Home improvement projects have increased over the last few years. More people are focusing on garage renovations since it is one of the most open spaces in your home and often the staging area for home projects.
Applying a stain-resistant garage seal, or coating, is a great way to add protection to your floor and keep it looking new. Methods for maintaining the seal depend on which type you choose.
The information below covers the different types of garage seals and the steps you can take to make them last longer. Keep reading to find out more.
Floor Paint
Garage floor paint is a unique product designed for concrete surfaces, including walls and floors. It is the most affordable floor coating option.
Before installation, you must first clean your garage floor and remove any dirt and debris. Also, unlike other products on this list, floor paint will not fill in existing cracks and chipped surfaces. For this reason, you should expect those imperfections to remain visible after painting. Those damaged areas may also cause future issues despite having been painted over.
Floor paint will be susceptible to damage and staining, so maintaining it can be difficult. You should avoid using a pressure washer to clean it, as this can remove the paint layer due to its low adhesion strength. The best course of action is to use a soft mop, warm water, and a gentle wash to clean it.
Epoxy
Epoxy garage sealer is a more durable option. It also is resistant to high temperatures and will make your garage stain-resistant. These floors can last between 5 and 10 years.
You should have a professional install epoxy coating, as the process is quite involved. It can take epoxy paint up to a week to completely dry.
Epoxy floors require less maintenance than basic floor paint, but dirt and grime can work their way into the floor over time. For this reason, you should regularly sweep and vacuum the floor. If your epoxy floor has an anti-slip agent, a soft-bristle brush may ensure you remove all dirt particles.
Epoxy floors are not always resistant to oil or chemical spills. If these occur, wiping them up as soon as possible is the best way to avoid stains.
If stains are visible, you can scrub the epoxy with a sponge or brush to remove them. Do not use steel wool or strong cleaning chemicals, which could further damage the floor.
Polyurea
If you are looking for the gold standard in a stain-resistant garage seal, polyurea is it. Polyurea is a part of the polyurethane family, with specific chemistry designed for strong surface adhesion, extreme durability, and amazing strength. You can expect polyurea floors to last the life of your garage.
Polyurea can cover almost any concrete surface, even those with damage or imperfections. It also cures much faster than epoxy, sometimes as fast as a few hours.
For regular cleaning, sweeping and a damp mop are enough. There should be no reason to use strong cleaning chemicals. White vinegar is a good option for a more thorough cleaning.
While polyurea is harder to damage than epoxy, it still requires some maintenance. It is a good idea to wipe up oils or chemicals as soon as possible, to avoid the potential staining.
Install a Stain-Resistant Garage Coating Today
We hope you found this information on garage maintenance helpful. Now that you know how to take care of a stain-resistant garage sealer or coating, you can keep yours looking new.
Garage Force provides the highest quality polyurea coatings available for residential and commercial projects alike. We offer one-day installation and a residential lifetime warranty. Reach out to us today to learn more about our products and services or to schedule installation.