Garage Floor Update
Ever since I started my DIY journey, I’ve used my garage as my main workshop. It’s nothing special - approximately 600 sq ft, barely insulated, poorly lit, and sub-optimally powered. Like I said…nothing special.
I’ve been planning a garage update and decided that this spring was the time to make it happen. I want to really make it a place I want to spend more time working - and fix some of those “issues” I listed above!
While not on the must-have list, I’ve always wanted a garage with a nice floor. When ArmorPoxy reached out about trying their DIY Garage Floor Epoxy Kit, I jumped at the chance to try it out. I had been following them on IG for a while, and knew that their products could be trusted.
PREP
Before I could get started on this project, I had to get the floor cleared out. I opted to rent a POD and load up everything from the garage into the POD. When I ordered it, I didn’t have a whole set of cabinets I would need to store! But, even with the cabinets, I was able to fit everything into the Medium sized container (12’x8’x8’).
Next step in prepping for this new floor was getting it cleaned up. I used my pressure washer and did a once over of the whole space. I was able to better see what needed more washing/scrubbing. There were a few spots that were stained with old grease/oil from the previous owner. To clean those up, I used a degreaser and a scrub brush.
The final step in the floor prep was Etching. This was included in the Epoxy Kit. I mixed the powder with water, poured it on to the floor, then let it sit for 10 minutes. During that 10 minutes, I hit it with the scrub brush to help it do it’s magic. After a final rinse with the power washer, I let it dry COMPLETELY. This is really important. Your floor has to be completely dry before applying the epoxy.
APPLICATION
With the floor completely dry, it was time to start the application process.
The Epoxy Kit included everything I needed with a few exceptions:
A drill - to mix the epoxy and hardner. A mixing paddle is included, but you’ll have to provide the drill to use it.
A long pole - to attach to the roller you’ll use to apply the epoxy (and the top coat).
A paint roller handle
Containers to help with measuring the epoxy and hardener.
First, I laid down masking tape across the front of the garage where the door comes down. I didn’t want the epoxy under the door (so I could close it over night. (I used a laser line to help me get a straight line.)
The Epoxy Kit comes pre-portioned in a 2:1 ratio, but it is advised that you don’t mix it all together at once. So, I used my measuring containers to mix a 2:1 ratio of epoxy to hardener. Once I had it measured out, I mixed it with the provided mixing paddle until all the veining was gone (approximately 3 minutes).
Next, I poured out a ribbon of the mixture, and used my roller to spread it evenly. I worked in smallish-sections. I rolled out the mixture, then sprinkled with the provided colored chips. While there isn’t a right or wrong way to spread them, I definitely got a little heavy handed in some spots. I found it best to toss them up into the air so they could spread as they fall. It took some practice.
I repeated this process as I worked around the garage….in a pattern that eventually put me out the front. Once the whole space was done, I put on my spiked shoes (provided in the kit!!) and went back through to spread the remaining colored chips, filling in spots I missed and fixing and blemishes. (Or removing june bugs and moths that had flown in while I was working!)
TOP COAT
The next day, after a full 24 hours of dry time, the epoxy was cured and it was time to apply the top coat. First I mixed in the non-skid additive (included in the kit!), poured it into a paint tray, then used the second provided roller to apply it to the floor.
Note: A paint tray is not included in the kit, so you’ll need to provide one.
Once the top coat was applied, I gave it 24 hours before I was able to walk on it, then 4-5 days before I drove on it.
SUMMARY
This DIY Epoxy Kit was really simple to use! It took 3 days to get through the full installation process. Quotes around this area are in the $2,500-3,500 range, so doing this for less than $1,000 (including the POD) was a real bargain!
Materials list:
A drill - to mix the epoxy and hardner. A mixing paddle is included, but you’ll have to provide the drill to use it.
A long pole - to attach to the roller you’ll use to apply the epoxy (and the top coat).
A paint roller handle
Containers to help with measuring the epoxy and hardener.
Paint tray