Do you ever feel your bare concrete garage floor has plenty of untapped potentials? If you’re tired of looking at dull gray surfaces marred with cracks and stains, then it’s time to consider garage coatings.
At Skyline Concrete Coating, we bring the best in concrete coating technology to Metro Washington. Our experts share everything you need to know about this modern flooring solution, so you can make an informed decision.
What Are Floor Coating Systems?
Unlike your average floor paint that doesn’t adhere well with concrete, floor coating systems chemically bond to the surface for years of reliable performance. The multi-layer system typically consists of a base coat that primes the surface and is then cured and sealed with multiple layers of a protective topcoat.
The two most common types of coating systems include:
Epoxy: An Affordable Coating Option
Epoxy is a popular choice for residential and commercial garages due to its durable finish. This coating resists impact, chemicals, and wear and tear, so they’ll look good as new, even with plenty of foot traffic.
However, they can take a full week to cure and are susceptible to UV damage. If the area you want to cover gets a lot of direct sunlight, you should opt for another type of coating.
Polyurea: Superior Performance and Protection
If you want a coating system that cures quickly, then polyurea is the way to go. It’s also resistant to impact, chemicals, hot tires, and weathering but has the added benefit of being UV stable. Polyurea also lasts much longer than epoxy, making it an excellent investment in the long run.
For the environmentally conscious, polyurea is also much more eco-friendly. It emits almost no VOCs during the installation and curing process.
Why Do You Need to Coat Your Concrete Floor?
Now that you know the basics of garage coatings, let’s take a look at why they are so important in keeping your concrete floors looking great and performing well.
They Provide Excellent Physical Protection
From dragging heavy objects to general foot traffic, bare concrete floors endure plenty of abuse. Coatings provide an extra layer of protection against scratches, chips, and other wear and tear. This means you won’t need to worry about costly repairs anytime soon.
They Give Your Concrete Chemical Resistance
Uncoated concrete is highly susceptible to staining from corrosive substances like acids, caustics, or salts. They can also reduce the life expectancy of your floor, leading to costly maintenance and repairs. The best coating systems have high chemical resistance, so they can handle all sorts of spills and messes.
They Beautify Your Garage
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that coatings add an attractive finish to your concrete floors. With dozens of colors, textures, and patterns to choose from, you can create a stunning look that will enhance any space.
You can also pick a glossy finish for some natural illumination. It’s a great way to make dark and dingy garages look sleek and inviting.
They Help Create a Safer Space
How often do you find yourself slipping and sliding around your garage? With bare concrete floors, every step becomes a potential hazard. Garage coatings provide excellent traction and slip resistance, so you won’t have to worry about accidents in your home or workplace.
They Make Cleanup Easy
Last but not least, coated concrete is incredibly easy to maintain. Simply sweep or mop the surface with mild detergent and warm water.
It’s much less challenging than dealing with untreated floors, which require stripping, sanding, and refinishing every few years. Bare concrete also usually has tiny cracks, divots, and holes that can collect dirt and debris.
What You Need to Know About Installing Garage Floor Coatings
Many assume that applying garage floor coatings is a DIY job, but it takes specific equipment and expertise to do it right. That’s why you should best leave it to the professionals. We at Skyline Concrete Coating follow a strict checklist to ensure a successful installation.
Repairing Existing Damage
Coating over damaged concrete will only lead to more problems down the line. This is why our first step is always to repair cracks, divots, and holes in the existing structure. We’ll use a combination of grinding, patching compounds, and resurfacing techniques to ensure your coating lasts for years to come.
Prepping the Surface
With every imperfection addressed, we prep the surface with an etching process. This step “opens up” the top layer to ensure the coating can properly bond with the concrete. Our experts will also clean the surface with a high-pressure washer to remove contaminants or debris.
Applying the Coating
We use polyurea and polyaspartic products for maximum protection and longevity. After treating the floor with an appropriate primer, we’ll apply the first coat using a specialized sprayer. We’ll then finish with a topcoat for added durability and aesthetic appeal.
These coatings require at least 24 hours to cure before they can handle regular foot traffic, so don’t forget to plan ahead.
We Provide Premium Garage Coatings in Metro Washington
At Skyline Concrete Coating, we understand the importance of a durable and long-lasting floor. That’s why our team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional results with every project. Our flooring installations provide physical protection, water resistance, chemical resistance, and beautiful aesthetics that enhance any space.
Contact (571) 831-2144 to learn more about our garage coatings in Metro Washington. We look forward to serving you!
