How to Paint on a New Garage Floor
What Paint to Use
You want to use an epoxy paint specifically manufactured for garage floors. This type of paint tends to cost more than a can of spray paint, but it will last longer and look better. If you want to save money, you can find a cheap epoxy paint that will work. Depending on the brand, the lower cost may mean that the paint will spread thinner or be less reflective. However, it's possible to find a good epoxy garage floor coating for less money.Transform Your Garage
Once you have the paint for your project, it's time to get busy. The following steps will walk you through the process if you don't want to hire painters.Step 1: Put Safety First
Be sure to use safety glasses and gloves when using cleaners and paints. Epoxy can have a strong smell, so you'll want to keep the garage door open to allow the fumes to dissipate.
Step 2: Clean the Floor
Sweep the floor thoroughly, removing all dirt and debris. If the garage has stains, it's a good idea to clean them with a solution of three parts water to one part bleach. You can also use a store-bought driveway cleaner. Allow the solution to set on the stains for a few minutes and then work with a stiff wire brush. You can also use a pressure washer to remove stubborn stains. (You can rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store if you don't have one.)Step 3: Repair Damage
If your garage floor has cracks or other damage, you should repair these before applying epoxy. To repair a crack, scrape and clean out any loose concrete and fill in the area with a concrete repair compound. For larger areas, use a concrete patch. Follow all the manufacturer's directions and allow the repairs to dry completely before proceeding.Join the best Facebook page for home improvement advice, tips & more!
Step 4: Etch the Floor
Your epoxy paint won't last unless you etch your garage floor. Apply the commercial etching solution onto the garage floor and work it with your wire brush, as directed in the directions. You will find several options when it comes to etching compounds so spend some time comparing the different choices. After you etch the floor, allow it to dry over night. If you need to speed up the process, you can try using fans to decrease the dry time.Step 5: Prime the Garage Floor
Roll a coat of primer onto the garage floor using a long handle on the paint roller. This primer will help the entire process bond to the floor. Allow the primer to dry before proceeding.Step 6: Apply Epoxy Paint to the Garage Floor
Epoxy paints come in different paint colors, and you may need to apply more than one coat depending on the color you choose. When you are ready to paint a garage floor, roll out the first coat. Do not let the paint pool!You will need to decide whether your garage floor needs a second coat. If it does, you'll need to follow the directions from the manufacturer. Some will want you to wait for the first coat to dry. This is also true of any colorful flakes or other decorative accessories you plan to add — some manufacturers recommend that you sprinkle the flakes onto the epoxy before it dries completely.