Top 4 Types of Garage Floor Coatings

Garage floor coatings are a type of flooring that is applied to garage floors to provide a protective layer and enhance the appearance of the space. They are commonly used in residential garages but are also used in commercial and industrial settings.

If you’re looking for garage flooring options for your home, there are quite a few to choose from. In this article, you’ll find information on the benefits of garage floor coatings, as well as the top four types of garage floor coatings and the pros and cons of each type.

Before we get into the various types of garage floor coatings, let’s break down the benefits. 

Concrete alone is not enough. Garage coating will provide you with protection against stains, chemicals, and oils that can eventually damage your garage floor.

Garage floors are subjected to heavy loads and constant wear and tear. Your concrete floor needs an extra layer of protection to withstand the heavy load and constant traffic. 

You need a floor that is easy to clean and maintain. Garage floor coating resists dust, dirt, and debris. With a mop, you can easily remove any dirt or spillage on your garage floor.

There are a lot of options to choose from when deciding on a design for your garage floor. Some of the popular choices are solid-color polyaspartic and flake floors.

The last, but definitely not the last, benefit is safety. Garage floor coating can create a slip-resistant surface. This is particularly important if you also use your garage as a workshop or storage area.

Epoxy is a popular type of garage floor coating because it is known for its durability, resistance to stains and chemicals, and easy maintenance.

This type of coating is similar to epoxy, but is more resistant to UV rays, making it a good option for outdoor garages.

This fast-drying coating is often used in commercial and industrial settings. It is more expensive than other coatings but offers a shorter drying time.

These coatings penetrate the surface of the concrete, giving it a stained or colored appearance.

While all garage floor coatings are used to protect concrete floors, there are certain distinctions between the various types. Here are some notable distinctions between the four types of garage floor coatings:

Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings are all composed of polymer coatings that are made from resins and hardeners. Concrete stains, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of water, acid, and color pigments that absorbs into the surface.

Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings are all applied in multiple layers and require specific conditions, such as the right temperature and humidity level, to achieve the desired results. Concrete stains, on the other hand, are applied to the surface of the concrete to allow the stain to penetrate the surface.

We’ve established that garage floor coatings are durable. However, we haven’t mentioned to what extent. Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings can withstand heavy traffic, chemicals, and other types of wear and tear. They also provide excellent protection against scratches, abrasion, and other types of damage. Concrete stains, on the other hand, do not provide as much protection because instead of creating an extra layer of protection, it is absorbed into the concrete. This makes it more susceptible to damage.

Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings offer a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures to create a custom look for your concrete surfaces. Concrete stains also come in a range of colors and finishes, albeit limited. (For inspiration, check out our latest garage coating projects on Instagram.)

The duration of application differs per type. Epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings take several days to install and cure. Concrete stains, on the other hand, can be applied in a single day (depending on the size of the area that needs staining).

The cost of garage floor coating depends on several factors including the type of coating, the specific products to be used, and the quantity required to cover the entire area. 

Out of the four types, concrete staining is the most affordable option. Unfortunately, it does not offer the durability of the other three types.

Among epoxy, polyurethane, and polyaspartic coatings, the most affordable option of the three is epoxy coatings. This is followed by polyurethane and polyaspartic.

Overall, the type of coating to choose will depend on your specific needs, budget, and desired aesthetic.

Let Bajan Outdoor Living work magic for durable and beautiful concrete garage floors! 

We have served and satisfied over 450+ customers in Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, and other surrounding South Carolina areas.

Let’s upgrade your garage floor today. Call us at 803-805-7874 for an estimate.