4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t DIY Epoxy Garage Floors
5/15/24, 10:01 PM
Epoxy is an excellent option for garage flooring—it’s durable, low maintenance, and easy to clean. However, you’ll only reap the benefits when the process is done exactly right. As they say, too much resin ruins the whole batch. Even if you could prep, mix, apply, and finish the epoxy perfectly, fluctuations in temperature and humidity can still cause problems. That’s why epoxy floor coating is best left to professionals.
1. You need the right equipment and supplies.
You’ll need a long list of supplies to apply epoxy to your own garage floor. You’ll need compounds for patching concrete, cleaners, degreaser, brushes, rollers, and sealants. And the epoxy kit, of course. Unfortunately, the kits you can get at the hardware store are not professional-grade. Professionals use a mix of solid resin and harder, creating thick, durable flooring. DIY epoxy is usually water-based and leaves a thin coating that bubbles and peels. In addition, contractors use heavy machinery to mechanically grind the floor. Grinders remove stains and marks and make the concrete ready to bond with epoxy. On the other hand, DIY kits recommend acid etching which leaves behind residue and barely scratches the surface.
2. Epoxy mistakes are headaches.
Many homeowners who try DIY epoxy jobs don’t always get things right the first time. It takes knowledge and experience to properly prep, coat, and finish garage floors. For example, the concrete must be expertly cleaned and prepared for the epoxy to bond. Plus, If the resin and hardener aren’t mixed correctly, the final product will bubble and blister. In addition, the conditions need to be just right. If the weather is too cold, too hot, or too humid, the epoxy won’t set correctly. Small mistakes in application can lead to major headaches down the road. You may wind up replacing the entire floor which is a waste of time and money.
3. DIY jobs cost more in the long run.
Applying epoxy coating yourself may sound like a cheaper option. However, it can end up being more costly over time. Kits from the home improvement store give thin coverage, so you may need to go back and buy a second kit. There is also the cost of supplies for cleaning, prepping, and sealing. You may want to rent a concrete grinder for a professional-quality job. Even with the upfront cost, there is still maintenance to consider. DIY jobs tend to peel and flake and need replacement sooner than professionally applied epoxy.
4. Epoxy is best left to the professionals
Unfortunately, DIY epoxy projects can lead to costly mistakes that are too much time and effort to fix. When the defects are bad enough, the only solution is to replace the coating—not an easy task. Professional contractors have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to get it right the first time. They know how to deep clean and grind the concrete for a strong bond. Then, when the conditions are right, they apply a thick, even coating that looks beautiful and lasts for years to come.
At Carolina Custom Garages, we have the expertise to accurately apply epoxy flooring. Our high-quality coating system permanently bonds to concrete and is guaranteed to never chip, flake, or peel. Apply for a free estimate today.
