With the right information and epoxy supplier to back you up, the process of applying epoxy garage floor paint is neither challenging nor time-consuming. Here's a look at how to calculate the volume of raw materials you'll need, along with some information on how many coats your project will require and how to do the basic preparations to start your next DIY project.

Getting the Groundwork Out of the Way

Correctly estimating the amount of epoxy garage floor paint required is dependent upon three factors:

1. Square footage: Confirm the size of your garage by measuring it across its widest and broadest points; simply counting the vehicular doors may not be an accurate guide. If your garage has alcoves or other nooks, simply measure each area separately, then total the individual dimensions together. As an example, if the main area of your garage measures 20 feet by 12 feet and you have an attached cubbyhole for storing muddy clothes or bicycles that is 10 feet by 5 feet. The main area would total 240 square feet and the cubbyhole another 50. You would need materials equal to a 290 square foot garage (see below).

2. Porosity of the substrate (the floor you're coating): Porosity is typically determined by whether or not the substrate, more than likely concrete for a garage floor, had a previous coat of sealer, paint or epoxy.

3. Pre-existing condition: The presence of cracks, divots, pin-holes, saw cuts and other imperfections determines whether one or two coats will be required. A single coat fills 85% of defects in a garage floor that’s seen typical levels of wear and tear.

There’s No Secret Formula to Measuring Floors

Once you have your total square-footage, representing the main garage along with any recessed areas or nooks, converting that measurement into an order couldn’t be more simple. Use the following as a guide and feel free to contact EpoxyMaster with any further questions:

• Typical one-car garage: Usually comprising 200-350 square feet, a single three-gallon kit should allow you some extra material for filling deeper or larger blemishes or uneven areas.Typical two-car garage: Typically between 400 and 550 square feet, we recommend one (1) three-gallon kit and an additional 1.5-gallon kit. Use the smaller unit to trim in hard-to-reach areas, then mix and apply the larger kit over the main area. This method usually results in a thicker, stronger finish than using a three-gallon kit alone.

• Typical three-car garage: Measuring 600 to 800 square feet, two (2) three-gallon kits will be required. If the garage has a relatively new, smooth and flaw-free floor, two (2) kits can cover 900 square feet. For older or worn substrates, we recommend the purchase of an additional 1.5-gallon kit.

Double Coatings Equal Double the Strength

A single coat of EpoxyMaster epoxy garage floor paint is sufficient to fill 85% of the divots and pin-holes in a garage floor that’s seen typical levels of wear and tear. In cases where residential or commercial floors are extremely worn, or where a more lustrous and shiny finish is required, we recommend the application of two full coats. 

Please note: Before applying the first coat of epoxy, add 15 to 20 ounces of acetone to every 2 gallons of Part A (epoxy resin). Acetone evaporates, but has the effect of making the resin less viscous and easier to work with.

Once the Part B activator has been added, the mix is applied with a squeegee, but not rolled. This process allows the product to fill all pre-existing defects in the substrate. The second coating is then applied normally - first with a squeegee, then finished by rolling - as soon as the primer coat is dry. Under normal conditions, this is typically some 12 to 18 hours later, thus it’s usually possible to finish the project in two days. 

In any application, the use of two coats leads to several benefits, including:

• A more uniform finish

• Greater obscuring of pre-existing imperfections

• The doubled thickness means twice the strength, thus twice the longevity

If you determine your project would benefit from an additional coat, simply double the quantity of kits ordered.

Preparation Is Key !

To ensure maximum adhesion, it is imperative that any previous coatings be abraded. Aside from allowing for the best levels of product attachment, the preparation process also creates an improved profile (level of smoothness), removing ridges and other imperfections that might otherwise inhibit proper bonding.

The process of preparing concrete substrates, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing coating or not, has three preparation options:

1. Use an upright orbital sander fitted with a diamond grinding head and a vacuum: This is the best form of preparation and will remove a thin layer of laitance (thin layer of concrete), along with any previous coating or sealer. These tools are available from most specialty tool rental locations, from the tool rental departments of home improvement stores and from contractor stores serving the painting and coating trades.

2. Fitting an orbital upright sander with 60 grit sanding screens/discs, then sanding the concrete floor.

3. Use a Floor Prep and Cleaning Solution to clean and etch the concrete surface.

A more detailed guide to preparation is available here.

Customer Service Should Be Your # 1 Priority !

Our epoxy do-it-yourself products can also be used for numerous other applications, including countertops and basement floors. The large assortment of colors offered has been important to our becoming one of the top sellers in the epoxy coatings industry, a position we can only maintain by ensuring every customer is a satisfied customer. 

We recognize that you may have other questions concerning epoxy garage floor paint, and we aim to provide additional articles and blog posts that answer most DIYer questions before they’re even asked! If we missed something, feel free to suggest any topic you discover by submitting our short online form called "Ask EpoxyMaster". We'll make sure to answer your questions right away!

For further information on product selection, installation and the process of calculating your requirements for a DIY project, you can easily reach us by sending us a message below or call us Toll-Free at 1-888 EPOXY-KIT (1-888-376-9954).

If you would like to register for the EpoxyMaster SIDEKICK VIP Program, you too can be one our many successful DIYers and enjoy the many benefits that come with being a SIDEKICK VIP Member. You will get access to our periodic newsletter, discount on select products, and if you complete your project and send us a picture with you in it, we will feature your project on our website and share it with other DIYers. All you have to do to register is complete the simple three-step form on the right and you're in.

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