There’s a reason why 72% of prospective home buyers prefer a home with a garage. Whether you’re using it for storage or a workshop, there’s no end of possibilities when it comes to a garage.
While there’s nothing wrong with the standard-issue concrete garage floor, it’s not the most attractive or durable option. A garage floor sealer is the secret to making a garage look both professional and comfortable.
But how do you choose the right one? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the secret of choosing the perfect garage floor coating for your needs.
What Are Garage Floors Sealers and Coats?
It’s vital to know exactly what garage floor sealers are before proceeding. There’s a big misconception that sealers or coatings are just a layer of paint that you apply to your garage.
The reality is that these coverings penetrate the concrete and fortify the floorings. This is because they physically bond with the floor when they’re applied. There are two main types of garage flooring sealers.
The first is purely for aesthetic reasons. Others add a layer of durability to your floor by protecting it against water, chemical damage, and abrasions.
Know What You’re Using the Space For
Before you begin planning on which floor sealer to use, you first need to decide how you’re going to use your garage. Why is this important? Because it will inform both which type of material you need and the type of color.
For example, let’s say you’re using your garage as a car workshop for new projects. If you were to get flooring with a light coat, it would quickly show tire stains, grease, and oil.
However, if you were to get a darker color instead it would hide a lot of these flaws. That being said, if you’re using your garage for a dance studio, a lighter color might be more appropriate.
But don’t forget maintenance in your decision. Lighter floors will also require more cleaning especially if they’re in high traffic areas of the garage.
Know the Popular Types of Sealers
It’s important to know a few basics about the different types of garage floor materials for sealing. The first man type you’ll encounter is acrylic floor coatings. These are the most affordable and easy-to-apply types of sealers.
However, they’re mainly for aesthetic purposes as they don’t come with much durability. Epoxy sealers are better in terms of their chemical resistance. But, they’re also much more likely to scratch which makes them less ideal for workshops.
Next up is polyurethane. This type of material is twenty times stronger than epoxy. As such, it’s our go-to option for durability and affordability. Just keep in mind that it will require multiple layers of application when it’s being installed.
If the price is no object, you might want to go with polyaspartic sealers. While visually stunning, this type of material will cost you a pretty penny.
Do They Have the Color or Style You Want?
When shopping for garage floor sealers, you likely have an idea of what type of color you want for the flooring. When shopping make sure that the supplier has it.
A wide selection of colors is a good industry practice, so don’t settle for a shade that you don’t like. If you want a supplier that offers a wide range of different colors and styles, you can’t go wrong with this concrete coating system.
Should You Go DIY or Hire a Professional?
It’s indeed possible to apply a garage floor sealer to your garage on your own. However, just because you can do something the DIY way doesn’t necessarily mean that you should.
The reality is that if you don’t have the experience necessary you can make your garage floor look worse than before. Saving money is a big incentive for going down the DIY route.
However, remember that messing up from inexperience will cost you a lot more money than a professional. Not only will you need to pay more for a garage floor sealer, but you’ll also need to fix the original mess you made.
A professional garage floor sealer, on the other hand, has years of experience on their side. This gives them the knowledge they need to get the job done right the first time.
That’s not to say that going the DIY route is better for some people. Just know that after all the videos, articles, and equipment you’ll invest in, it might not be worth the outcome.
What to Look For in Concrete Coating Services
The best way to start looking for concrete coating services is through Google. This will give you a few home improvement companies that are operating outside of your area. From there, you should begin looking at online reviews.
This helps you identify what the average customer’s experience has been like with the garage floor sealer. Next, you want to ask about cure time. An efficient concrete floor sealer service will maximize all the coatings to minimize downtown.
You don’t want an easy job to take days or even weeks to finish. Lastly, make sure you ask for a portfolio of their work.
This will tell you that they have the experience to maintain a portfolio in the first place. However, it will also help show you whether or not their floor work meets your standards and expectations.
Appreciate Learning About Garage Floor Sealer? Keep Exploring
We hope this guide helped you find the right garage floor sealer for your needs. The right type of floor coating can transform your space into a room you’ll never want to leave. However, that’s only true if you do it right.
As long as you follow the advice in this guide, you should be off to a good start. However, if you have any other questions, make sure to reach out to a professional.
It’s always best to be confident when approaching a big project like this. Want more home improvement topics? Keep reading through our blog to find more content you’re sure to love.
