Epoxy is an actual thermosetting resin that is applied as a coating.  It is formed when you mix one part epoxide resin with one part polyamine hardener.  The hardener acts as a catalyst and is what gives epoxy its strength.

Unlike paint that has to dry, epoxy cures.  When the two parts are mixed, a chemical reaction is started which creates an exothermic curing process.  This curing process produces polymer structures that are closely cross-linked giving epoxy its superior strength and durability.  The end result is a coating that is much thicker than paint and bonds tenaciously to a properly prepared surface.

The thicker coating also does a great job of covering over minor imperfections such as small spider cracks and flaws in the concrete.   Because epoxy is a topical sealer, it is also anti-dusting.  Much of the dust in a garage is created from the powder that a cement floor can shed.  Normal traffic on bare concrete can kick up this dusty powder that has a tendency of collecting on cars, tool benches, and storage items, as well as being tracked into the house.

As a topical coating it is also naturally moisture resistant.  This is a great benefit for people who live in snowy climates.  It makes for easy cleaning of icy brines and road salts that can collect on the floor during the winter.  Just a little mild soap and water is all it takes.  Dust and debris can be collected with a dust mop or soft broom when the floor is dry.

Depending on whether you added colored acrylic flakes to the floor and the type of topcoat used, some surfaces can be slippery when wet.  For people who live in drier climates this usually isn’t an issue.  If you want some extra grip however, you can add slip resistant aggregate to the final coat that will create a non-skid surface.

A common question that pops up about epoxy garage floors is hot tire pick up.  This is caused when the hot tires from your car can soften lessor quality coatings.  The tires then cool down and contract after driving which causes the tire tread to literally grab and pull at the surface of the still soft coating.  This process will actually cause the epoxy to delaminate as the tire pulls it up off the floor.

This is a problem that is associated more with the lesser quality products such as store bought epoxy paint kits.  These are usually water based coatings that are 50% solids at best and only 3 mils thick, as compared to 100% solids epoxy that is 10 mils or more thick.  This is found in quality commercial product or professionally installed coatings.

Visit our garage flooring gallery to view more epoxy coated garage floors.