For quite a long time now Epoxy paints have been on the scene.  Their characteristics of being oil and grease-resistant coupled with hardness and long life makes their use ideal for industrial floors. However, over the last few years they have even been patronized for domestic purposes also.

Homeowners use epoxy paints for garage floors and basement floors. They provide a protective coating to your dull and gray floors while making it convenient to have clean floors.Some of the benefits of epoxy floor paint include: Long lasting, rustproof, waterproof, heat resistant, salt and acid resistance, Nontoxic when dry and reduced maintenance costs.One major factor prompting its use for the householders is its low price. Keeping the technicalities’ in mind, you should not use concrete floor paint in case your floor has seepage or moisture, as such paints don’t last long under humid conditions.

Epoxies are classified into three categories, namely, 100% solids, solvent based and water based.  The strongest and the most expensive are 100% solids for being applied by professionals only. The most often used epoxies for industrial applications are the solvent based category. They comprise of 40-60% solids. Application of solvent based epoxies on the floor of your garage or basement makes it necessary to keep your floor ventilated.

You have to go to industrial supply stores to find them. The most economical epoxy is the water based. They are strong enough for being used for residential applications.They are conveniently available at any home improvement store.Nowadays epoxies are available in various colors.

Certain manufacturers offer the facility of computerized color mixing too.
Most of the brands in the market claim that epoxies are good for exterior purpose only. This statement is true for some of the stronger coatings.Those living in unfriendly climatic conditions would do well to check on acid-based paints and acrylic concrete stains before deciding to go for paints.

Preparation of the garage floor is the first step in the  application of epoxy paint. If the surface is not properly prepared, the results would be far from satisfactory.  At the outset you have to clean the floor with a hard bristled brush and subsequently clear the debris created.  This is followed by a through scrubbing and cleaning with a mild acid.These are usually referred to as acid etching.

The process of acid etching is followed by scrubbing of the concrete floor, using a warm soap solution in water and clearing it away.At the end of it all, you may still be left with certain water soluble impurities that need to be rid of by scrubbing the floor with a de-greaser and rinsing it off with water.The mild acid does not remove grease and oils from the garage floors. You should ensure that water used for rinsing does not remain stuck on the floor, but if it does, you have to repeat the process once again.

After doing these, the garage floor should then be left overnight to dry.The application of epoxy garage paint has to be consistent. You should also see that humidity level is within the acceptable limits ,else the coating may form blisters or get discolored. Generally it suffices to apply two to three coats of paint.

For deriving a long life, proper installation and subsequent regular maintenance are of vital importance.

This article approved by the Editor of LevelAdvice.com and Showroom411.com

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