Garage Floors (Epoxy & Coatings)
Transform your garage with durable epoxy floors and protective coatings in Wilson, NC.
Why Coat Your Garage Floor
Most garage floors are plain concrete that stains easily, collects dust, and looks industrial rather than finished. Oil drips from your car soak into the porous surface. Spills from chemicals, paint, or yard equipment leave permanent marks. The concrete might even be flaking or pitting from years of exposure to moisture and salt. A quality floor coating transforms your garage from a dingy storage space into a clean, professional-looking area you actually want to use.
Coated garage floors are dramatically easier to keep clean. Spills wipe up instead of soaking in. Dust and dirt sweep or mop away easily. Your garage stays cleaner with less effort, which matters if you use it as a workshop, home gym, or any space beyond just parking cars. The coating also protects your concrete from damage. It seals the surface against moisture, chemicals, and abrasion that gradually deteriorate uncoated concrete.
A coated floor also makes your garage brighter. The glossy surface reflects light, so your existing lighting works better. If you spend time working in your garage, this improved brightness reduces eye strain and makes tasks easier. Plus, a professionally coated floor just looks good. It shows you care about your property and adds value if you ever sell your home. The transformation from dull concrete to a showroom-quality floor is remarkable.
Types of Garage Floor Coatings
Several different coating systems work for garage floors, each with different characteristics and price points. Here are the main options we install for homeowners and businesses in Wilson.
Epoxy Coatings
True epoxy is a two-part chemical system that bonds to concrete and creates an extremely durable surface. Professional-grade epoxy can handle vehicle traffic, hot tires, chemical spills, and impacts without damage. It comes in solid colors, with decorative color flakes, or with metallic pigments for a high-end appearance. Epoxy provides the most durable coating option and works well for garages that see heavy use or harsh conditions. Proper epoxy application requires careful surface preparation and professional installation.
Polyurethane Coatings
Polyurethane coatings are often applied over an epoxy base coat for added protection. They resist UV yellowing better than epoxy alone and provide excellent chemical resistance. Polyurethane topcoats create a glossy, durable finish that holds up to abrasion and maintains its appearance longer than epoxy by itself. For the best performance, we typically recommend an epoxy base with a polyurethane topcoat.
Concrete Sealers
For budget-conscious projects or garages that see light use, concrete sealers provide basic protection at lower cost. Sealers penetrate the concrete or form a thin film on the surface. They help prevent staining and make cleaning easier, but they do not provide the durability or appearance of epoxy coatings. Sealers need reapplication every few years, while properly installed epoxy lasts much longer.
- Solid Color Epoxy: Single color finish in gray, tan, or custom colors for a clean, uniform appearance.
- Flake Epoxy: Decorative color chips broadcast into the base coat create a multi-colored terrazzo-like finish that hides imperfections.
- Metallic Epoxy: Metallic pigments create flowing patterns and depth for a unique, high-end look.
- Clear Coats: Transparent coatings that protect existing decorative concrete or stained floors while maintaining the original appearance.
The right coating depends on your budget, how you use your garage, and the appearance you want. During your consultation at WLS Wilson Concrete, we will show you samples and discuss which option best fits your needs. We bring the same expertise to garage floors that we apply to all our concrete work throughout Wilson.
The Installation Process
A quality floor coating depends more on proper preparation than expensive products. Many failed coating jobs are due to inadequate prep work, not inferior materials. Here is how we ensure your garage floor coating lasts.
Surface preparation is where we spend most of our time. We need clean, sound concrete for the coating to bond properly. We start by repairing any cracks, spalls, or damaged areas. Next we thoroughly clean the floor to remove all oil, grease, dirt, and contaminants. Then comes the most important step: profiling the concrete surface. We use diamond grinding or acid etching to open the pores of the concrete so the coating can penetrate and bond.
After the surface is properly prepared and dried, we apply the coating system. For epoxy, we mix the two components and apply the base coat with rollers and squeegees. If you are getting a flake finish, we broadcast the decorative chips onto the wet epoxy. Once the base coat cures, we apply the topcoat. Some systems require multiple coats for full coverage and durability. We work quickly and carefully because epoxy has a limited working time once mixed.
Curing time depends on the specific products used and temperature conditions. Most epoxy coatings are ready for foot traffic after 24 hours and vehicle traffic after 3 to 7 days. We give you specific instructions for your coating system. Using your garage too soon can damage the coating or leave tire marks. The wait is worth it for a finish that will look great and protect your concrete for years. The careful process is similar to our approach on concrete repair projects where surface prep determines long-term success.