Concrete Stain or Epoxy Coating: Choosing What’s Right for You

If your commercial or residential property in Northwest Florida has a driveway or garage floor that needs an improved texture and look, concrete staining and epoxy covering are two options to consider.  Over time, untreated concrete floors will inevitably show unsightly wear and tear, including stains, flaking, cracking, uneven spots, and discoloration. Here’s a quick rundown of two solutions:

Epoxy floor covering benefits:

1. Durable- The concrete underneath is sealed. Even if vehicle fluids like oil or gasoline sit on the surface, you can easily clean this without stains.
2. Easy to clean- Floors can easily be cleaned with a garden hose or mop and degreaser when needed. For very heavy messes, you can use a light pressure washer.
3. Slip-resistant- Water is repelled by epoxy, so slipperiness is reduced, which is especially important in high-traffic areas.
4. Attractive-Beautiful colors and designs can be custom mixed to match your home’s interior colors and flooring. Flakes used in the epoxy create a stonelike appearance; solids, swirls, and other designs can be made to enhance the desired look. Defects are covered, yielding a smooth, glossy, uniform finish.
5. Fast installation time– Professional epoxy installation is completed in mere days, and the CertaPro Painting professionals will ensure you are delighted with your results.

Concrete Staining benefits:

1. Permanent color is achieved. The stain bonds tightly to the surface and can create a texturized aesthetic. Professionals advise homeowners to add epoxy coatings that protect walkways and driveways with a non-slip, stain-resistant finish.
2. Color choices: Stain is tinted in many colors to complement your home’s exterior, lawn furniture, deck, and other outdoor features.
3. Won’t peel like paint. The concrete stain will slowly wear but will not peel as paint does. *As mentioned above, an epoxy coating will prevent the wearing away.
4. Concrete stain soaks in. Paint does not penetrate the surface of the concrete but instead forms a film that dries and protects it from the elements. Due to this, the paint will sometimes peel. This does not occur with concrete stains, which will soak into the concrete’s tiny holes or pores. Stains go deep and last much longer.

Both options will benefit you if you want to improve a commercial or residential concrete floor or driveway in Northwest Florida. Epoxy covering is an excellent choice if you need to cover up damage; thus, many commercial work environments opt for epoxy. If you want to improve the look and texture of a concrete surface, stain it to look like natural stone, and achieve a solid, long-lasting color. However, since the staining does not provide a seal, it may require more maintenance.

If you still aren’t sure which choice best suits your property’s needs, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida for a consultation.