Best Garage Paints: Give Your Garage the Professional Finish
Improve the look of your garage with an epoxy paint coating
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Painting your garage floor can improve the look of your garage while making it easier to clean. You don’t want to use standard wall paint, though. Regular paint will chip or peel off. An epoxy paint designed for concrete will adhere to your garage floor for lasting good looks. You’ll be able to drive on it or store equipment without worrying about damage to your new finish. Consider one of these epoxy paint coatings for your garage floor.
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Floor Coating
- The epoxy won’t get picked up and separate from the concrete if you park hot tires on it.
- It’s also low odor and VOC.
- If you don’t follow the directions perfectly, you risk the epoxy peeling.
- Hot tires can leave marks on the epoxy.
- One kit won’t cover a two-car garage.
Rust-Oleum Epoxy Basement Floor Kit
- The water-based formula is low-odor and easy to clean.
- It covers up to 250 square feet and proves to be very durable.
- Applies in a breeze.
- It doesn't include a clear coat that would give the floor a more professional look.
- Two applications might be needed, depending on the floor condition.
SUPERCOAT Slate Gray Epoxy Floor Coating
- This epoxy formulation is breathable to allow moisture vapor to pass through.
- It’s also resistant to vehicle fluids.
- It’s smart to order more than you think you’ll need, as it doesn’t cover the square footage claimed.
- It can also be slippery if your garage floor gets wet.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Floor Coating
- Best Value: Rust-Oleum Epoxy Basement Floor Kit
- Best Looking: Supercoat Slate Gray Epoxy Floor Coating
- Quickest Drying: KILZ Concrete and Garage Floor Paint
- Honorable Mention: INSL-X Hot Trax Paint
Best Garage Paints: Reviews & Recommendations
This is a paint with a two-part epoxy formula that creates a smooth and durable base for your garage floor. The powerful formula protects the floor from chemicals and prevents peels and cracks. It also achieves a smooth, semi-gloss finish for a professional-looking garage.
This quality paint dries within 24 hours and becomes ready for foot traffic. Thanks to the VOC and low-odor formula, it's suitable for your garage, basement, and workshop floors. It's easy to maintain and clean, so you don't have to worry about accidental automotive fluid leaks and spills. One epoxy kit (one gallon) is enough to cover an area of up to 500 square feet.
The main drawback is that you have to follow instructions perfectly to prevent paint from peeling. That could take quite some time and effort. Also, hot tires won't crack the paint but might leave marks on it. Keep in mind that one kit can cover up to 500 square feet of a smooth surface, but it won't be enough for a two-car garage with an uneven floor.
Although this Rust-Oleum product is primarily a basement floor paint, it also works perfectly for garage floors and other indoor surfaces. The paint has an anti-chemical formula that protects the floor from oils, gasoline, and other spills. It even ensures protection against hot tire skids and marks, so you can park your vehicle at the same moment you get back from a long ride.
The paint leaves a matte finish that looks neutral and appealing. It's easy to clean and maintain, and it has a low odor. Lukewarm water and some mild soap will do. The paint will significantly improve the working area, and it will also last for quite some time. The powerful formula is reliable and durable, and it won't need frequent reapplications.
The downside of this paint is the lack of shine. Those who would like to achieve a glossy finish will have to buy and apply a clear top coat separately. Two applications might also be needed in case of uneven surfaces where a thin paint coat won't be sufficient. Some of the cracks might still be visible underneath the first layer.
This is a two-part epoxy paint that provides a long-lasting coat for garage floors. You can choose a perfect one from a wide range of colors, including ivory, slate gray, cobalt blue, firebrick red, sandstone, and stone gray. Each one of them leaves a glossy, appealing floor finish.
The formula is breathable and allows for moisture vapor to pass through. That prevents peels and cracks, leaving the surface intact for longer. The formula also protects the floor from automotive fluids and hot tire marks. It perfectly bonds to wood and concrete surfaces, which makes the paint suitable for different floor types. In most cases, the paint doesn't require mechanical preparations, and it's easy to apply.
The main drawback of this paint is the coverage capacity. One can (0.8 gallons) probably won't be enough for a one-car garage. You'll need at least two to three cans for a mid-size garage. Additionally, keep in mind that the paint makes the floor super smooth. If it gets wet, it might become very slippery.
The KILZ Concrete and Garage Floor Paint provides excellent coverage and holds up well over time. It's designed not to scuff, crack, or blister even when exposed to hot tires and high traffic. This water-based paint is resistant to chemicals, oil, and gas and can be used on brick, concrete, masonry, stone, and other surfaces in garages, basements, driveways, etc.
It's a quick, simple, and inexpensive option that updates a garage floor and gives the cement a clean look. The paint produces a smooth satin finish that dries in just two hours, and 1 gallon covers 400-500 square feet on smooth surfaces and 300-400 square feet on rough surfaces. It's also easy to clean, and the results are not too shiny.
However, it can really soak into concrete, so you may need to apply two coats. Some users have also complained that it scratches too easily even after drying for several days.
If you're on a budget, the INSL-X Hot Trax Paint is a great option for updating garage or basement floors, driveways, walkways, patios, and pavers. You can also use it on brick, masonry, and stucco surfaces. This epoxy-fortified acrylic concrete garage floor paint can withstand hot tire pickup and other conditions common in garages.
This paint features a low VOC formula that is designed to seal and protect your floor from chemicals, grease, oil, and water. It is crack-resistant and produces a satin finish. Each gallon provides 300-400 square footage of coverage. Simply apply the paint with a roller or brush in temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow the first coat 24 hours to dry. Then apply a second coat. The manufacturer recommends waiting 5-7 days before parking your vehicles on the floor.
However, you may need more of the product than you think. You must also properly prep the floor by pressure washing it and degreasing it in order to get the best results.
Our Verdict on the Best Garage Paints
The Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Floor Coating is a high-quality epoxy coating that will make your garage floor look beautiful.
The Rust-Oleum Epoxy Basement Floor Kit is a smart choice for someone on a budget.
Benefits of Garage Paints
- Protection. Spills and leaks happen all the time in the garage, especially during car repairs and in places where tools are stored. Quality paint doesn't absorb liquids like an untreated, concrete garage floor, which prevents automotive fluids from leaving stains. It also protects the floor from mold, water, and mildew.
- Dust-free. The main benefit of painting a garage floor is that it becomes dust-free. Concrete floors don't only collect all the dust and debris, but they also produce it. By painting it, you get rid of the concrete dust and keep your garage cleaner. This way, you also make sure not to walk the dust into your home.
- Easy maintenance. Painted floors are easier to maintain than bare concrete ones. They don't absorb liquids, so picking up spills and leaks is a breeze. Also, concrete floors are susceptible to the weather, and they might crack or become uneven, which makes them even harder to clean. On painted floors, sweeping or dusting does the trick.
- Apparel. Garage paints also make floors look better and more professional. Unlike concrete floors, the painted ones give the room freshness and make the time spent in the garage more enjoyable.
Types of Garage Paints
Acrylic
This is the most common type of paint you can find everywhere, from online to local hardware stores. It's an inexpensive option that comes in many different colors, and it's easy to apply. The main drawback is the durability because acrylic paints are the least durable type. Frequent reapplication might be needed depending on the weather and working conditions.
Epoxy
Epoxy-based paints are actually protective coatings. They are one of the toughest finishes you can apply to a garage floor. The epoxy coating is thick and durable and protects the surface against cracks, damages, and stains, and keeps it dust-free. It also makes the garage floor look professional and neat. The only downside is the long drying process that can last for almost an entire week.
Urethane
Urethane or polyurethane floor paints are heavy-duty coverings that offer more protection than all other types of paint. They are more scratch- and abrasion-resistant and last longer. The installation, however, might be a little difficult because urethane quickly bonds to concrete and dries fast. Professional help might be needed.
Garage Paint Pricing
- Under $60: At this price point, you can find quality standard paints that will protect your garage floor from some common threats such as fluids and abrasion. Still, they might not be as durable as pricier urethane and epoxy paints.
- Over $60: For a few more bucks, you can get heavy-duty garage floor paints that offer a high level of protection. They keep the surface safe from hot tire marks and harmful chemicals, and they last longer. More expensive paints also contain a clear coat for a perfect glossy finish.
Key Features
Protection
The main reason for applying paint in the first place is to protect a garage floor from a variety of hazards. A garage floor can be damaged in many situations, given it comes into contact with different materials such as steel and wood. The best garage floor paint should be strong enough to withstand impacts from tools, car wheels, boxes, and other heavy stuff, and remain intact. Consider how much abuse your garage floor will get and then opt for a particular paint. You don't need to spend the extra money on highly protective paints if you're not planning to use your garage that often.
Durability
A quality garage floor paint should be highly durable. If you want to get a paint that will last for some time and won't require frequent reapplication, you should look for one with weather protection. Floor paints suffer the most from chemicals, abrasion, and climate. All of these threats can significantly damage the paint over time, so it's smart to look for products that offer all-in-one protection.
Installation
It's essential to check the compatibility of the paint with your garage floor. Not all garage paints are the same, so it's crucial to get one that will perfectly adhere to the floor. You can always prepare the surface for a particular product yourself, although in some cases you might need professional help. Quality paints that offer the highest protection are usually difficult to apply, but they do guarantee more durability and easier maintenance.
Other Considerations
- Capacity. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of the garage floor painting process without enough paint to finish the work. Measure the floor in your garage before the purchase. In most cases, the manufacturer will provide information about how large an area you can cover with a particular amount of paint.
- Appearance. Another important thing to consider is the finished results and how the garage will look after painting. If you want to go for a transparent final look that will only add some shine to your garage floor, epoxy paint is an excellent choice. For a more professional and elegant look, you can opt for urethane paints that have a gray or black satin finish.
Tips
- You have a few options when it comes to the color and pattern of your garage paint. The most common is gray, but you could also pick white, black, blue, red, or tan. Then you need to think about whether you want a plain color or a flake in it.
- No matter what paint you choose, it’s vital that you prep your garage floor correctly. If you skip this step, you won’t get the lasting finish that you want. Thoroughly clean, dry, and scuff the floor. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Pay attention to the amount of moisture coming through your concrete floor. The more moisture, the more risk there is for bubbling and peeling. You can buy an epoxy coating designed for high moisture areas to account for this.
FAQs
Q: How long will my new paint job last?
A: You can expect to get one to two years out of a garage floor paint. If the paint is one part epoxy, it will last longer. For the longest useful life of three to five years, choose an epoxy coating. Coatings that are more paint and less epoxy require more frequent touch-ups. If you live in a warm or humid climate, you need to choose a coating formulated for this for longer wear.
Q: How do I maintain my new floor?
A: You should sweep or dry mop your floor once a week. This will keep it dirt-free. For a stronger clean, mix dish soap with water and use a foam mop. Use this mixture on paint formulations. Don’t use it on epoxy-based formulas, as it will cloud the glossy finish. Ammonia and warm water dilution will work better.
Q: How do I know how much to order?
A: Start by figuring out the square footage of your garage. Measure the length and width and multiply them together. This is an estimation of how much you’ll need to cover your floor. It’s smart to factor in 20 percent extra paint. Rough patches will require more paint than what you initially plan. You also want to have enough readily available for your second coat. Then there is the temperature to think about. Cold temperatures cause your paint to thicken, which will result in smaller square footage coverage.
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