out of my 3 car garage so far (see photos) and it is much better should have plenty of traction. Make sure to use the anit-skid on whatever top coat you use.

 

I did have a few chips from dropping heavy items that I have since patched and recleared over. A few chips are much better than entire sections coming up with the standard kit. Good luck.

 

The pic with the green bucket is how it was prior to washing and putting the new coat of clear on. The others are after shots.

[wavery]

Whatever you use....prep is the most important part:

http://www.ucoatit.com/2011web/pages/floor-prep.htm

[mhenshaw]

I recommend you get epoxycoat.com, it is highly recommended. Epoxycoat is now carried by Lowes but only certain stores have it, so you have to ask for it. If you have the money I heard Wolverine is the best. Check out garagejournal.com for reviews of the different brand of coatings and install tips.

 

Like stated prep is the most important part. Acid etching till the concrete passes the water test is very important. If the concrete is in bad shape you must grind it. You also need to pressure wash mulitle times after each acid etching.

 

Most good kits cost $300 for everything you need for 400-500 sq ft. They cost $500 if you choose a clearcoat.

[Mossyoakglock]

I'm glad you posted this as I am in the same boat as you are. I have not really looked at all the options except for when I am in Home Depot or Lowe's so I haven't had a change to really research anything yet.

 

Behr makes a garage floor coating as well. Any ideas on how theirs stands up against the rest?

[cmoore74]

Rustoleum Professional topped with their clearcoat epoxyshield would be what I would go with again.

 

I did the standard kit and after 3 or 4 yrs it started peeling up, even after patching the areas that started to flake off. Last yr I re-coated with the professional and topped with the clearcoat, it is great, no more failing epoxy (my problem was from "hot" tires.). The professional is a thicker material. My only current issue is when I put the clear down last year I didnt mix the no-slip additive well enough and it was very slick, I slipped 3 times and hit the ground this winter. I am in the process of re-coating with another layer of clear with additonal anti-skid. I have done 2 out of my 3 car garage so far (see photos) and it is much better should have plenty of traction. Make sure to use the anit-skid on whatever top coat you use.

 

I did have a few chips from dropping heavy items that I have since patched and recleared over. A few chips are much better than entire sections coming up with the standard kit. Good luck.

 

The pic with the green bucket is how it was prior to washing and putting the new coat of clear on. The others are after shots.

 

Yeah, that looks great. If I go with Rustoleum I was leaning towards the professional version. Good advice about mixing in a bit of anti-skid in with the clear-coat. Thanks!

 

Wonder how it compares to the quikrete product line.

[RyanbabZ71]

Clearcoat layer is completed. Here are a few photos.

[cariveau]

Go get a quote from a professional painting contractor in your area and soak them for info.

 

I have not done mine yet but will, eventually. I do know a couple professional contractors and I believe they have used the rustoleum. Use glass beads for slip resistance.

 

One way to walk on the floor while it is still wet is to cut out a plywood pattern of you shoes, pound roofing nails through the wood cut outs, then duct tape them to your shoes. I have floors coated in an idustrial setting and they will do this to apply the glass beads. i thought it was pretty thoughtful!

 

I have heard that the Ucoatit isn't as good as the speed channel makes you believe...

[cmoore74]

Clearcoat layer is completed. Here are a few photos.

 

No doubt that looks great! Thanks for the advice Ryan... especially about mixing in the anti-skid into the clear-coat. Now just to pick a color. At least with the rustoleum professional there are only four color options. Thinking the darker gray...

 

Home depot carries it at $100 for the kit (epoxy, activator, and color chips) and another $100 for the clear-coat, but did you find it cheaper anywhere else?

 

Thanks,

Chris

[RyanbabZ71]

I bought mine at menards (I see your from CT so you might not have menards since they are in the midwest)

 

$79 for the clearcoat kit and $89 or 99 for the epoxy kit.

 

I actually picked the clear up during a bag sale and got 20% off