Garage Floor Makeover Options

There are various ways you can makeover your garage floor and make it look anything from basic to very elegant. It is a home improvement that you can easily do yourself as long as you follow the correct procedures and use the right equipment.  Boring garage floors are a thing of the past and here are a few ways to upgrade them.

First, make sure the garage floor is super clean. It needs to be free of any cracks and removable stains. The hairline cracks can be filled with caulk- either concrete crack filler or an all-purpose urethane caulk. Do not use silicone as floor finishes will not stick to it. Larger cracks need to be filled with a mortar patching compound. Any lose material will need to be removed from the cracks you are repairing. Scrub the garage floor with a strong detergent and rinse clean. Pick out a color of latex paint for the floor. You will need a paint roller, roller pan, and a couple of smaller brushes for the outside around edges. Paint the floor and use a clear sealer to make it shiny. The sealer will also make it easier to wipe clean.

Make sure the floor is super clean and free of any stains or marks. Make sure there is no sealer on the floor. To test if there is a sealer on the floor drop a few drops of water on it, if the water soaks in there is no sealer on it but if it beads up then there is a sealer already on the floor. In this case there can not be a stain added to the floor. If there are any stains or marks it will show through the concrete stain. Paint thinner can be used to get up most stains. There are many different colors of stain and you can buy stain at any large retail store. Buy a roll of plastic or roll of paper and tape off the wall from the floor up all the way around and about two feet up. Get a decent size spray bottle that does not have anything previously mixed in it and mix the stain as the directions say. Take the spray bottle with the stain it in and start at a corner working side to side. Make sure to coat it all very good and make sure the stain is completely covering the concrete with no spots left showing. For a more marbled look try putting down a light brown stain and then put a black stained splatter over it. This will create a marbled look. The stain will usually have to sit for 24 hours with no walking, driving or anything until it is completely dry. After the stain has dried completely take a mop and mop it really good to get off any excess stain that might have been left behind. Once the floor is clean and dry you can use a polyurethane seal to make it shine. The seal will make it very shiny and look glossy. The seal can be purchased at any retail store that sells the concrete stain. See next option for how to apply the polyurethane seal.

The garage floor will need to be extremely clean for this option as well. As you will be able to see straight through this seal because it is basically just a clear coat. Although this seal is very thick and will make your floor look very shiny and nice it has a pretty expensive price tag as well. This seal is on the pricey side and will definitely be a more expensive option than going the latex paint route. After the floor is super clean and dry and free of any stains, holes and cracks the process of the seal can be started and you will need a paint roller and pan. Small brushes will be needed for around the edges to make sure the seal goes all the way to the wall. Start in one corner and roll the seal on going side to side until the entire floor is covered. Make sure to spread out all puddles evenly. It will not take to long to dry but wait approximately one day before putting anything back on the floor. If you want it extra shiny and thick after it dries just apply another coat and this will make it really glossy.

Updating your garage floor is something that can be accomplished by just about any homeowner.  No matter what method you choose it will immediately improve the look and feel of your garage.  There are various options to choose from and some options not only help improve the look but also help protect the floors with a garage floor coating.  Using an epoxy shield on your garage floor will create a showroom quality surface.  Not only will it look great but it will protect against motor oil, antifreeze, and gas.   Do some online research to figure which upgrade method is best for you. Whatever method you choose make sure to visit online retailers to find the appropriate kits and tools.