Archive for the ‘Epoxy garage floor’ Category
Garage Floor Epoxy – How To Apply
Monday, February 8th, 2010Garage floor epoxy coatings are an essential part to your garage if you want your floor to look good and last for a long time. It can be as easy as 1-2-3 to apply as long as you use the right products and follow the proper instructions. There are many options for you to choose from with garage floor coatings, like staining, depending on your needs and preference.
In applying a garage floor epoxy coating, you must never forget the primary step of preparing the surface. This would be about fixing up cracks and filling up holes. One of the leading reasons why a lot of coating fails is due to the absence of proper surface preparation. To be successful on this, you must do the following steps:
To etch a solid garage floor needs some gel acid. Acid etching is the usual process that even expert contractors do in resurfacing. Liquid acid has always been an all time recommendation by a lot of manufacturers. And as modern times come, the gel has been combined with acid to make it easier to roll in the concrete floor. Liquid acids emerged to be more troubling due to its being diluted. Many consumers are not even aware that they are buying mere water instead of a genuine acid solution.
Second step is to fix the cracks and holes in the floor. Do not buy a crack filler that is much too thick. If you will use not a thin crack, you will only get to fill the top portion of the crack. This process is what you call bridging the crack. So for best options to use as crack fillers, you need to go for the more modern polyureas.
Choose the right coatings for your floor. Do not settle for instant home improvement epoxy kits, since they would only look good on the same day that you apply them. You must only go for the high quality and high performance coatings to make it last for years.
Deal with moisture issues. You need to use some tools to measure the content of moisture in the floor. You can place a rubber floor mat or tape plastic on it. After 3 to 4 days, you have stumbled upon some moisture underneath, then it is time you buy a waterproof epoxy which will be applied first before you apply the embellishing system of epoxy. You can also apply a sealer for added protection after you are done applying the epoxy.
As you follow these steps and choose the ideal garage floor epoxy, you can be sure to make your garage floors looking new as ever.
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Is An Epoxy Garage Floor Worth The Time And Expense?
Saturday, December 12th, 2009An epoxy garage floor does have an upfront effort and expense, but it is well worth it over time. The floor will look great over many years and the maintenance after application is minimal.
The concrete under the floor is protected and will last longer, and the epoxy provides a very durable, clean surface. The epoxy can be applied professionally or can be done by the homeowner without too much trouble. The main thing is to start with a well cleaned surface.
The applied epoxy will hide stains and imperfections in the existing garage floor, but, again the concrete needs to cleaned thoroughly before application. Also, the instructions for application need to be followed exactly. Choosing the color of epoxy is important. It can be clear so that the concrete under the flooring shows through, or it can be a color. A wide range of colors are available from muted hues to bright shades. Textures are also available.
The epoxy on all kinds of garage floors will dry smooth if a texture isn’t added and this is very easy to clean since it is a very flat, non-porous finish. A texture can be added, though, depending on your preference and the function of the garage. Garages are not only used to store cars, but as workshops or recreation areas, and the use of the area should be considered when choosing the finish of the flooring. Ease of cleaning the floor should be considered.
Overall, epoxy is durable no matter what the use of the garage. It is stain resistant and temperature changes have little effect on this surface. Oil or grease can be cleaned up more easily and most epoxy can be cleaned by simply sweeping or damp mopping. Epoxy garage floor coatings lengthen the life of the concrete and can increase the value of your home.
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An Epoxy Garage Floor Adds Beauty And Durability
Friday, December 11th, 2009When planning the transformation of your garage, be sure to consider putting in an epoxy garage floor. Didn’t you know? Epoxy isn’t used only for glue anymore! Fantastic options are available to make your garage floor cleaner, stronger and more attractive. Maybe you are tired of that plain concrete in your garage. Maybe it’s been stained by oil and you think it’s time to straighten it up. Maybe sweeping up salt in the winter is hard on your cracked floor. Regardless of the reason, epoxy floor coating is a cost effective method to spiff up your garage and make cleaning it much easier!
For about one hundred and fifty dollars you can get a kit that includes a base coat, a top coat and color chip flakes for a one car garage. The cost doubles for a two car garage and it triples for a three car garage (Keep in mind, these are just examples. The price of the epoxy coating you choose may cost more or less).
Applying the epoxy coating to the floor is relatively simple. Most people who sell this type of product have directions for how to do it posted on line. In case of problems, you might want to buy from someone who will let you call in for advice. One more thing: don’t just buy the epoxy floor coating for your garage. You should test your garage for moisture before you get started. The epoxy may not dry well if your garage is too moist. You can save a lot of time, money and hassle if you find out ahead of time that your garage floor is not well suited for an epoxy covering.
Ultimately, when you have an epoxy garage floor coating it will be protected from stains and wear and tear. In addition, it will improve the sale value of your home by improving the look of your garage.
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Epoxy Floor Coating – Is Your Pet Safe?
Monday, November 2nd, 2009An epoxy floor coating will do many things for your garage floor. Many people are turning to it to improve the look and safety of their concrete floors. Although it is being used in many homes, it is often questioned whether or not it is safe for pets. Also, how do you select the right one?
Epoxy is a floor coating that is applied to concrete floors. It resists grease, oil and many other substances. It creates a surface that is easier to clean, and often increases the life span of a floor. Epoxy usually comes in two parts that are mixed together right before they are applied. One part is the resin, and the other part is the hardener, and when mixed together create an extremely strong bond. They are found in either a solvent or liquid based form when purchased for noncommercial, home based projects. The liquid that forms can be painted onto the floors surface.
When epoxy is in liquid form it can be dangerous. While it is being applied it is important to keep children and pets away, and also to turn off any appliances that are located in the area. When applying an epoxy floor coating it is also important to wear protective clothing so it doesn’t come into contact with skin, and to make sure the area is well ventilated. Pets should be kept away from a floor that has been painted with epoxy until it has completely hardened. This could be up to 7-10 days depending on the product.
Once epoxy is dry and has hardened, it is perfectly safe for pets. In fact many kennels are using it. Since they are often made with concrete, applying epoxy to the floors in a kennel makes the cleaning a much easier process. New kennels along with those that are making improvements are turning to epoxy. It can also be skid resistant which makes it a popular choice with many kennels. Veterinary clinics use epoxy in their operating rooms for the ease of cleaning, and the skid resistance.
Although there may be information around that leads to the belief that epoxy is toxic to animals, This is only the case before it has hardened. You do want to make sure that pets are kept away during the process of applying the paint, and while it it drying. But, after it has hardened, epoxy is a safe floor covering to have in your garage, basement or any other surface in your home or business where you will keep your pets.
It will also serve as a safety precaution to prevent you from falling, particularly when it’s wet. This type of non slip floor coating, when properly applied will look shiny and smooth, but won’t let you get injured from a fall.
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Garage Floor Coating – An Important Addition To Your Home
Monday, October 12th, 2009A garage floor coating does much more than protect your garage floor from stains. It also adds value and overall beauty to your home.
Garages these days are more than just a catch-all for your car, tools and miscellaneous sports equipment. They can be an important extension of your living space. Workshops, family play rooms, hobby areas and laundry rooms often extend into the garage; therefore a drab, oil-stained floor can be quite an eyesore. However, with a good garage floor coating, you can create an inviting space, no matter what you use your garage for!
A garage floor coating is an economical and cosmetic way to give your garage an instant face lift. Because many of these coatings are a heavy duty epoxy based product, you can boost the durability of your floor against tire marks, oil spills and other stains. In addition, garage floor coatings can hide minor imperfections in the concrete such as rough spots, discolorations and even minute hairline cracks.
Design-wise, you can match a number of decorating themes, especially if you are concerned about your garage’s décor blending in with the rest of your home. Many base colors for your garage floor coating exist along with the option of adding decorative paint chips or quartz to give the appearance of depth or texture.
Primary Benefits of Garage Floor Coating
Beyond the aesthetic value, a good garage floor coating makes sense if you want to protect your home investment. Resale values of homes can garner thousands of dollars more if the garage looks good enough to use as an extra living space. The best way to present the garage in an attractive way is by applying a floor coating to hide imperfections.
The protective properties of a good garage floor covering means your floor will last for years. Can you imagine the damage of your garage floor after years of oil spills and constant exposure to moisture from the outdoors and even your vehicle? With a floor coating, you just have to sweep or mop the surface to clean it. There are no special products necessary to maintain the floor’s durability and attractiveness.
The clean lines and attractiveness of a garage floor coating has some intrinsic, psychological value as well. A cleaner environment will inspire you to maintain a more organized garage or even create a better workshop. As a homeowner, you now have options in regards to utilizing your garage to its fullest capability.