I want to paint my garage floor using epoxy paint. How do I apply the paint?

Question

Is it like painting a regular wall or is there a special brush or roller that I need to buy?

Answer 1

here is a site with instructions

Answer 2

"Epoxy" paints usually come in two parts that have to be mixed right before you apply them. They don't dry by evaporating, rather, they harden from a chemical reaction between the two parts, a resin, and a hardener.

There are a few things you may need before you start painting. You shouldn't need any special equipment per se, just some disposable surgical gloves, and a few disposable rollers and roller trays. Once the paint starts to harden, it is almost impossible to get off, so you'll have to just throw away your used equipment. Also, don't mix it all at one time, instead, mix a small amount, and when you run out, mix some more.

Take some measurements of your garage area, and give them to the guy at the paint store. Once you mix the paint, you have to either use it or throw it away, so you want to get the right amount. better to have too much than too little, but you can still use any unmixed portions of the resin and hardener.

Some paints labeled "epoxy" may not be true epoxies of the two part kind, but rather some type of oil or water based dispersion, or something else entirely. These are easier to use and clean up, but they are usually less desirable than two part paints. Two-part's usually require only one coat.

Be sure to get plenty of ventilation, epoxies may smell kind of bad when you first apply them. Epoxies require a temperature of between 40-90 degrees to cure properly.They are also eye and skin irritant. If you get any on your skin, some nail polish remover should soften it enough to be able to rub it off.

Other than that, remember, if all else fails, read the directions.

Answer 3

The main thing is making sure that the surface is clean and oil free. Don't underestimate this step, even epoxy won't stick to oil or grease. I like to use de-natured alcohol for this. When, and only when it is clean and dry, apply the paint. I read the other answers, and most said to use a roller, and that seems to be the common wisdom, but I have had better luck using a brush or broom, because a roller applies paint to the surface, but may not get it into all the tiny air pockets, brushing it scrubs it down into every tiny spot, releasing the air as it goes. If that doesn't seem to make sense, just think of it like this: when you wash your car or your dishes, do you roll them, or scrub them.? Also, any loose sand or dust particles will be mixed in by brushing, and will not interfere with the paint getting to the surface. A little texture may be needed to assure good footing.

Answer 4

No special brush or roller, no. The paint is going to have two parts to be mixed thoroughly, then you'll have a specific time frame in which to get the painting done before it sets. It's best to use a disposable roller sleeve and brush for this type of paint. Chances are, you'll be working practically right up till it begins to set (unless it's something like 8-hour or longer!) and by then it's not practical to try to clean the equipment. For a smooth floor, you'll want a short nap roller, but not so short that it won't hold any paint. Unless the paint has a very short set-up time, it will generally smooth itself out before setting, and minor ripples won't be a problem.

Answer 5

Keep in mind Epoxy is a synthetic (man-made)
Epoxy's don't stick too well to cement. If any water gets into the cement (From below) the epoxy will "Pop" off the cement and will have a "Milky" look to it.

If your garage floor has a plastic barrier under it, that will help to keep moisture from coming up into the cement.

If the cement is old,you will have to wash it Muriatic Acid first to make sure it's clean. Than wash off the cement (with water). Which brings up another problem-- "WET CONCRETE".
Remember the cement MUST be dry before putting the epoxy down.

One last thing, keep in mind, if you are success full in putting down the epoxy, It's going to be "VERY" slippery when you get water on it.

Good luck

Answer 6

this sounds like a great idea at first, but if you check around, the epoxy paint for garage floors will last 5 years at best and usually less... use a good concrete floor paint that you can touch up year after year... just a thought...

Answer 7

Use a roller. It's faster and easier. Be aware that painted concrete surfaces are REALLY slick. Put a small amount of sand, [ fine grained], in your paint to reduce the chance of slipping.

Answer 8

You use a medium texture roller with an extender but, look on some of your mop's or brooms for a screw out handle because the wooden extender is expensive and the broom handle will do. Look into the chips you apply after you pain, you just sprinkle them on top of the paint and dahling, they look mavalous!!

Answer 9

No, your cheapest fix is the gallon of epoxy sealer and the flakes. You can probably scrape off the old sealer and apply the patch, trying to blend it in with the existing. But it will probably be noticeable to you.

Answer 10

Paint like a wall, cut in 1st and then roll it using a shed resistant 3/8's nap, good luck,

Answer 11

A roller will work and get a brush for around the edges.