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How to apply epoxy to a garage floor

prettyliving
Amassing an Audience

Difficulty: Beginner

 

Epoxy garage floors provide a durable and stain-resistant finish that looks amazing and is easy to maintain. We'll show you how to achieve professional-looking results in your own home.

 

Video Tutorial

Steps

Step 1

Clear everything off the garage floor. Sweep out all dirt and debris and then scrub any oil or grease spots with a degreaser and a stiff bristle brush. When cleaning oil or grease, regularly soak it up with a towel or cloth to prevent spreading it as you scrub.

 

Any loose concrete or previous deteriorated coatings will need to be removed or sanded before applying epoxy. Epoxy cannot be used on sealed concrete.

 

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Step 2

Use a concrete cleaner or detergent to clean the entire floor, scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom. Once it’s clean rinse it thoroughly with a pressure washer.

 

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Step 3

Empty the contents of the etch packet into 10L of warm water.

 

Working in one small section at a time, wet the floor with water and distribute the etching solution on to the floor. Use a stiff bristle broom to scrub the solution into the floor. The solution may fizz for a few minutes. Once it stops fizzing hose it off and start on the next section.

 

Remember to wear appropriate safety equipment including gloves, safety glasses, a respirator mask, long pants and closed shoes when working with these products.

 

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Step 4

Once you have completed the etching, thoroughly clean the entire floor with a pressure washer while scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom.

 

Leave to dry for at least 72 hours.

 

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Step 5

After 72 hours, check that the floor is completely dry. If you’re unsure, test for moisture by taping a plastic sheet (60cm x 60cm) to the floor and leaving it for 24 hours. If there are water droplets on the underside of the sheet the floor needs more time to dry.

 

Once the floor has completely dried, check that all the etching solution residue has been removed by rubbing your finger along the floor. If there is dust or powder on your finger you will need to rinse the floor again until it is all removed and then wait for the floor to dry again before applying the epoxy.

 

If necessary, repair any cracks or holes with an appropriate filler and allow to dry before coating.

 

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Step 6

Using a flat paddle stirrer, stir the contents of each can. Pour Part A (the base) into a 12L to 20L bucket, followed by Part B (the activator). Mix thoroughly for at least three to five minutes.

 

Remember always to wear safety equipment.

 

Leave to stand for the 20–30 minute induction time, stirring occasionally. For the appropriate induction time, refer to the table in the instructions included in the kit.

 

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Step 7

After the induction time, use an angled cutter brush to edge. If necessary, use painter’s tape to protect the walls of the garage.

 

Working in one small section at a time, roll on the epoxy with a suitable roller.

 

It is best to roll apply the epoxy in the morning as the pot life is reduced to just 90 minutes in temperatures over 30 degrees.

 

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Step 8

After rolling a small section of epoxy, sprinkle on the decorative flakes. Where possible, have one person roll while the other does the flakes.

 

A handy tip for applying the decorative flakes is to separate them evenly into containers or cups before spreading. By allocating a cup for each section of the garage you can ensure an even coverage over the entire floor.

 

Continue the process until the floor is complete.

 

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Step 9

Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time before any light foot traffic and seven to 10 days for vehicle traffic.

 

Enjoy your great-looking, durable and easy-maintenance epoxy floor.

 

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Materials

  • Dy-Mark 8L Epoxy Coat Garage Floor Kit

  • Concrete roller cover

  • Roller frame

  • Paint tray

  • 50mm cutting-in paintbrush

  • 20L bucket

  • Degreaser (if needed)

  • Outdoor cleaner concentrate.

Tools

  • Gloves

  • Safety glasses

  • Respirator mask

  • Scrubbing brush or broom

  • Pressure washer.

Images

 

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30 Replies
MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Excellent project and instructions @prettyliving! You've inspired me to spruce up some of my concreted areas as they look a bit tired. The results you've shown are impressive.

 

Well done with including a video, as it helps paint the whole picture. You're a natural in front of the camera. 👍

 

Many thanks for sharing, as anyone completing an epoxy floor is really going to benefit from your instructions.

 

Mitchell

 

prettyliving
Amassing an Audience

Thanks so much @MitchellMc 

I’m glad it’s inspired you and hope the video helps others too with the process. 😊

spreazo
Finding My Feet

Hi, is this project suitable for alfresco area floor? thanks 

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hello @spreazo

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's amazing to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about the epoxy paint.

 

Would it be possible for you to post a picture of the floor of your alfresco area? This will give our members a better idea of the kind of floor you have. We can then make an assessment if the Dy-Mark 8L Epoxy Coat Garage Floor Kit will work on your floor. Please note that this product is rated for interior use only.

 

Once we see a picture of your alfresco floor area we can then make a recommendation on what floor paint to use.

 

We look forward to seeing the photos

 

Eric

 

spreazo
Finding My Feet

Hi Eric thanks for replying. My alfresco floor is concrete, same as garage floor. Currently I have IKEA click clack tiles, I would like to have smooth and solid floor hence I liked the epoxy, since it's on eastern side and sun is all day not sure if epoxy or vinyl flooring works. Thank you

PXL_20220122_002412416.MP.jpg

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @spreazo,

 

I presume you intend to remove the current plastic tiles and then apply an epoxy coating to the concrete underneath? Is there a concrete slab underneath? As @EricL mentioned, the Dy-Mark 8L Epoxy Coat Garage Floor Kit is only suitable for interior use, and your alfresco area is an exterior surface.

 

What was it that particularly interested you in this project? Was it the flaked finish or the smoothness? Adding a standard exterior concrete paint to a concrete slab will smooth the finish out to a certain extent, but not like this. If the concrete is quite textured, then you could consider applying self-levelling cement to achieve a smoother finish.

 

Have you thought about tiling the area? That would undoubtedly meet the spec of being a smooth and solid floor.

 

I'm keen to hear more about your project and find a suitable flooring for your area.

 

Mitchell

 

spreazo
Finding My Feet

Hi Mitchell,

My Alfresco is concrete slab so bit rough surface specially for kids. I loved epoxy for the looks and smoother surface. 

Thought of tiling but it's bit costly. 

Didn't knew about concrete paint, will research bit on it. 

Thanks for your suggestions and ideas. 

Thank you 

Old-gal24
Becoming a Leader

@prettyliving  WOW this looks amazing...  As they say, it's amazing what a coat of paint can do...

 

You have given me encouragement to tackle mine, but won't be till later in the year as I had a load of jobs to get done 1st..

 

Love love love this floor, the blue flecks really add to this..

 

Old gal

prettyliving
Amassing an Audience

Thanks so much @Old-gal24 

I’m glad it has inspired you! This was such an affordable project and makes a huge difference in both appearance and cleaning maintenance. I’m sure you will be very happy with it 👌🏻

Brandi
Finding My Feet

Love the look of the epoxy floor. Is it possible to also apply this to a laundry floor?

Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi @Brandi,

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We're really pleased to have you join us and join in the discussion.

 

Can you tell us what's on your laundry floor currently? Perhaps you'd like to share some photos so our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts @MitchellMc and @EricL and the rest of our helpful community can see what you are working with and suggest suitable floor coverings?

 

Please feel free to post anytime you need a hand or have a project to share. We're here to help.

 

Jason

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

I apologise for the delay in my reply, @Brandi.

 

I'm really looking forward to seeing those images of the current floor. If it's concrete, applying an epoxy coating over it will make an amazingly hard-wearing and easy to clean surface for your laundry.

 

If you often experience a wet floor in your laundry area, it would be advisable to apply some Rust-Oleum 1L RockSolid Anti-Slip Additive over the epoxy coating to avoid any slippage.

 

Keen to hear more about your project, offer advice and answer any questions you might have.

 

Mitchell

 

Brandi
Finding My Feet

Thank you Mitchell, at this stage I'm just gathering ideas & love the look of this Eppxy flooring. Not a much water on floor at any time so am thinking this is the way to go. Thanks heaps for suggestions

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Please keep us updated and remember we're here to help with your project @Brandi. Don't hesitate to let us know any time you need assistance.

 

Mitchell

 

ka
Just Starting Out

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image.jpg

Hi,

I have a cabana and I wanted to put epoxy over the floors but my flooring is plywood. Would there be any concerns for putting epoxy over it? If I can, how should I prep the floor before applying the epoxy? I have photos of it, but some sides of the floor have gaps and it is not level.

7FF44781-A508-4E27-8920-4159B843FD06.jpeg

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ka. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about applying epoxy coatings.

 

Our epoxy floor coatings are designed for concrete surfaces, so I'd be a bit concerned about applying them over what would be considered flexible flooring. Since it's not solid like concrete, I'm not sure whether the epoxy would behave unusually over timber. Let me contact the manufacturer on Monday, and I'll get back to you with an answer.


Mitchell
 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @ka,

 

I've confirmed that the Dy-Mark epoxy floor coating is only suitable over concrete, and plywood would not be a suitable substrate. Have you considered any other options for the space? Vinyl plank flooring would look amazing in your cabana, and it's straightforward to install yourself. One of the lighter colours like Senso Rustic 914 x 152 x 2mm 2.20m2 White Pecan would brighten and open up the space. Here's a step-by-step guide you should find helpful: How to lay vinyl plank flooring.

 

I'm keen to hear more about your project and provide further advice. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

ashaveerapaneni
Just Starting Out

Hi, 

I want to do DIY epoxy project for my double garage. Below is my garage that looks like.

Can you please advise what preparation do i need to do before i start? Is just pressure wash enough??

 

ashaveerapaneni_0-1667118223557.png

Thanks,

Asha

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, Asha (@ashaveerapaneni). It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about coating your garage floor.

 

Could you please tell us a little more about your garage floor? Is it a concrete floor with a black oxide colourant, or is it painted black? In either of those cases, the Dy-mark epoxy floor coating is unsuitable, as it must be applied to bare uncoloured concrete. If a colourant has been used, it can leech out of the concrete and affect the epoxy product's adhesion. Painted surfaces are unsuitable substrates as they are not porous, and the epoxy will not bind sufficiently.

 

If this is an oxide-coloured concrete, you can seal it with a xylene-based sealer and apply Rust-Oleum 3.78L Concrete & Garage Recoat Primer. This primer will let you topcoat with Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss EpoxyShield Premium Concrete And Garage Coating.

I'll be keen to hear more about the concrete floor and assist you further with your project.

 

Mitchell

 

ashaveerapaneni
Just Starting Out

Thank you very much for quick response Mitchell,

I am sure it is not plain concrete flooring. it was coated with something not sure what it is. I am thinking it would be oxide-coloured concrete. 

I want to upgrade my garage flooring and driveway to smooth finish for easy cleaning. 

As suggested by you do I need do as below:

Firstly, seal it with a xylene-based sealer

Secondly, apply Rust-Oleum 3.78L Concrete & Garage Recoat Primer.

Finally, topcoat with Rust-Oleum Clear Gloss EpoxyShield Premium Concrete And Garage Coating.

Or is there any other alternative.

Once again thank you very much for valuable information.

ashaveerapaneni_0-1667215932770.pngashaveerapaneni_1-1667215988929.png

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @ashaveerapaneni,

 

First, you must determine if this is paint on top of the concrete or an oxide mixed into it. I suggest you find an inconspicuous location and scrape the top layer to see if you can remove a paint coating. I'm not sure if these two surfaces in your image are the same, but there appears to be scraped paint on the lower portion of it. You'll only need the xylene-based sealer if this is an oxide colourant. If this is a painted surface, you can clean it and apply the primer directly over it.

 

There are no other alternatives to getting a smooth finish to your concrete floor that I can think of unless you'd be interested in having a professional grind back the concrete and remove any textured effect. Typically driveways are textured to prevent issues in the wet. Please remember these are indoor products for your garage and not a driveway. 

 

Please let me know if you have further questions.

 

Mitchell

 

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Luke101
Just Starting Out

Hi, 

Can anyone help.

 

I started doing this project and I keep getting a slight fine dust on my fingers after etching, I have washed the concrete 4 times and still no change.

 

what am I supposed to do here?

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Luke101. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about etching concrete floors.

 

How long did you leave the etch on before hosing it off? The etch must be hosed off after 3-4 minutes when it stops bubbling. It's important that the etching is done in small sections, as by the time the whole floor is completed, the first etched area will have had the product on for far too long. The most likely scenario is that the etch was left on too long, penetrated too deep into the concrete, and now compromised the surface. The only option is to continue to wash and broom over the area until you've dislodged all the loose material. If you only see fine dust and are not creating a cement slurry when cleaning, it's a positive indicator that the etch hasn't penetrated too deep. 

 

Give your floor another couple of cleans, and ensure you flush and broom the debris outside the garage.

 

Please let me know how you go and if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

 

dhanz15
Getting Established

Great job @prettyliving . I wanted to do the same but I am a newbie with all this DIY stuff. Are you able to help me with some questions below?

 

1. What paint roller do I need? The DyMark kit says 12-16mm nap roller cover and I am unsure if this is the right one, Monarch 270mm 4 Piece Walls & Ceilings Ultra Microfibre Roller Kit - Bunnings Australia

2. Can you recommend any good paint roller pole, paint brush and floor squeege?

3. Do I really need to do pressure wash? My garage floor is quite new and I haven't parked my car yet. Unfortunately, my builder did not lay any protective covering and hence, there are some mortar/cement residues.

4. The kit says that I need 120 grit sandpaper. When do we need it? In your tutorial, I didn't see any sanding steps.

 

GarageFloor2.jpg

Thanks.

prettyliving
Amassing an Audience

Hi @dhanz15 

 

To answer your questions, even if your concrete is fairly new it is still recommended to give a good clean to remove any dust or loose concrete in preparation for etching. 
For the roller, use one that is specifically designed for epoxy. This is the one I used 

https://www.bunnings.com.au/uni-pro-230mm-concrete-and-paving-roller-cover-11mm-nap_p1662803?region_...

The sandpaper mentioned in the materials list is for if you need to fill any holes in the concrete prior to applying the epoxy. If you have any you will need to fill with an appropriate filler first and then sand it once dry.
When I did this project I didn’t need to do this step. 

I hope this helps. ☺️

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hello @dhanz15 

 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

 

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @prettyliving . Before you seal your driveway, I suggest doing a moisture test. Place a large clear plastic sheet in the middle of the concrete floor and seal the edges with masking tape. 

 

If condensation appears or the concrete in the center darkens it means that there is still moisture coming out of the concrete. I recommend opening the garage door to promote air circulation. Give it conservatively another week to dry off and try the moisture test again to make sure that the concrete has totally cured.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

dhanz15
Getting Established

Thanks @prettyliving and @EricL for your feedback. I am still thinking of hiring a pressure wash machine (which costs more) or just using my garden hose with a spray gun (Holman - max 800kPa). Also, do I need to protect my garage skirting from getting wet? 

 

With regards to drying the concrete, would it help to use an electric fan/heater to dry it faster? Thanks.

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @dhanz15 

 

Since it is a brand-new pour, I suggest just using your garden hose, detergent and a stiff bristle brush broom to clean the surface. I recommend using masking tape and plastic sheets to protect your skirting board from getting wet when you clean the floor.

 

Anything to help with the air circulation in the garage will definitely help dry it off.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

dhanz15
Getting Established

I just finished applying DyMark Epoxy Coat Titanium Grey to my garage floor but encountered a few issues. 

 

1. Flakes were not evenly distributed. Now, it looks like dirt from this photo. Perhaps, there is a better way to sprinkle them. Should I scrape or sand those rough concentrated parts since it feels uncomfortable when stepping on it barefoot?

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2. During coating, some spots began to bubble. I poked some and they became like craters. Is there a fix to look better?

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3. Since I am not a pro, I still accidentally paint my skirting boards even I trimmed them with paint brush. I've tried magic eraser and alcohol but it didn't work. Should I just repaint it?

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Hi @dhanz15,

 

I'm so sorry to hear that you've experienced an issue while applying your epoxy coating. I can certainly see how these bubbles have affected the finish, and the flakes appear not to have sunken sufficiently into the coating, more so they are sitting on top of it. Did you apply the flakes as you were coating the floor or perhaps delay their application?

 

Through discussions with Dymark in the past, I suspect that the only way to resolve these issues will be sand the coating smooth and then re-apply it. Given you've experienced these issues, I'd highly suggest you contact the Dymark technical team directly so they can walk you through the process of fixing the problem; they're extremely helpful.

 

Regarding the paint on your skirting board, that will need to be painted over.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mitchell

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