Are you looking to transform your garage floor to another concrete surface? A polyaspartic coating will do just that for you!
Your garage is used for many different reasons, from storage to laundry, recreation, and of course, your car, but while in the midst of all that, have you considered the look and wellness of your garage floor? Probably not. If so, that’s ok! Today we are going to chat about Polyaspartic coating and how your garage floor can benefit.
First, what is Polyaspartic floor coatings?
Polyaspartic coatings are durable, impact-resistant, long-lasting coatings that are applied to your concrete floor for proper upkeep, enhanced effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. For 20+ years they have grown in popularity among homeowners, but require a delicate process, expertise, and application. Here’s what you need to know:
5 Problems with Polyurea (or Polyaspartic) Floor Coatings When You DIY
A lot of home homeowners find out the hard way that polyurea coatings are not an easy DIY project. In fact, we highly recommend you don’t try to add a top clear cost to your garage floor on your own. Here is whY:
Polyaspartic and Polyurea coatings that do not bod with your concrete flooring.
- If the concrete coating mixture is too high in moisture, then it can’t bond properly to your concrete floor and it’ll just act like paint or epoxy, sitting only on top of the surface level with no foundation or long lasting property.
- There must be very minimal to no moisture in the concrete. Before application, test the concrete for moisture, and if its too high, apply a moisture barrier to help!
Improper coating mixing causes air bubbles.
- When you mix the polyurea and polyaspartic coating, don’t get too carried away and go fast. This can cause air bubbles! The topcoat and base are parceled in a specific ratio of solutions, and mixing fast will cause air bubbles to transfer onto the concrete surface. Once cure time is finished, the air bubbles, over time, will pop, chip, or peel, leaving a less-than-desired result!
- Mix at a slow and steady speed and you should be in the clear!
Both coatings can experience partial evaporation.
- Using the wrong ratios for topcoat and base coatings of polyaspartic and polyurea solutions can manipulate the thickness of the coat and cause partial evaporation once the cure time is complete.
- Make sure you evenly parcel out both the top and based coating to ensure an efficient application. Professional guidance is strongly recommended!
A Coating that won’t cure with improper ratios.
- Not having the proper rations will severely delay or even prevent your coating from curing! Cure time for polyaspartic and polyurea floor coatings take 24 hours to cure. You can test your coating to see if its cured by putting your thumb on the coating and it gives into your weight, it’s not done!
- The rations have to be exact, and there is no way around this! Professional guidance again is an incredible plus to ensure your coating cures.
How Does Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating Cure?
Polyaspartic coatings actually have a faster cure time than epoxy coatings, but just steady and slow enough that you are able to work with them as designed by polyaspartic manufacturers. Slow enough to apply it and quick enough where floor traffic is possible if necessary.
Actually, in 2 hours, foot traffic is possible, 24 hours for vehicles, pretty convenient! A garage with an epoxy coating needs 12 hours and 72 hours, respectively. Night and Day difference!
Polyaspartics vs. Polyureas Garage Floor Coating
Keep in mind that both polyaspartics and polyureas are related but are two different things! All polyaspartics are polyureas, but not all polyureas are polyaspartics. Huge!
Due to differences in chemical composition, polyaspartics are not only more durable and versatile in nature, but it’s easy to coat your garage floor with it. Despite being durable themselves, on the other hand, Polyureas have a shorter cure time which makes installation harder.
How can I avoid these potential problems with polyurea and polyaspartic floor coatings?
Most of the problems from a polyaspartic and polyurea coating come from simply not knowing the best installation practices. DIY people be mindful – don’t proceed on a project that you are figuring out along the way without properly knowing how–doesn’t end well, period.
Finding a contractor in your area who has extensive expertise and documented history of these services so that way your needs are able to be met with professional results.
Professional Installation Required
While this can be a DIY project for seasoned home improvement veterans, chances are you’re not one. Whenever you take on projects like polyaspartic coating of your garage floor, never be afraid to reach out to consult a professional for guidance. Professional results are obtained by professional expertise!
Contact your local hardware store or home improvement chain in your area and you should be able to receive professional services at your disposal.
What’s the Verdict?
Your garage floor coating may not be the first thing that comes to people’s minds, but its versatility, function, and durability certainly catch the eyes on the back end. All good things end at some point, so you might as well prepare before you repair. When in doubt, contact a local professional in the home improvement industry to ensure the quality performance of your garage floor and garage storage system!
What to Know About Epoxy Garage Floors (& How it Works)