Garage Floor Paint - Steps ?

[rufryder]

I'd like to paint my 2 car garage floor or lay a carpet or tiles or something.... just dont like concrete. AND, whats the easiest and the cheapest way??

[mrcaptainbob]

There's a 2 part paint kit available at Home Depot for that purpose. I can't vouch for it, but had looked at it for use at my last house.....It appeared to be a good idea.

[HayZee518]

preparation is the key to any product adhering to concrete. the floor must be clean! Use a weak acid to etch and clean the surface. A weak mixture of muriatic acid and water can be applied and allowed soak in and then hosed off. let the floor dry completely - force dry with warm air if needed then apply a good sealer. After this apply your finish of your choice. a two part epoxy should last for years.

[wvguy]

concrete is a tough one to paint, well not hard to paint just hard to make it stick well.

STEP one.. tape a piece of plastic down on three sides wait 24hrs see of there is any moisture on the plastic. if there is . never paint. it will always peel. this means there is no vapor barrier down before they poured the concrete.

[wmlbrn]

Has anyone tried the new textured paints for garage floors? What results and how did you do it?

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[HayZee518]

Try this site - it has all sorts of stuff for sealing, prepping concrete.
CONCRETE WATERPROOFING, SEALING. ENDUR-O-SEAL, Lone Star Epoxies

[misham64]

I recently did a garage with Behr 1 Part Epoxy.
Same steps just a bit more forgiving than the 2 part. And many more color choices.

1.Clean,
2.Etch/Acid Wash Allow floor to completely dry.
3.Prime Allow 24hrs to cure.
4.Apply Epoxy Allow 24 hrs to cure
5.Seal.
Do not drive or park car on it for 7 days.

You can add a texture to have a slip resistent surface.

We filled som ugly cracks and sanded smooth then did the primer.

Came out nice.
Hope this was helpful.

[misham64]

I am looking to refinish a garage which has peeling paint in a few areas.

I am planning to go back with an epoxy.

What would you suggest in preparing the existing surface to ensure bonding of the new epoxy?

And suggestions welcome.

[wvguy]

I admire all of you wanting to epoxy your garage floor just remember one thing if you don''t check to ensure there is a vapor barrier you may just be wasting your time. Even though you have a newer house there sometimes are contractors that take shortcuts that you can't see such as this.

[paintboy]

Looks like a lot of good advice. Surface prep is critical. Acid is OK for prep but I prefer using a diamond grinder. This machine should be available for rental at many paint stores. The problem that I have with acid is that 1) it etches inconsistantly, once it activates and bubbles it is ineffective. You cannot spread it around. 2) If the concrete is sealed it has no effect. 3) Vapors and splash can be harmful and dangerous. Always wear protection when applying. Also I prefer a 3:1 water to acid ratio.

I also like the info about the vapor barrier.

Good Luck!