If you own a garage, you know that it is an instrumental part of your home and can serve different purposes. However, if you do not utilize it properly, it can turn into an unused waste of space. You can bring new life to the garage space by painting it, then encouraging your family members, especially children, to start using it regularly for different purposes.
You can paint the floor so it looks great, but more than that, there are special floor coatings available in the market that are resistant to wear and tear and accidental spillages. They are sure to enhance the durability and longevity of your floor. So 5 years later, it could be looking as good as it did the day you painted it.
After painting the garage floor with a high-quality floor coating, you will be left with a smooth and elegant finish infinitely better than a plain old concrete surface. After applying this coating, you will find yourself with a concrete floor that is resistant to stains and at the same time, quite easy to clean.
In this article, we are going to be reviewing the best garage floor coating available on the market, followed by a comprehensive buying guide that includes information on the different types of garage paints, the factors you should consider before purchasing one, and the benefits that they have. We have also put our heads together and created some general FAQs to clear up any doubts that you might have.
Table Contents
- Top 10 Best Garage Floor Coating 2023
- 1 – EpoxyShield Garage Floor Coating by Rust-Oleum
- 2 – Coat Epoxy Resin Kit by Super Clear
- 3 – Foundation Sealant by Liquid Rubber
- 4 – 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Floor Paint by Kilz
- 5 – 203007 Epoxy Shield Basement Floor Kit by Rust-Oleum
- 6 – 10022 Light Beige Epoxy Resin Coating by Coloured Epoxies
- 7 – Waterborne Urethane Glaze Coat by SUPER COAT
- 8 – Full Dark Gray Kit by Epoxy-Coat
- 9 – 3 Part EPOXY Mortar Patching System by Epoxy Patch
- 10 – Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin by Leggari Products
- Garage Floor Coating Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions on Garage Floor Coating
- Conclusion
Top 10 Best Garage Floor Coating 2023
With a plethora of concrete garage floor paints available in the market, it might be challenging to decide on the perfect fit for you. Don’t worry, we have you covered. We have reviewed the best garage floor coating available and created a top 10 to help you make your ideal choice.
1 – EpoxyShield Garage Floor Coating by Rust-Oleum
For many years, Rust-Oleum has been a trusted brand when it comes to manufacturing paints. The main reason is that it produces high-quality colors perfect for rugged concrete garage floors. The two-part epoxy paint is sure to protect your garage floor from different types of chemicals and oils, including antifreeze, gasoline, motor oil and it is also one of the best garage floor paints when it comes to protecting against garage door lubricant.
This particular concrete garage floor paint not only protects the bare concrete garage floor but also enhances its look by giving it an appealing semi-gloss finish. You can apply the paint effectively in an area of up to 500 square feet with a single coat. The dry time of this paint is about 24 hours, which means you can start walking on it the very next day. However, when it comes to using it on driveways, you must allow three days before driving on it.
Key Features
- 2-part Epoxy formula
- Professional-looking finish
- 500 feet coverage
- Subtle shine on surfaces
- Long-lasting protection
- Low VOC and odor
Pros
- Protects from chemicals and stains
- 500 square feet coverage
- Clear instructions
- Easy to apply for a DIY project
- No hot tire pick up
Cons
- Suitable only for interiors
- Needs two coats of paint
2 – Coat Epoxy Resin Kit by Super Clear
Super Clear’s Epoxy kit has two-gallon epoxy kits in them instead of having to buy two epoxy kits of quartz each. This type of deal is better economically. This is one of the best floor epoxy kits and is really quite affordable. At the same time, it is one of a few floor paints that have an abundance of positive reviews from its users for its high quality. So you’re getting great quality, at a great price.
The paint is resistant to UV rays and has an ultra-crystal-clear finish. It is important to note that it needs to be used with caution outside the house. The two-part liquid glass epoxy is easy to use and has been on the market for 60 years. It has a cure time of 30 minutes. The kit comes with one gallon of the base resin, one gallon of curing agent, and three cups of 2.5 Quart plastic. It even works very well with metallic epoxy pigment and color pigments.
Key Features
- Ultra-crystal-clear DIY kit
- Compatible with Metallic Epoxy Pigment
- Simple pourable epoxy product
- 30 Minute Epoxy Cure Time
Pros
- Crystal clear finish product
- Doesn’t bubble
- Great depth
- Decently priced product
- Easy to mix and use
- Clear instructions to follow
Cons
- Hardens quickly in hot temperatures
3 – Foundation Sealant by Liquid Rubber
The Foundation Sealant by Liquid Rubber is a well-known paint for garages that also finds its use in foundations, basements, and similar surfaces. With this paint, you do not need to mix anything, applying this product is very simple and straightforward. If you get some paint leftover, you can use it at a later date as there is no shelf life for this sealant. The paint is a water-based product, having an elongation of over 900%.
We love that this is an environment-friendly sealant with zero VOCs and solvents. It also does not contain any harmful odors, making it safe for usage around children and pets. With these epoxy kits, you can paint an area of around 50 square feet easily with a single gallon. For a professional touch, you might require two to four coats. The drying time of this sealant is between 24 to 48 hours.
Key Features
- Over 900% elongation
- No mixing needed
- Water-based and environment-friendly product
- The cure time of 24 to 48 hours
- No working shelf life
Pros
- No mixing required
- Environmentally friendly product
- No shelf life
- Children and pet-friendly product
- Drying time of 24 to 48 hours
Cons
- Needs several coats for the desired effect
4 – 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Floor Paint by Kilz
Kilz has been in the paint manufacturing business for more than 40 years now and is well known for making high-quality products. This 1-part epoxy garage paint has an excellent finish and looks quite appealing even after a single application. We love that this garage floor paint is resistant to gasoline, oils, and many other chemicals; and also stain resistant.
The epoxy paint has good coverage, you can paint around 400 square feet of garage floor with just a gallon. The paint works well with masonry and bare concrete surfaces. On applying this paint, the concrete floor is now protected and the grey satin finish looks great. This water-based paint dries within 2 hours and is one of the best products for high-traffic concrete surfaces.
Key Features
- Water-based floor paint product
- Ideal for high-traffic surfaces
- Dry to touch in 2 hours
- Smooth and satin finish
- 1 gallon covers 400-500 square feet area
Pros
- Suitable for bare concrete and masonry surfaces
- Great coverage
- Dry to touch in two hours
- Chemical resistant and oil resistant
- Appealing grey satin finish
Cons
- This product might need a second coat
- Unsuitable for outdoor usage
- Not suitable for vertical surfaces
5 – 203007 Epoxy Shield Basement Floor Kit by Rust-Oleum
The epoxy shield by Rust-Oleum is an exceptional garage floor paint that comes in either tan or grey color. It also delivers a sturdy, durable, and hard surface that protects the concrete floor from stains and abrasions. This floor paint has very little odor and is user-friendly. Any mess that is created can be cleaned easily with water and soap. This floor paint is particularly good at transforming your dull space into a lively one with its beautiful satin finish. Maintenance is also easy and straightforward, making the garage an area that you feel good spending time in.
The water-based coating does not need any primer meaning you can apply just one coat. The kit comes with two cans, stir sticks, decorative chips, and an instruction sheet in Spanish and English. The kit can cover an area of 250 square feet easily for a single application. The attractive satin finish is sure to bring you loads of compliments from your friends and family.
Key Features
- Attractive satin finish
- Water-based coating
- 1-coat coverage
- The kit covers an area of 250 square feet
- Soap and water clean up
Pros
- Available in 2 colors: Grey and tan
- Abrasion and stain resistant
- Satin finish
- Low odor
- Easy to clean and maintain
- User-friendly
- doesn’t need two coats
- Great reputation as one of the best garage floor paints
Cons
- Suitable only for interiors
- Not very long-lasting
6 – 10022 Light Beige Epoxy Resin Coating by Coloured Epoxies
The resin coating by Coloured Epoxies is a flexible two-part epoxy coating. The three-gallon kit can comfortably take care of an area of 125 to 170 square feet per gallon. This garage paint is a great option for the budget-conscious buyer considering the features and benefits it offers. The resin paint forms a durable and thick surface, although it might require multiple applications. One of the best parts of this garage paint is that it comes in 18 different color options, along with a glossy finish.
The garage paint is a flexible but solid product that can be used on plywood as well as concrete. The paint has almost minimal odor and a low VOC level. You’ll not only be left with a professional look, but this garage paint also protects the floor, protecting it from chemicals and water as well as molds and fungi. The paint is resistant to UV radiation, making it long-lasting and durable. It protects the floor from environmental damage and oxidation. You need to properly prep before applying to get the best result. It can take 8 to 24 hours to dry.
Key Features
- Professional 2-part epoxy paint
- Gloss finish
- Chemical resistant
- 350 square feet per gallon coverage
- Garage floor painting kit
Pros
- 100% solids construction
- Available in many colors
- UV resistant
- Odorless
- No primer required
- One coat required
Cons
- Second coat required for light colors
- Difficult to clean
7 – Waterborne Urethane Glaze Coat by SUPER COAT
The glaze coat by SuperCoat is different from other products available on the market. This a urethane coat that is water-based and is best used as a topcoat for different floor paints. You might feel that such coats do not have much use as you are already protecting the floor by applying garage floor paints on them. However, it needs to be noted that there can be a problem of oxidization when these paints come in contact with oxygen and water, making them turn yellow over time. This urethane glaze coat protects the topcoat from getting yellow and being oxidized. It also protects the floor and undercoat from any water-induced harms, battery acids, and chemical damage.
It’s good to think of this as a second level of protection for your garage floor. It needs to be used about 12 hours after you apply the epoxy paint. It should be applied with a nap roller of a 1/4 inch length. The dry time of this coat is between 24 to 72 hours. The gloss shine of the floor is also enhanced, more so with the decorative flakes that are included. A gallon of this paint can cover 250 square feet of the floor.
Key Features
- Two-part water-based epoxy
- 250 square feet coverage
- Cleaner included
- Sprinkle-on aggregate included
- Dry time of 24 to 72 hours
- Second level protection for garage floor
Pros
- Best garage floor paint for heavy use garages
- Easy to clean
- Number of color choices
- Good coverage
- Simple application
- 1 coat required
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
- Might need two coats
8 – Full Dark Gray Kit by Epoxy-Coat
Epoxy-Coat’s garage floor kit is a complete solution in itself for painting your garage floor. The epoxy paint is the perfect option for those readers looking for a high-quality product for your garage floor. This epoxy paint has a lifetime guarantee; giving great peace of mind. The kit comes with enough paint to cover an area of 500 square feet including any needed for a touch-up.
The epoxy garage floor paint does not shrink after application. It is also easy to apply and can be used to cover any rough spots that older concrete floors are prone to have. The kit has 3 gallons of paint, rags, roller, mixing bucket, paint stirrer, slip-resistant crystals, squeegee, and a cleaner. You can start walking on this epoxy paint after 12 hours.
Key Features
- Made with 100% solids
- Anti-Microbial
- Slip-resistant
- Covers area of 500 square feet
- Lifetime Guarantee
Pros
- Contains everything you might need possibly
- 12 hours of dry time
- Huge coverage
- Highly durable
- Good for rough spots
Cons
- Fast-drying; hence not recommended to mix all the paint
- Low-quality squeegee
- No the best garage floor paint for heavy use floor coverings
9 – 3 Part EPOXY Mortar Patching System by Epoxy Patch
If you are looking for a concrete crack repair system, the patching system by Epoxy Patch is a great option. This epoxy paint dries ten times stronger than any regular cement. It can also cover and repair cracks up to 1 inch thick. The crack repair is sure to be 100% waterproof. The coating can easily fix holes and any pitting in concrete. The dry time of this paint is 60 minutes, curing to a medium grey color.
The patching system is made from 100% solid filler with complete waterproof padding. You can even add pigments to this filler. You can apply it easily to your car garage concrete floor in all kinds of weather, be it summer or winter. This is one of the best garage floor paints when it comes to value for your money.
Key Features
- 100% Solid epoxy filler
- Can fix cracks of up to a 1-inch thickness
- Medium gray color
- 1-hour dry time
- 2-hour cure time
- 100% waterproof formula
- One coat required for total floor covering
Pros
- Waterproof product
- Color flakes can be added to the product
- Easy application in both summer and winter
- Value for money – good price tag.
- One of easiest to use epoxy kits
- Quick clean up and very little prep work required
- Make car garage look great
- Great abrasion resistance
Cons
- Bad customer service
- Instructions are not clear
- Not the best garage floor paint for heavy uses floor coverings
10 – Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin by Leggari Products
Crystal-clear epoxy paint by Leggari is an American product that is resistant to UV rays and has zero VOCs. The odorless paint is made from 100% solids and comes in a 1.5-gallon kit. The industrial-grade paint uses nano glass technology that makes it highly durable and resistant to scratches. The topcoat can cover a surface to up to 1/8 thickness with each coat.
This is one of the most advanced universal epoxy coating paints available on the market to date, perfect for garage floor coverings. It takes 45 to 60 minutes which meets the requirements of USDA Food and Beverages. It can also easily accept all kinds of powder or liquid pigments, glitter, paints, etc.
Key Features
- UV Resistant product
- Zero VOCs
- Super High Gloss
- 100% solids construction
- Working time of 45 to 60 minutes
- Made in America
Pros
- No torching required
- Value for money epoxy kit
- High-quality floor paint product
- Easy to use product
- Good customer service
- No need for a pressure washer
Cons
- Might bubble up sometimes
Garage Floor Coating Buying Guide
Deciding to paint the garage floor or not is an easy decision, the difficult part is deciding which brand and product to go for and the material required for it. There are so many options, it can be intimidating. You not only want to make your garage floor look attractive, but also protect the floor from accidental chemical spillages and scratches. The coating also needs to be UV-resistant and waterproof for longevity, ad well being user-friendly, especially around children. In this guide, we will be covering everything you need to know before deciding which of the many epoxy coatings is the best fit for your floor.
Garage Floor Paint Types
For making the garage floor more durable and long-lasting, you want to choose the best type of garage paint for your floor. There are few, all with the strengths and usages so next we’ll introduce you to the various garage floor paints and why you would want to consider them.
Concrete Stain
Concrete stain garage paints are the best option to choose if you’re looking for something budget-friendly. This is also a great option if you are looking to improve the condition of your garage floor, together with hiding any cracks that the floor might have. Although it does not have color options it is simple to use. You just need to acid wash the floor and then apply it. Multiple layers can be added. There are two types- acid stains and masonry paint, which acts like a sealant.
Latex Paint
This type of paint is more similar to wall paints and much less effective when used for garage floors. There are some floor specific options that do perform a little better. Latex paints have different options when it comes to colors. It is quite suitable for people that use the garage to keep their cars. You can get creative with a large number of color options available, increasing the aesthetic value of the garage.
Urethane Paint
The urethane paint has a high VOC level and does not stick to the floor well. This is the reason that they are not preferred with concrete garage floors. The only type of urethane paint that goes with concrete floors is Polyurea. These paints have a shorter dry time than other types of paints; however, they might be costlier and might require you to call professionals to apply them correctly.
Epoxy
Epoxy paints are sought-after and a popular choice for garage floor painting. They tend to be veneer than standard paints. The cracks in the floor get adequately covered, and the floor becomes more resistant to chemicals, stains, temperature, and climate. Epoxy paints are naturally very durable, making them last longer. They also require minimum to no maintenance. There are 2 main different types; solvent-based or water-based. There is also one-part or two-part, self-leveling, and decorative variations. The process of application is not as simple as others, it is something that can be done on your own. It’s important to know that these paints also have a longer cure time.
Factors to Consider before Purchasing a Garage Floor Paint
Capacity
You should make a note of the total area of the garage floor before going out to purchase garage floor paint. In most of the cases, a gallon can cover anywhere between 100 to 600 square feet area, depending on the product you select. If you are looking to apply two or more coats, you should adjust your requirements accordingly. Accurately measuring the area is crucial so that you can avoid any wastage of the epoxy paint, as it can dry quickly, and you might not be able to use it in the future.
Appearance
The appearance or the outcome of applying a garage paint is perhaps the deciding factor for many people. Epoxy paints are known to give a transparent or glossy look to the floor. Other popular options are black or grey finishes, that go well with garage floors. If you opt for polyurethane paints, you will have a multitude of color options to choose from according to your taste.
Protection Capacity
The floor is the component of the garage that comes in contact with different kinds of materials, each having different impacts on the floor, including potentially damaging the floor. The right garage floor paint is able to protect the floor from different kinds of materials, such as wastewaters, gasoline, engine oils, and various chemicals. Thus, this can also affect the durability of the floor. The garage floor paint should be able to resist any damage caused by regularly used items in your garage.
Durability
The floor paints that we have selected are able to stop garage floors being damaged over long periods of time. For well-used garages, the durability of the garage floor paint becomes an important factor when picking out the right paint. A high-quality epoxy coat on the top of the garage floor is your best chance at protecting it for years. The garage paint should also be able to resist extreme weather conditions and should be resistant to cracks. Equally important is to ensure that the color is flexible and can absorb abrasions and impacts.
Chemically Durable
If you used or store different chemicals in your garage, it is essential to see chemicals for what they are, and that’s silent killers, that can damage floors in a myriad of ways. Especially when given time. You need to make a note of the chemicals, oils, greases, etc. that you regularly use in your garage and then select a garage floor paint that is resistant to all of them.
Adhering and Application
Having durable garage paint is not enough if it is not compatible with your floor. You have to take the time to check that the garage paint is able to bond well with the floor. You might need to prep before applying the paint to make it ready. Products that are high quality may take more time and effort, likewise, a two-part epoxy is also going to be more effort, however, they are worth it because they are more durable than 1-part epoxy paints. Products with longer cure time are more durable and stronger than their counterparts too.
The Benefits of Painting the Garage Floor
Besides making the garage beautiful and appealing, garage floor paint also has several benefits that are sure to encourage you to apply them. Some of these benefits are as follows:
Protects the floor
The garage floor requires protection from several items in your garage. The most basic one is dust, although it is not harmful at all. The materials that can cause harm to the floor and change the color are chemicals, oil spills, grease, and lubricants. They can cause severe damages to the floor especially if there is no topcoat applied on the floor. The cracks on the floor can lead to permanent damage that might not be easy to clean, also causing a lot of dirt and debris to be collected. A garage floor paint takes care of all this by forming a protective layer on the top of the floor.
Resistance to impacts
There can be specific reasons for cracks being formed on the floor. Applying a garage paint product can make the floor more resistant to impacts and abrasions. You don’t have to worry the next time you drag a toolbox across the garage. For a thick and hard finish, go for epoxy paints that also have a glossy finish. Then you don’t need to worry about accidental spills or cracks after applying it.
Enhances the Aesthetic Value
On applying garage floor paint, the value of the garage often increases. A glossy garage paint is sure to attract compliments and increase the aesthetic value of the garage. There are several color options for you to choose from, along with the possibility of selecting different textures. Since the garage floor paint gives a glossy finish to the garage floor, it also enhances the effect of lighting in the garage.
Requires Less Maintenance
Garage floor paints can quickly seal any cracks that might be present and even prevent it from cracking further. Since cracks can also be caused due to changes in temperature, the protective layer of the garage floor paint protects it from extreme weather conditions, requiring less maintenance on your part. The garage paints can easily last for up to 10 years. The only maintenance required is mopping and sweeping. In general, the garage floor is sure to look clean and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions on Garage Floor Coating
A garage floor paint, in general, enhances the durability of the floor and makes it last longer. However, in our opinion, the best product when it comes to sustainability is two-part epoxy paint. They need you to mix the hardener separately into the resin, or the base material. Although, it needs proper and substantial prepping and the cure time is longer, the end product lasts longer and requires minimal maintenance. The application of this paint is also not exactly easy; however, they are stronger and harder than other types of garage paint options. Although you might feel that they are expensive, taking into account the long-term benefits of this paint, it is quite good value for money.
The short answer is yes, coating your car garage with one of the better epoxy floor coatings is worth it. For those who are looking to enhance the look of their garage floor, putting up an epoxy coat (especially from the list of floor paints above) on the garage floor can serve as a perfect option.
Although not cheap, the benefits of applying them on the garage floor are quite significant and are something you cannot ignore. The cost is also dependent on the area and the type of upgrade that you are looking for. Here are just some of the reasons that getting an epoxy coat on the garage floor is worth it:
– High durability and long-lasting
– The top protection level for the garage floor
– Easy to clean
– Resistant to temperature, impacts, abrasions, and slippages
– Epoxy coatings can make the best garage floor look better
– Does floor epoxy increase my home value?
Coating the garage floor with an epoxy kit can enhance the aesthetic value of your home. It makes the garage look more appealing and beautiful. Important if you are looking to sell your property, potential buyers always prefer a shiny and glossy garage floor over a dull concrete floor. They might even pay you more if you have such flooring in your house.
Coating the garage floor with an epoxy kit can enhance the aesthetic value of your home. It makes the garage look more appealing and beautiful. In case you are looking to sell out your property, the potential buyers of your property would always prefer a shiny and glossy garage floor over a dull concrete floor. They might even pay you better if you have such flooring in your house.
It is vital to keep the garage floor dry, especially in the winter months, to prevent cracks and abrasions on the garage floor. The garage floor can be kept dry by following the following few tips:
Insulating your garage using good materials.
Using an infrared heater or electric garage heater can also be used during the winter months.
Applying an etching solution or a concrete cleaning solution to the floor
The garage floor paint is applied should contain sand or non-slip granules
Investing in epoxy floor paint can be a costly affair when compared to other concrete floor paint. However, instead of the cost, you need to consider the benefits that epoxy paint offers over its concrete floor paint counterparts. Some of these benefits include resistance to staining, cracks, and abrasions.
It doesn’t get affected by road salts or motor oil. The high-quality epoxy products are a better investment when compared to other garage floor paints because it will act as a floor covering for much longer, whilst offering more protection too. The truth is, if you want the best garage possible, nothing else can compete with epoxy paint when it comes to floor covering solutions.
Conclusion
coatings have many benefits and it’s not easy to know which is the best garage floor paint to meet your needs. Which will do the best job on your concrete floor? which handles motor oil or road salt the best? which has color flakes? We’ve tried to answer all these questions and more so you can pick the best garage floor epoxy for you.
The garage concrete floor cannot be abused continuously without any repercussions if you select well. Any damage to the floor surface can impact the overall look and functionality of the garage. It also affects your mood and amongst some guys, having the best garage floor can be a point of pride. The best epoxy garage floor paint brings with it many benefits and it doesn’t need to sting the pocket that much either. We have shared with your the best of the best when it comes to garage floor coating, and floor paint for garages, pick the option that best suits your needs and you won’t be disappointed.
James has been working with lot’s of power tool brands like Husqvarna, Makita and WORX for over 12 years. With his passion for power tools and gardening he is helping both consumers and businesses with his expertise. He now runs the editorial team at HomeGearExpert and loves to support local charities in his spare time.