Find the Perfect Garage Floor Coating: Top 10 Reviewed
You should make sure that the floor in your garage is well-protected at all times. By using a simple coating of a material which is similar to paint, you can prolong the lifespan of the floor and make sure it stays like new as long as needed. The best advantage is distinct. These coatings are affordable, easy to apply, but they offer a reliable and stain-immune layer that has a beautiful effect. Besides, the coating will protect the garage floor from tire marks and heat.
There are a lot of products of this kind on the market, and now we will present you 10 coatings that are simply stunning and that offer the best protection. In the end, we will give you buyers guide that should help you find the best product for your specific needs.
How we ranked the products?
We tested each of the following products in the real world, with an actual floor of a garage. The ratings are based on the result in each coating provided. By using this time-consuming type of testing, we are positive that each layer is adequately tested, and we know all about its pros and cons. The list is based on our research mostly, but we also used feedback from other homeowners who used the specific type of coating and provided their experience.
Top 10 garage floor coating
Below is the ultimate list that contains 10 products. Each one comes with its own set of advantages and a few drawbacks, which is normal. Now you can easily find one of the coatings that is made by a well-known company, and that comes with all the features you will need.
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UGL Drylok Concrete Floor Paint
UGL Drylok Concrete Floor Paint is the best choice for us and most of you. The most significant advantage is related to overall simplicity. The paint requires a short time to dry completely. Even so, it can be used on all surfaces, indoor and outdoor. Applying the color is a simple and straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced skills or tools. Also, this paint can be used over old paint, new concrete or old concrete, and it will form a strong and durable layer.
It must be mentioned that the paint is extremely resistant. It is designed to resist tire marks, high temperature, acids, other colors, and other chemicals that will generally damage the floor coating. Before you apply the coating, make sure to clean the surface using soap and water. This additionally decreases the time you need for the entire process.
Pros:
- Resistant
- Easy to apply
- For all kinds of surfaces
- Value for money
Cons:
- Isn’t suitable for uneven floors
- Small package
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Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Epoxy Coating
Rust-Oleum makes this product, and they are probably the best-known manufacturer of the floor coatings. The most significant benefit is the epoxy base, which dries fast and stays exceptionally resistant. There are several products we tested, made by this brand, but this one is the best. Thanks to its base, the coating is extremely resistant, easy to apply, and it creates a thick layer of surface that will protect the floor from literally anything.
The coating isn’t VOC free meaning that it should be applied in a well-ventilated area. If you use it in a closed garage, make sure to wear protective goggles and air masks. One package can cover 250 square feet, and it is reasonably affordable. All of this means that you can efficiently complete the task and on a tight budget. Last but not least, the preparation should be done using soap and warm water. Therefore, it is simple and far from a time-consuming task.
Pros:
- Packaging
- Epoxy base
- Easy to apply
- Durable
Cons:
- Isn’t VOC free
- Sensitive cans
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Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield Garage Floor Coating
This is another product made by the same manufacturer as the previous kit. It is a 2.5 car kit that can cover 500 square feet, so we will recommend it for homeowners with bigger garages. Once again, we can see that the epoxy basis is used. The kit is designed for garages where the heavy-duty coating is mandatory. In return, the glossy coating of the finish will be easier to clean and maintain. There is no need to add that it is very resistant and durable.
You can have this coating in grey and tan colors, which help you match the look to the walls and the rest of the garage. We liked the low-VOC base, which makes the kit more comfortable to apply and helps you using the epoxy in all garages. Make sure to clean the surface properly before applying the coating and to let it dry completely before you start working with the coating.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Massive package
- Low-VOC
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Complicated to apply
- Expensive
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Valspar Premium Clear Epoxy
Check the price here.
The product we have here is designed and made in the United States. This manufacturer is best-known for coatings used on walls, but they also offer the Valspar Premium Clear Epoxy. It is slightly different than other products from the list. The coating is transparent, meaning you will see the surface beneath it. This is beneficial for people who want to cover new concrete and protect it.
The coating is glossy and very resilient. It has been used by people who have one—car garage and who are looking for transparent coating. Applying the layer is straightforward, and you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. We must add that the package is smaller than usual.
Pros:
- Resilient coating
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Great customer support
Cons:
- Transparent finish only
- For smaller garages
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Rust-Oleum Professional Floor Coating Kit
Rust-Oleum Professional Floor Coating Kit is designed for industrial applications so you can understand what it has to offer. The coating is so tough that it can withstand anything literally. Gasoline, oil, chemicals, etc. won’t be a problem for this coating, and it will maintain its shiny finish for years. Applying the layer is as easy as it sounds. It comes in an epoxy base and in two chemicals that must be mixed together. One package will cover 200 square feet of the garage floor.
There are several things we must add regarding this product. First of all, it is a heavy-duty finish, so it comes at a high price. The glossy result is mandatory, and it helps you clean the surface. The last thing is related to applying the coating. It is the same as with previous kits.
Pros:
- Industrial grade product
- Glossy finish
- Useful instructions
- Decent value for money
Cons:
- Bad Odor
- Color issues possible
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KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Concrete and Garage Floor Paint
The selected coating is a masterpiece. With one gallon of it, you will be able to cover 500 square feet, which is impressive and also makes the entire process even more affordable. We liked the overall resilience of the coating and the epoxy base. Applying the layer is as simple as it sounds, and you can do it within hours. Just make sure that the surface is completely dry and clean before applying the coating.
The resistance is decent and can be said average. This product is excellent for people who are on a tight budget, yet they want proper protection of the garage floor. The last advantage is the fact you can choose it in a gray and silver-gray color option. Both of them have the same base and the same list of pros and cons so that you won’t end up with better or worse coating.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Two colors available
- Easy to apply
- Instructions
Cons:
- Resistance
- Customer support
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Quikrete 2-Part Epoxy Gray Kit
Check the price here.
The kit is based on epoxy, it is suitable for a one-car garage, and it has a glossy finish. Probably the main advantage is resilience, which is epic and the colored flakes which are present. Thanks to this, the coating is a popular choice, and one of the best we were able to use. You also get detailed instructions that can help newbies complete this task in no time.
Keep in mind that this kit comes with all the essentials you are going to need. You get the stirring element, the two compounds, and also a degreaser that will help you prepare the surface for coating. The cover will look excellent once you are done, and it will stay like new for an extended period. Don’t forget that the coating comes with user instructions, which are slightly different than generic, so you will need to prepare the surface accordingly.
Pros:
- Colored flakes
- Durable and robust protection of the floor
- Complete kit
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Glossy finish only
- For one-car garages
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Epoxy-Coat Concrete Clear Coat
We liked this kit a lot, and we believe it is one of the most excellent choices you can make these days. The package itself is well-made, comes with all kinds of advantages, and is exceptionally durable. Believe it or not, the kit is 10 times more durable than other coatings you can get. This makes it ideal for garage owners who will push it to the limit and always want to have the best floor coating there is. The package includes all you will ever need and even a DVD with essential points of the coating and the process itself.
The surface you will end up with is anti-slip, immune to chemicals, and damages, but it also looks pleasant and professional. Additionally, we must add that the kit comes without any odors, which makes it ideal for applying and using in small garages and areas that are not well-ventilated. As you would expect, this product is expensive but worth it. You will love your new finish, and you will enjoy its strength for many years in the future.
Pros:
- 10 times more durable
- Complete kit with all you will need
- Odorless chemical
- DVD with additional instructions and details
Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to find
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Colored Epoxies 10002 Clear Epoxy Resin Coating
The product we have here is entirely different than the previous one. It is far more affordable, and it is based on epoxy. One kit can cover between 120 and 175 square feet, which makes it ideal for smaller garages. The finish is glossy but transparent. There is no need to add that this made it suitable for garages with new concrete. We liked the glossy fishes as well and should add that it will look better than most other products of the same kind. The gloss finish is far more pronounced and look more expensive.
The next thing we must share with you is the fact you can use this coating on wood and concrete. It will prevent chemicals from reaching the surface below and therefore make sure that your surfaces look excellent for many years to come. Applying is extremely easy, and you won’t encounter any issues with this process. Also, this is one of the most popular products of this type at the moment.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- For wood and concrete
- Glossy finish
- Affordable
Cons:
- Too glossy for some users
- Packages should be bigger
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SUPERCOAT Waterborne Urethane Glaze Coat
SUPERCOAT Waterborne Urethane Glaze Coat is made to withstand all kinds of temperature. According to the manufacturer, it can withstand between 65 and 95 degrees without losing any of its properties. The coating is based on urethane and very durable. There is no color present, so we have to recommend it for homeowners who will use it on new concrete in their garage. This can be an advantage if you are looking for a durable coating to use for many years to come.
A single kit is sufficient for covering 500 square feet, which is impressive considering this isn’t one of the more expensive products. The resilience to the chemicals and wear is remarkable and can be categorized as above average. In a nutshell, we liked this product a lot, and we believe it is one of the most appealing outcomes you will need ever.
Pros:
- Package size
- Strength
- Temperature range
- Attention to detail
Cons:
- Lack of colored option
- Customer support
Buyers guide
So, how can you find the best coating for your garage? After all, there are 10 products mentioned above, and each one is different. You can purchase all of them and test each one. You will need 30 days of hard labor, and you will need thousands of dollars. A garage floor coating isn’t something you can simply throw away and move to another. It is a serious investment that will require time, money, and effort from you, so you need to do it properly. That’s why we recommend you buyers guide, a section where you can see all the main factors you should consider and why. Let’s begin.
Coating or covering?
The first factor to consider is, are you planning to invest in the coating or covering of the garage floor? These are two completely different things. The coating is similar to paint, and basically, you will apply a thin layer of coating or point to the floor. This is excellent if you are on a tight budget, and you want to complete the task in less time. The products we mentioned above are used for coating and as such, they can cover all kinds of floors on a budget.
The coating can cover stains and old paint, but this is an option that only high-end products provide. Most affordable and cheap products require you to remove the old paint and stains before applying the fresh coat. This should be done with all coatings, just in case. The more layers you apply, the better the result will be. You will end up with a coating that looks professional, and that can make your garage floor superb and extremely durable.
Covering is an entirely different thing. You will use tiles, for instance, to cover the floor and make them extremely durable. It is a more expensive and time-consuming alternative that offers ultimate protection. You can have rubber elements installed as well, and they will be more than just appealing to use.
The point here is to choose what you like and what is more suitable for your garage.
Types of floor coatings
Not all coatings are the same. They vary according to the base on which they are made. As such, we can see several options present, and each one is different. Anyway, the most common options are:
- Epoxy
These are entry-level coatings that are extremely popular today. You will have to mix two chemicals to get the coating, and you will apply it on a perfectly clean surface. They are affordable and easy to use, but they do not offer outstanding protraction like other alternatives.
Epoxy coatings are very easy to work with, and they can come in colored or transparent finishes. We liked these products, and we believe they will be the most common choice for you.
- Latex
Latex is used when you are unable to remove the stains and old paint from the garage floor. It generally offers better protection, and it can be applied in any number of layers you will need, and you are comfortable with. Cleaning the latex floor is super easy and can be done within minutes.
- Acrylic
Thanks to the shiny effect, you will love the looks of your garage floor. You can see this type of coating in the car saloons where the pristine look is mandatory. It creates a simple and robust layer of material that is relatively easy to clean and extremely durable.
- Urethane, and Polyurea
These two coatings are similar, and they are almost identical to latex. The most significant advantage is the finish and strength. The coating will be able to withstand anything literally, and you can use it for professional garages as well. The only drawback is finding the kit that is based on these chemicals. They are still new and, therefore, rare.
Basic steps you need to follow
All brands offer their version of the applying process, but they are the same. You should follow the small guide below to the point unless the manufacturer that made that kit specified otherwise.
- Gather all the tools and items you are going to need once you start coating you can complete it as soon as possible.
- Clean the surface from any grease, paint, or stains.
- Apply the coating in one layer. This is the first layer, and it will be used mostly to cover the imperfections of the floor rather than to make it look done.
- Let it dry for a specific period (6-12 hours). Keep in mind that different types of coatings require different periods to get dry. Make sure to read the instructions and find the precise time frame.
- Apply the second coating, let it dry again, and then apply the third coating if needed. The number of coatings is usually 2-3, and you should make sure that each one has the same thickness.
- You are done. Now you have an excellent garage floor that is protected from all issues and chemicals you can throw on it.
Conclusion
We helped you in choosing the best possible coating for your garage floor, and now it is your turn to make a choice and start with this improvement. Take a closer look at the buyer’s guide and choose a product that is just right for your requirements. Soon you will have a floor that looks great and can withstand anything literally. For more garage flooring articles, see here.
Last update on 2023-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
