What Is Epoxy Flooring?

Transform your Reston, VA garage with an epoxy floor coating. Say goodbye to dull concrete and hello to a vibrant, durable surface. Epoxy coatings not only enhance aesthetics but also provide superior protection against cracks and stains. Easy to clean and perfect for DIY enthusiasts, an epoxy garage floor is the ultimate upgrade for your space.

CertaPro Painters of Reston, VA specialize in providing professional epoxy flooring services to our community. Schedule a free estimate with us today!

What Is Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a type of resinous coating that is applied as a thick liquid that cures into a hard, durable, and seamless surface. It is made by combining epoxy resins and hardeners together.

Some key things to know about epoxy flooring:

• It provides excellent resistance to chemicals, stains, abrasion, and impact compared to bare concrete floors.
• It creates a smooth, glossy finish that is easy to clean and maintain.
• Epoxy floors are moisture-resistant and won’t harbor mold, mildew, or bacteria.
• They come in a variety of colors and you can add decorative chips/flakes.
• Epoxy coatings bond tenaciously to properly prepared concrete surfaces.
• They require thorough surface prep like grinding/shot blasting the concrete.
• Application is a multi-step process of priming, broadcasting chips (optional), and applying epoxy base and top coats.
• Most residential epoxy floors will last 10-20 years with proper maintenance.

Epoxy flooring is an ideal solution for garages, basements, industrial facilities, commercial spaces, and anywhere you need a long-lasting, low-maintenance floor. The upfront cost is higher than basic paint, but the performance and longevity make it a great value over time.

If your garage could use a refresh this season, we are your go-to epoxy flooring professionals in the local service area. Check out our online portfolio for a few examples of our recent epoxy garage flooring projects in Reston, VA.

How to Prep a Garage Floor for an Epoxy Application

Proper surface preparation is absolutely critical for a successful epoxy garage floor installation. The concrete surface must be clean, sound, and free of any contaminants that could prevent proper adhesion of the epoxy. Here are the key steps for cleaning your garage floor before epoxy:

1. Sweep and vacuum the entire floor to remove loose debris and dust. Use a damp rag or mop to wipe away any dirt in cracks and crevices.
2. Degreasing is a must to remove any oils, grease, or fluid stains present. Use a concentrated concrete degreaser and scrub thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush or broom. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Etch the concrete surface using an etching solution or grinder to achieve a proper profile for the epoxy to mechanically bond. The concrete should feel like rough sandpaper when properly profiled.
4. Repair any cracks, pits, or damaged areas in the concrete using an appropriate patching compound compatible with the epoxy system.
5. Vacuum up any dust and debris created during the etching and patching process. Use a damp rag to wipe away any remaining dust or loose particles.

The floor must be completely clean, dry, and free of any contaminants prior to beginning epoxy application. Take the time to prepare the surface properly – a clean, etched substrate is essential for ensuring maximum adhesion and durability of the epoxy coating.

Epoxy Garage Floor Tips

Installing an epoxy garage floor coating is a multi-step process. Here are some key tips/steps:

• Prepare the concrete surface thoroughly by repairing any cracks or damage and using a degreaser to remove all dirt, oil, and contaminants.
• Use a concrete etch or grinder to rough up the surface slightly so the epoxy can bond properly.
• Mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to manufacturer instructions immediately before applying.
• Apply the epoxy quickly with a squeegee in thin, even coats. Work in sections.
• Allow plenty of time for the epoxy to fully cure before walking on it or parking vehicles.

Most epoxy kits come with anti-slip additives to provide traction. You can also add color flakes or decorative chips to create a truly unique finish.

How to Clean Epoxy Garage Floor

One of the biggest benefits of epoxy floors is how easy they are to maintain and keep clean. Simple regular sweeping or vacuuming will pick up any loose dirt and debris.

For tougher messes and stains, you can use a neutral pH cleaner or degreaser and scrub with a deck brush or mop. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners as they can dull and damage the epoxy over time.

For best results and maximum longevity, re-apply a clear polyurethane coating every 2-3 years to refresh the top layer.

With proper installation and routine cleaning, an epoxy garage floor can look brand new for over a decade. Its moisture resistance and durability simply can’t be matched by regular concrete.

Is Epoxy Flooring Right for Me?

Epoxy flooring can be an excellent choice for many homeowners and businesses. Here are some key factors to consider if epoxy flooring is right for your needs:

Pros of Epoxy Floors:

• Extremely durable and long-lasting (10-20 year lifespan)
• Resistant to stains, chemicals, abrasion, and impacts
• Seamless and waterproof surface is easy to clean
• Add color flakes/chips for decorative finish
• Great for garages, basements, commercial spaces

Epoxy may be right for you if:

• You want a garage/basement floor that looks amazing and lasts decades
• You don’t mind the higher installation costs for the long-term value
• You use the space for automotive work, woodworking, or other messy hobbies
• You want a maintenance-free floor that’s easy to clean

Epoxy may not be ideal if:

• You lack proper ventilation for the epoxy installation
• You need a softer, more cushioned surface underfoot
• Temperatures routinely drop below 50°F where it will be installed

Carefully consider the pros and cons to decide if an epoxy garage or basement floor fits your needs and budget. When installed correctly, epoxy can truly transform a dull concrete surface into a high-performance flooring option. If you’re considering an epoxy floor, please contact us for a free estimate!