How to Use Garage Floor Paint to Transform Your Home
When people think of beautiful spaces to spend their time in, a garage generally isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. On the contrary, a garage conjures images of concrete floors, oil stains and leftover chemicals. However, garages now have more purpose than ever before, from storage to home offices, and there are many reasons to improve the look of your old concrete floor.
Painting your garage floor is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to bring instant appeal and benefit to your garage. It can be very easy to complete, with garage floor coatings available from most hardware stores. The only other tools you need are a paintbrush, some cleaning supplies, and a roller. With some basic painting and cleaning know-how, you will have a beautiful garage in no time.
The benefits of painting your garage floor
Types of paint to use on your garage floor
There are two main options for your garage floor coating – latex acrylic paint or 1 part epoxy paint. 1 part epoxy paint is different from full epoxy in that it dries like traditional paint, with the added strength of epoxy. This can be a great option if you plan to subject your garage floors to heavy duty use.
A paint with added epoxy will create a garage floor coating that is more durable and resistant to mould, mildew, dust, and chipping. There are a range of colours available and choosing the right one comes down to what is most important to you. If you’re looking to hide stains and tire marks, use a darker colour. If lightness and appeal is more important, a lighter grey will suit you best.
Concrete floor paint or latex acrylic paint is simply a tougher version of any other residential paint. It can be rolled on just like any other paint, which makes touch ups simple and application a breeze. It won’t be as durable as an epoxy-based paint, but with an annual touch up, you should barely notice the difference.
There are a few steps to painting your garage floor that will guarantee an attractive and durable surface. Read on for more information.
How to transform your garage floors with epoxy or paint
The beauty of painting your garage floor is that you can do it yourself! Within a weekend, your garage floor can have a fresh new look.
Some essential steps towards a successful garage floor paint job include:
- Preparation
Cleaning out your garage is the first step, and potentially the most overwhelming. Try tackling one side at a time, starting from one corner to give yourself room to store things while you work. Preparation is key to getting good long-term results and a big part of this is cleaning the floor. Use rust oleum or something similar to clean and degrease the floor and give it a good scrub to remove any remaining dirt and grime. - Apply concrete etching
Clean concrete floors can be too hard and smooth to absorb paint or protective sealants. Concrete etching can help to prepare the surface of the floor to accept the paint or concrete sealer. This isn’t an essential step but is highly recommended and can be completed by following the instructions on the product. - Let the floor completely dry
This step speaks for itself. Wait at least 24 hours, and make sure your floor is as close to room temperature as possible before beginning the painting process. - Time to roll!
The best method to apply the paint is to use a roller. Tape the edges and skirting boards to avoid unwanted colour and get rolling. This is also where you can add coloured paint chips if that’s the look you’re going for. Most garage floor paints won’t require two coats. - Time to topcoat
After waiting 24 hours, it’s time to apply the topcoat. This is where you can add an anti-skid additive. After the topcoat dries completely – your new garage floor is ready for action!
Other easy ways to upgrade your garage
Once you’ve painted your garage floor, you may find yourself looking around at the rest of the garage with disenchantment. Your garage door, for example, might be outdated and damaged, greatly impacting the look and function of your space.
Installing a new garage door comes with its own set of benefits and can be a great way to add instant value back to your home. From changing the garage door colour to installing an entirely new insulated door, the options are endless when it comes to upgrading your garage.
We can help with our range of residential garage doors that bring modernity and style back to your home. With extensive options for add-ons and designs, you will no longer need to feel lacklustre about your garage’s street appeal. Get in touch or browse our range today to find your inspiration.