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Garage Floor Painting Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide

3rd February 2025
 / 
POSTED IN Internal
Garage Floor Painting Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a heavy-duty concrete cleaner for your garage? We all have good intentions with our garage – declaring that it will be used for different things and kept clean and presentable. But real life doesn’t work that way! Garage floor cleaner is the perfect product to ensure your flooring scrubs up brilliantly. Floor degreaser will tackle even the most stubborn stains and marks on a concrete surface, stripping it back to its original glory. Then, the fun part comes in, and you can begin painting the garage floor. You can quickly and easily transform your surface with the right floor cleaner and garage floor paint. This article is a step-by-step guide to garage floor painting preparation. We will discuss types of garage floor paint and everything you will need to ensure you get your floor precisely how you want it. Your garage makeover is within reach!

Understanding Garage Floor Paint: What It Is and How It Works

Garage floor paint for concrete protects the surface from spills, stains, moisture and general wear and tear. This durable paint will improve the aesthetics of surfaces, giving them a new breath of life. It can also sustain high levels of foot traffic, car weight, oil spills, and other garage situations.

So, how does garage floor paint work? Once the paint is applied, it will bond to the surface and form a protective seal. This defensive barrier extends the surface’s lifespan, which helps improve the value and appeal of the area. This paint comes in glossy, matte, and textured finishes and various colours, allowing you to tailor it to your taste. It is quick and easy to apply and, once dry, will instantly revamp your garage.

Understanding Garage Floor Paint: What It Is and How It Works

Why Garage Floor Paint Stands Apart from Standard Paint

Once you know how to paint your garage floor, you will want to find the best garage floor paint. Garage floor paint is stronger than standard paint and has many other advantages. These include:

  • The paint is durable and strong and designed to endure garage conditions

  • Garage floor paint is chemical resistant, resisting oils, petrol, antifreeze and other harsh chemicals.

  • Waterproof garage floor paint creates a water-tight barrier. This protects the surface against dampness and moisture damage.

  • It reduces the risk of chipping and peeling from high activity, vehicle weight, and tools.

  • It is impact-resistant and can withstand high levels of footfall, car weight, falling tools and garage equipment.

  • Garage floor paint comes in different colours and finishes, letting you customise your garage.

  • The smooth, non-porous surface makes spills and debris easy to clean.

  • Garage floor paint can last for years with correct application and upkeep.

Epoxy Floor Paint

Epoxy garage floor paint is glossy, durable, chemical-resistant, and perfect for high-use garages with heavy traffic. It was initially created for industrial use, but its durability and versatility have also made it popular in homes. People use epoxy garage floor paint for many areas, including garages, workshops, sauna and pool areas, and commercial buildings.

The benefits of epoxy floor paint are:

  • It can also be applied to your existing flooring without damage, saving you the cost and labour of pulling it up and beginning over.

  • Once applied, epoxy paint is durable. Its super-strong bond with surfaces means you won't have to maintain or retouch it for years, even in high-traffic areas.

  • It resists shock, heat, dampness, water, and chemicals wonderfully. Look for ways to clean latex-painted surfaces after spilling oil. Epoxy paint is worry-free.

  • It makes a dust-resistant, smooth layer that wipes clean.

  • It protects flooring from wear and tear.

Acrylic Floor Paint

Acrylic floor paint is a great garage floor paint option. Although it is not as durable as epoxy floor paint, it is ideal for low-traffic areas and a more budget-friendly option. Here, we look at the benefits of this DIY garage floor paint.

  • Durability – although not as durable as epoxy floor paint, acrylic paint is still strong and stain-resistant, offering many similar qualities.

  • Quick application and quick drying floor paint – acrylic paint is easy to apply and dries fast, meaning you can quickly paint and enjoy the results without waiting around! Your surface will be ready to use again in no time.

  • Cost-effective – this paint is cheaper than others and is suitable for lower-budget projects.

  • Aesthetics – this paint gives a lovely finish and is available in various

  • Variety – various garage floor paint colours are available

  • The paint can provide colour to drab concrete flooring.

  • Protecting – the paint offers long-lasting protection against stains, moisture and chemicals by forming a defensive barrier.

Polyurethane Floor Paint

Polyurethane floor paint, commonly called PU Paint, is a durable synthetic resin used in paints and coatings. It is popular because it is UV-resistant and doesn't fade or discolour in direct sunshine. Because these floor paints are thermosetting polyurethanes, they are easy to apply. Depending on the kind, polyurethane paints have varying drying times; oil-based coatings require fewer coats due to their thickness, but they take longer to cure than water-based ones.

The benefits of polyurethane floor paint include:

  • UV-resistant

  • Scratch resistant

  • Flexibility

  • Great topcoat

  • Suitable for all climates

Why Garage Floor Paint Stands Apart from Standard Paint

Top Reasons to Paint Your Garage Floors

Still not decided about painting your garage floor? Are you wondering which garage floor paint is the best for you? Let’s recap the top reasons for painting your garage floor.

Stain protection – garage floor paints are stain, chemical and oil resistant.

Low maintenance – painting the concrete makes cleaning easier and less likely to become damaged.

Enhance appearance – the shine and protection boost the visual appeal

Boost value – a clean and well-cared-for surface can add value to a property and increase the lifespan of the concrete.

Slip resistance - Your garage is safer, especially in damp weather, thanks to the slip-resistant qualities of many garage floor paints.

Personalisation - You can select from various colours and finishes to make your garage floor unique and in line with your style.

What to Expect When Painting Your Garage Floor

You have chosen the best garage floor paint and are ready to do the job. What next? Here are some garage floor paint application tips:

The first thing you need to do is prepare. This will involve clearing and cleaning the painted surface. Ensure all items, dust and dirt are removed from the surface, clean, dry, and stable. There should be no oily or greasy substances on the surface. Depending on the area, this should not take more than a few hours. You will need a brush or a roller as your application tools, a mop, broom, protective gloves and goggles. The coverage will vary depending on the porosity and texture of the surface.

Once you have applied your waterproof garage floor paint for concrete, leave it to dry. The drying time usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the temperature in the space. If further coats are required, you must ensure the first coat is completely dry before applying another. Make sure the area is well-ventilated during the drying process. Once all coats have been applied and dried, you can enjoy the vibrant and clean look of your newly painted garage flooring.

What to Expect When Painting Your Garage Floor

What Is The Best Paint For Garage Floors?

Let’s briefly compare the types of garage floor paint and sealer. These garage floor paint comparisons will help you quickly decide the best option.

Epoxy garage floor paint is highly durable and excellent for high-traffic and low-maintenance areas. It is chemical, heat, moisture, and oil resistant.

Polyurethane garage floor paint is scratch and UV-resistant, suitable for all climates and makes a great topcoat.

Acrylic garage floor paint – durable, although not as much as epoxy paint. Quick and easy to apply, affordable garage floor paint that still offers a good level of protection.

When looking for the best non-slip garage floor paint, Smartseal’s heavy duty floor paint is ideal. This long-lasting, heavy-duty, easy-to-apply elastomeric floor paint offers superior protection for high-traffic areas. This is the best durable garage floor paint for wood, stone, brick, and concrete surfaces.

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Products Used
Heavy Duty Floor Paint GREY (2.5L, 5L & 75ml Sample)
An easy to apply, heavy duty elastomeric floor paint which provides excellent protection for high traffic areas with a durable, anti-slip finish. For use on concrete, brick, stone & wooden surfaces.
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£34.95
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