
Finally, use a deck brush to rub it in with a back-and-forth scrubbing motion. Put on boots, gloves and protective eyewear, then spray muriatic acid all over the floor. It's much easier to use a lawn and garden pump sprayer to apply muriatic acid to etch the surface. You can rent a grinder you walk behind to prep the floor, but that’s messy, dusty, and awkward. Prepare the surface.įirst, clean the floor and "rough up" the surface so that it's ready to receive the epoxy, says Routon. Then, wait for the right conditions many products recommend you apply them only when relative humidity and air temperature are within a certain range. Study the product instructions before starting, and make sure you're wearing protective clothing before applying some products are latex-based (which can be cleaned up with soap and water) but many require solvents to clean up.
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If you love a project and think you're up to the challenge, read on to learn how to paint your garage floor: 1.
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Just keep in mind that the lifespan of a DIY job usually is about 3 to 5 years, a fraction of the professional warranty. Most homeowners can do the job in about three to four days. Some kits also include decorative color chips that are scattered over the wet paint.
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On the other hand, DIY kits start around $225, plus additional equipment and supplies such as brushes. These products often are warrantied for a period such as 15 years. Contractors usually complete a job in a day. That's about $3000 to $3500 for a two-car garage. Hiring a contractor starts from approximately $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on where you live and the products used. If you aren't detail-oriented and don't have the patience to do all the prep, it may be better to hire an epoxy flooring contractor, says Routon.

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn't a quick job. Shop for an epoxy product that’s specifically designed for garage floors because regular latex paint will peel off, lasting only about 6 months to a year before you’ll need to redo it. "If you don’t fill cracks first, the epoxy can get in there and bubble up," says Routon. You should do basic repairs on your concrete floor, such as filling in cracks, before painting. "If you take your time and do all the preparation thoroughly, you can save money by doing it yourself." "Like any painting job, you've got to prepare the surface properly," says Routon. But there are some basic preparatory steps necessary for how to paint a garage floor. Regardless of the age of the structure, most concrete garage floors can be painted with epoxy paint, says Routon. "Regular paint just sits on the surface, while garage floor epoxy products wick into the concrete and create a stronger bond," he explains.

And by 'paint,' he's not referring to the same stuff you use on your walls, but special garage floor epoxy. "Applying a garage floor paint improves durability and makes clean ups easier," says Mike Routon, owner of Five Star Painting in Spokane, Washington.

But painting your garage floor can transform the surface and extend its lifespan. Over time, though, your garage floor will begin to show its age with cracks, ugly stains, and flaking. Not only do they protect your car from wear, tear, and the elements, but they offer great storage, too. If you have one, you know garages are indispensable.
