By Caryn Colgan, Networx
Coating a concrete garage floor is an inexpensive way to transform a stained surface into a value-added extension of the home. Epoxy floor coatings are a popular way to hide stains and imperfections while also creating a strong, stain-resistant surface. Some products can be professionally installed while others are packaged for the do-it-yourselfer.
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With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Epoxy-Coat, Inc. boasts a product that is 100 percent-solids cycloaliphatic epoxy. Suitable as a coating for garages, patios, driveways, basements, pool decks and even industrial concrete or wood floors, this product dries and leaves a coating made entirely of solid materials. The percentage of solids left after an epoxy product has dried is a measurement that allows products from different manufacturers to be compared.
According to Epoxy-Coat, Inc, "If you want the highest grade of 100 percent solids epoxy, you will want a cycloaliphatic epoxy." Cycloaliphatic epoxy offers high abrasion resistance, won't fade or yellow, has no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and emits no odor after it dries.
Depending on the product, there are many color and design choices available. Color is added to the epoxy by adding flakes to the mixture. More flakes in the mix will create a solid color, while fewer flakes result in a flecked design. Matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are also available.
Concrete garage floor coatings will resist tire skid marks, and a quality epoxy will not be damaged when it comes into contact with hot tires. Additionally, an epoxy coating will not be harmed by the oil and chemical drips often occurring in garages.
For home and business owners who want to upgrade the appearance of their garage or make it more resistant to stains, chips and cracks, a concrete garage floor coating offers all of those advantages. A brave and competent do-it-yourselfer can complete the project in a weekend with the help of a video included in most kits. Professional installers are also available to complete your garage's transformation in the same amount of time.
Source: http://www.networx.com/article/concrete-garage-floor-coatings-options
