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Concrete Coating and Epoxy

So what's the best epoxy I should use on my garage floor? Need Answers?

This is a common question I hear when someone is considering painting there garage floor. The answer there are many different types of coatings that can be applied to concrete surfaces. When selecting the best option for your project, epoxies will likely be a front runner. But you might want to consider a urethane or polyaspartic if you are new to coatings.

WHAT IS AN EPOXY COATING FOR CONCRETE? Epoxy coatings are a great option if you are looking for tough and attractive flooring. Epoxy combines polymer resins and hardeners resulting in a chemical bond with the concrete. There are many colors and options to choose, with different levels of traction and reflectivity.

The benefits of using an epoxy coating are:

Provides a more durable surface than raw or painted concrete. Which will stand up to heavy traffic. Easy-to-clean floor that resists stains from spills. Creates vibrant and unique designs that can be customized. Can be installed quickly, with little downtime, and may cover some damaged or unsightly looking concrete repairs.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO EPOXY A FLOOR? Epoxy coatings cost approximately $3 - $7 per square foot. Its an affordable option for both small and large projects. As the surface area of your space increases, the design becomes more intricate, and multiple colors are added, the cost of your flooring may increase.

Whether you are pouring new concrete or looking to repair an existing surface there are many options to transform drab concrete into an inviting, decorative surface that will provide character to your driveway or patio and compliment the exterior of your home. There are many conditions that can shorten the lifespan of a concrete driveway, patio,or walkway and result in unsightly cracking, discoloration, settlement or scaling. The typical causes of concrete distress include an improperly compacted subgrade, exposure to severe weather conditions, the use of an inadequate concrete mix, or bad placement procedures. As long as the driveway or patio is structurally sound, you can often save money by repairing rather than starting over. If there is damage to the concrete, the first and most important step is to figure out what caused the damage and then determine the best repair procedure. Depending on the condition of the concrete and your budget, your options for repair and transformation range anywhere from a simple color enhancement to complete resurfacing.

Concrete is simply a mixture of Portland cement, aggregate like stones and sand, and water. The water reacts with the cement and forms a bond which binds the cement to aggregate to form a very hard structure. Concrete was used thousands of years ago but has improved dramatically in the last 100 years. It is used in roads, sewers, buildings, bridges, tunnels, and even boats. Protecting it and enhancing it has become an industry all its own. so consider learning more about the benefits of topcoating it or even densifying the concrete for increasing lifespan and future use.

Concrete resurfacing

The best solution to cracking, scaling, or spalling is a concrete overlay. This process will not only cover up the existing flaws, it will give your concrete an upgraded look and allow you to choose from a variety of color and pattern options.

Concrete engraving

Concrete engraving is an enhancement to the surface using a stain and a special routing machine used to cut a pattern into the surface. Engraving can be done with new or old concrete. The end result is a surface that has the appearance of brick, marble, tiles, or flagstone.

Concrete Stain

Applying a coat of acid or water based stain will add color to new concrete or take care of any discoloration that has occured to an existing surface. Discoloration of concrete driveways can be due to a number of causes including improper color application, weathering, sun exposure, and absorption of stubborn grease and oil stains.

1.Solid-Color Stain: The best option for a dramatic change in the color of your concrete is a water based stain that will penetrate into the concrete rather forming a surface film. Once cured this stain will provide a natural colored concrete look. The concrete will need to be free of all other sealers and coatings prior to application in order for the stain to penetrate properly. No additional sealer is required for this process, but can be used if desired. 2.Transparent/ Semi-Transparent Stain: This is the best option for a subtle change in color. As with the solid color stain, the concrete will need to be free of all other coatings to allow it to penetrate the concrete. A sealer is typically used to lock in the color. Translucent Stain offers a natural look which will highlight the natural variations in concrete. This can be used in multiple color combinations to achieve a unique multi-toned appearance.

Concrete Sealers

Concrete doesn’t have to be sealed, but sealing it will help preserve appearance and structural integrity. Concrete sealing is especially important to maintain the appearance of concrete that has been colored, stamped or engraved. There are several different types of concrete sealers to choose from: Epoxy or polyurethane sealers, Acrylic-resin based sealers, and penetrating sealers. Please consult a professional for advice on which concrete sealer is the best option for you.

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