The Easiest Way To Resurface A Garage Floor

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There are several reasons you may be thinking about resurfacing your garage floor. You may need to cover up unsightly oil stains with a coating that will provide a protective barrier against future spills. Perhaps you're battling a more serious moisture problem that could lead to cracks or other issues if left unchecked. Or maybe you just want to transform your dingy garage into a bright and organized area that can increase your home's value. After picking out the best garage floor coatings for your space, you'll need to carefully apply them. According to Skylar Bartlett, owner at Kreer Construction, the easiest way to resurface a garage floor is by using an epoxy or polyaspartic coating after carefully preparing your space and waiting for the right weather to do the job.

"These coatings not only make the floor look brand new, but they also protect against oil stains, moisture, and everyday wear and tear," Bartlett told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "If your garage floor is in decent structural shape (meaning no deep cracks or serious damage), a coating is a great option." Since there are countless epoxy coating products out there, and the ones reviewers like best can cost over $150, we asked the flooring expert whether average DIYers can accomplish the task on their own. "It really depends on two things: your floor's condition and your comfort level with tools and prep work," she said. "If your floor is mostly smooth with minor imperfections ... then a DIY kit might be totally doable. Just set aside a weekend and read every instruction twice."

With most DIY projects, good preparation is the key to achieving the ideal results, and that's certainly the case with resurfacing a garage floor. In her exclusive interview with House Digest, Bartlett said, "This is the most important step — don't skip it!" The process of cleaning your garage floors involves several different steps. "Sweep away debris and then degrease any oil spots. Most floors also need to be etched or mechanically ground to open the pores of the concrete so the coating will bond properly," Bartlett told us. You should also repair any cracks, pits, or rough areas using a specially formulated compound like Red Devil 0644 Pre-Mixed Concrete Patch.

Next, you'll start to apply your coating. According to Bartlett, "Some systems come with a primer; others go straight into the base coat. You'll roll it on like paint, working in sections." If you love the flecked look, an optional step is to broadcast flakes onto the surface. "If using flakes, sprinkle them while the base coat is still wet," Barlett advised. "You can go light or full coverage depending on your style but be sure to follow instructions so that it's not too thin for durability sake." Finally, you'll apply a top coat. Many kits, including the highly rated Rust-Oleum Rocksolid Polycuramine Garage Oil Floor Coating, require a top coat. "This locks in durability and gives that glossy (or matte, depending on your preference) finish," Bartlett said.

"There are several mistakes I usually see, the biggest being rushing the prep work," Bartlett told House Digest during her exclusive interview about upgrading garage floors. "Coatings don't stick well to dirty, smooth, or oily surfaces. If you don't take the time to grind or etch the floor, your beautiful new surface could start peeling within months," she added. The most effective etching products, like Rust-Oleum Concrete Etch, are formulas that contain citric or muriatic acid that help increase the penetration and adhesion of your chosen coating. 

Good preparation also includes picking the right day for resurfacing. "I also see people applying the product in the wrong conditions — temperature and humidity matter. If it's too cold or damp, curing times get thrown off, and that can affect adhesion and the final look," Bartlett said. Check your local weather before getting started, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to achieve the best results. 

Finally, you should also account for drying time, adequate ventilation, and typical conditions. "Your garage will be out of commission for at least 24-72 hours depending on the product you use," Bartlett advised. The flooring expert also cautioned that you should leave doors open and use fans during and after applying your coating. "Ventilation is key. Some coatings have strong fumes, especially epoxy," she explained. Finally, in certain areas, you need to pick your resurfacing product carefully. "Make sure the coating system you choose is resistant to de-icing chemicals," Bartlett suggested. "Not all products hold up equally under those conditions."