Penetrating Sealers Vs Topical Sealers Whats The Difference
There are two distinct categories of garage floor sealers that determine performance, looks, and application requirements. They are penetrating sealers and topical sealers.
Though both types seal the concrete, they look and perform much differently from one another. With so many garage flooring options available, its important to get a basic understanding of each.
Moisture Cured Direct To Concrete Polyurethane Sealers
Polyurethane is a high-performance coating with increased benefits over epoxy. Depending on the quality, it is typically more abrasion and scratch resistant than epoxy. It wears longer and is more chemical and stain resistant. And unlike epoxy, most polyurethanes are U.V. stable and will not amber.
Traditional polyurethane coatings are available in 2-part formulas or single-part moisture-cured formulas. Like acrylics, they are applied thinly with an average dry film thickness of 2-2.5 mils.
However, one issue with traditional polyurethane concrete coating sealers is that they do not bond well directly to concrete. Instead, they are used as a U.V. stable colored coating over epoxy or more commonly, as a clear coat over epoxy.
Fortunately, this bonding issue has recently changed with the introduction of newer moisture-cured polyurethanes designed specifically to bond directly to concrete. Moisture cured coatings are single-part and do not require mixing in a second part to act as a catalyst to start the chemical curing process.
Instead, it uses moisture in the air as the catalyst. The coating is not activated until it is applied to the concrete and exposed to the moisture in the air. As a result, you have a much longer working time to apply the coating as compared to epoxy. This is a nice benefit for DIY installations.
Learn more: Our Top Recommended moisture-cured polyurethane
What Is Epoxy Paint For Concrete
Epoxy paint is a two-part epoxy system that can be used to cover a concrete floor. Epoxy paint is typically thicker than regular paint and provides a tough, durable finish for your garage floor. Its often used in garages where there will be heavy traffic or equipment moving around, such as weight rooms, auto shops, and storage facilities.
The pros of using epoxy paint in your garage include:
- Durability Epoxy paints are great for areas that get a lot of wear and tear from people walking on them or vehicles driving across them. They provide added protection from scratches and scuffs caused by regular use in these environments. Regular painting won& rsquor t last as long as an epoxy coating will because it& rsquor s not as thick or strong enough to withstand constant abuse over time without chipping away at the surface underneath it
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Concrete Epoxy Floor Coating Reviews
Not all Epoxy Coatings are made the same. Epoxy coatings come in both water-based and 100% solid resin-based formulas. The generic water-based formulas are sold at big box stores and the high-end 100% solid epoxy coatings are sold by individual concrete coating manufacturers that specialize in making these coatings.
We have not had much luck with the Big Box Store Brands that are sold as DIY Kits. Brands such as Rust-Oleum, Valspar, Quickcrete, and Epoxy Shield have a short life span and wear/peel in a short period of time. The DIY Kits sold at Big Box Stores are more or less thick paints only and will never perform as well or have a long lifespan.
The Best Epoxy High-End Coatings are 100% solid, high build garage floor resin-based coatings that undergo a chemical reaction that results in a thick coating, tightly bonded to the prepared surface. These coatings are 2 part systems that, when mixed, catalyze into a superior thick bond that is 4-5 stronger than the DIY Epoxy Kits sold at Big Box Stores. The 100% solids Resin-Based Epoxy Coatings are what we use as contractors and are what any quality professional will use. While mostly sold to professionals, the 100% Solids Epoxy Coatings can be used by homeowners that expect their coating to last for many many years.
Epoxy Coating Resin Prices
DIY kits can be found at home improvement stores near you and come with standard project materials. Youll pay an average of $250 for an epoxy kit that can cover the floor of a 250-square-foot area or about the space of a one-car garage. If purchasing separately, include the following materials:
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Cleaner or degreaser
Epoxy solution costs also vary according to type.
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Metallic Epoxy Decorative Flake & Colors
Metallic-colored epoxy ranges in price from $5 to $12 per square foot. Adding decorative flakes to clear or colored epoxy is another aesthetic option, with a single-pound bag covering up to 250 square feet costing just $10. Epoxy paint costs vary based on color, with neutral colors costing less than their brighter counterparts. Neutral colors, however, work better with the floor of a garage or driveway, saving brighter colors for kitchens, patios, and the like.
Best To Prevent Peelingseal
The high gloss sheen of this Seal Krete protective sealant gives a cohesive appearance to concrete floors that are either bare or covered in epoxy paint, stains, or other lacquers and provides anti-peel protection.
After a single coat, itll dry to the touch in less than two hours, in which a second coat can be applied. After the final coat, its best to wait 72 hours before driving vehicles and machinery onto it. This is a fine choice for areas subject to sunlight, chlorine, or water, too, as its resistant to all of them.
The Clear-Seal product was used to cover and protect a painted garage floor, wrote a reviewer. This is the second time we painted the floor the first time we did NOT use this product. However, using the Clear-Seal the second time we painted gave a tough coating that is protecting the paint from peeling and chipping. It really works.
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Is Epoxy Paint Different From An Epoxy Coating
One difference between the two epoxies is that coatings cure, whereas paint dries. In addition, when 100 percent solid epoxy coatings are used, the surface becomes hard and durable, making it highly resistant to things like chemicals, abrasions, impact, oil and grease, and stains.
There are many additional differences to consider. For example, epoxy coatings are comprised of two component materials, a polyamine hardener and epoxy resin. Before coatings are applied, a professional contractor or installer must first mix the two components, unlike paint that is one part, ready to use.
From your local SUNDEK contractor
Should I Use Paint Or A Coating
An epoxy coating is the best choice for high-performance flooring. Coatings provide long-lasting durability in garages, where they have to stand up to hot tires, oil spills and more. They are also good for industrial floors, warehouses, locker rooms and other high-traffic spaces. Plus, epoxies can be customized in a variety of ways to get an attractive finish.
Check out these resources and downloads to see what’s possible with an epoxy coating:
Paint is fine if you are looking for a fast, affordable and easy solution that doesn’t need to take a lot of abuse.
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Seal Krete Garage Floor Sealer
Also in case you want you can include a flaking material that is commonly produced of stone and this offers you a bit more grip in addition to providing the garage floor of yours with a bit classier appear to it. If perhaps you’ve some old, deep oil stains try getting rid of them with coarse scrub pads and chemicals.
Great Uses For Rust Oleum Epoxyshield
When it comes to concrete, there are a lot of options. You can choose from different colors, patterns, or textures and even add some interest with a decorative finish. However, one thing that you won& rsquor t be able to change is the finish of your concrete once it& rsquor s set in placeuntil now! The Rust Oleum Epoxyshield Concrete Coating System is designed as an easy and effective way to transform your garage floor or basement floor into something that looks like stone or tile without having to break up any existing surfaces.
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Polyurea And Polyaspartic Floor Sealers
Last on the list is the newer polyurea and polyaspartic floor coating sealers. These are a sub-group of polyurethane and have a similar finish to epoxy and polyurethane coated floors.
They are U.V. stable and can provide better protection than polyurethane. They also provide the best resistance against brown tire prints in the coating.
Unlike epoxy and polyurethane, many of these coatings can be applied in extreme temperatures from below freezing to over 100 degrees, depending on the formula.
What makes these coatings popular is their extremely fast return to service times. They can be installed on your garage floor in one day and driven on the next. Most polyurea and polyaspartic coatings need to be applied by a professional due to their very short working time. Twenty minutes or less is typical.
There are newer polyurea coating sealers that have been introduced that are much more DIY friendly. They can provide up to two hours to get the coating applied depending on the polyurea or polyaspartic formula.
We highly recommend the newer single-part polyurea coatings. These are commercial quality, moisture-cured coatings that will last 10-15 years or more on a garage floor.
Garage Floor Concrete Stain
Concrete stain gives your garage flooring an aesthetically pleasing marble effect. It makes the floor look like natural stone instead of poured concrete. Its a good choice if you plan to use the garage as a living area or a studio. The application process is straightforward, but concrete stain needs to be refreshed regularly to protect your floors and maintain their looks over time.?
Concrete stain is either water-based or acid-based.?
Water-based
Water-based concrete stain comes in more colors and dries quickly. It contains fewer toxic chemicals, so its better for you and the planet. You need to use a concrete sealer with a water-based stain to increase its longevity.?
Acid-Based
Acid-based concrete stains create a chemical reaction that will alter the look of your concrete. So, the final appearance can be a bit hard to control. For this reason, applying acid stain to a garage floor isnt a job for a first-time DIYer. However, acid stain lasts longer than a water-based stain and doesnt need a sealant. So, while youll need to pay a pro to install acid stain, youll have less long-term maintenance.
Benefits
Concrete stains are fire resistant and low maintenance. Stained garage floors are durable and long-lasting because the stain penetrates the concrete surface rather than sitting on top of it.
Square Foot Costs
The cost of concrete stain?is around $2,000 for a 200-square-foot space about $10 a square foot.
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Other Garage Floor Concrete Sealers
Epoxy is not the only concrete sealant game in town. Other garage floor concrete sealants range in price from $0.15 to $1.15 per square foot, depending on whether you choose a basic, clear sealant or go for a more decorative sealant with performance-enhancing additives. Here are the major types of concrete floor sealants to look into beyond epoxy:
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Acrylic and polyacrylic: Solvent-based acrylic and polyacrylic sealers cost $0.85$1.15 per square foot, including materials and labor. This sealant type is available in a matte or gloss finish and sprays on easily without bubbles or roller marks.
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Polymer or polyurethane: These coatings cost $0.95$1.10 per square foot, including materials and labor. Poly coatings set quickly, speeding up the installation time, and are resistant to extreme temperatures on both sides of the spectrum.
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Polyurea floor coating: This scratch-resistant coating comes out to $150 per gallon, with labor costing extra. Polyurea floors are ideal for exterior applications, as it offers strong resistance to sun rays.
Garage Floor Resurfacing & Refinishing
Resurfacing concrete costs$3 to $5 per square foot, including labor and materials. With that in mind, an average 500-square-foot garage costs $1,500 to $2,500 for concrete resurfacing services. Some contractors place a minimum charge of $500 to $1,000 for this job, so get an itemized written quote before hiring for the job.
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Waterborne Epoxy Floor Coating
An epoxy covering can lengthen the life of the floor of yours, and also realize a fantastic look. Epoxy floor color can actually take care of these stains and help make the room look like a showroom. Epoxy is likewise good for outside spaces! You won´t need to worry about toxicity troubles, epoxy is absolutely risk free. Both areas of the coloring should be mixed together, and also you need to get meticulous and exercise extreme caution when using it.
Advantages Of Epoxy Paint For Concrete
Epoxy paint is a great choice for concrete because its durable, easy to apply, and long-lasting. Its also easy to clean and maintain, so you dont have to worry about any wear and tear over time. When it comes to garage floors, in particular, epoxy paint offers several advantages:
- You can apply it over existing surfaces. If your garage floor has been painted or stained before , then you can use epoxy paint on top of those surfaces without having to scrape off the old surface coatings first. This makes applying the new coating much simpler than if you had to remove all of the previous layers before starting work on your new project.
- Epoxy paints are available in many different colors and finishestherefore making them perfect for changing up the look of any room without having major remodeling done first! Perhaps one day soon I& rsquor ll do a post detailing how easy it is to change out your front door handle so why not give yourself some inspiration by checking out my blog post here?
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Best Latex Paint For Garage Floordrylok Dover Gray Concrete Floor Paint
To keep any garage floor protected, floor coverings, epoxy resin, or a strong paint, like DRYLOKs, is a must. Even latex paints such as this one can serve as a suitable choice. What makes it particularly great for garage floors is no primer is needed prior to application and once its dry on the concrete surface, it can deflect imperfections and damage caused by hot tire pickup and constant walking.
It also doesnt have a high gloss finish, which is quite common with other paint types and garage floor epoxies. Its great, too, for both a new garage floor or an older one.
Great paint which I used to paint my storage area floor, described a customer. This paint locked out the smell of cement. It feels less humid in the storage area since I painted the floor and the walls. It is easy to apply it is easy to clean up, and there is no strong smell. Others noted that it doesnt leave a sticky residue either.
Images About Waterborne Epoxy Floor Coating
The excellent thing about nearly all sorts of epoxy flooring is that they are very strong and therefore are able to resist all household chemicals as well as being unwilling to physical shocks along with being scratched etc. With the epoxy concrete coloring you can quickly change the complete surfacing pattern of the home of yours or perhaps the workplace of yours with the changing fashion.
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Garage Flooring Vinyl Sheet
Vinyl sheet flooring is an economical, durable option for your garage. It resists stains, scuffs, and scratches,k and you can install it easily and quickly.
Benefits
Vinyl sheet flooring resists water, oil, salt, antifreeze, grease, and chemicals. To install it, you just cut it to size with scissors or a knife and roll it out. Theres no need to hire a pro. To clean it, just hose it off.
Square Foot Costs
Epoxy Basement Floor Costs
Sealing a basement floor costs$3 to $12 per square foot, so budget according to the overall floor dimensions of your basement. Sealing a basement floor with epoxy provides a waterproof finish, which helps prevent water damage. This is an important step for the basement refinishing process if you plan on laying down carpet, hardwood, or another type of flooring on top of the concrete.
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Garage Floor Epoxy Coating
An epoxy coating is a two-part treatment applied to the top of your garage floor, much like paint. But epoxy coating is tougher than paint because it contains a resin and hardener that combine to form a durable shield for your garage flooring.
Epoxy coating comes in several designs and color options. Some contractors add mica or quartz to give the coating a speckled look or metallic sheen.
Benefits
Since epoxy coating can go on top of your existing garage flooring assuming the floors in good repair its more affordable than tile or vinyl.?
Epoxy can cover minor defects and imperfections in the floor. It also protects your floor from cracking, staining, and moisture damage.
Square Foot Costs
Epoxy flooring ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot.
Garage Floor Concrete Sealer
Concrete sealers can protect your garage floor from weather, oil spills, moisture, and water. The types of floor sealers are penetrating sealers, acrylics, polyurethanes, and epoxies.??
Benefits
These sealers repel moisture and extend the life of concrete garage flooring. They also help your floor resist stains so cleanup is easy when your 14-year-old spills lawnmower oil on the garage floor.
Square Foot Costs
The price of a concrete sealer depends on the type. A basic sealer can cost 15 cents to 25 cents per square foot, while a high-end sealer can run up to $2.50 per square foot.
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About Water Based Epoxy Installation
Epoxy flooring surfaces are incredibly powerful and may be worn at the most demanding manufacturing locations in addition to provide a gorgeous addition to an ordinary trafficked floor. The 2 chemicals that are blended together to generate the epoxy are also called the base coat. Nearly all epoxy flooring will come in a package.