Sealing a garage floor is not a difficult task but requires some skills and additional equipment. All you need to do is clean the floor surface of dust, apply sealant and wait for it to dry completely.
For most homeowners, garage floors are just something to walk on, and that’s pretty much it. They’re rarely given much thought beyond a quick sweep to collect any stray bits of paper or a puff of air to eliminate any dust bunnies.
Moreover, if you live in a climate with freezing winters and warm summers, it might be time to think about sealing your garage floor. Sealing a concrete floor will reduce oil and grease stains, protect against moisture and the elements, and make your garage floor easier to clean.
If you have never done it before, don’t worry, you are not alone. It can be a tricky process, but that is what we are here for. In this article, we will be going over the process of sealing a garage floor step by step.
After you have finished reading this article, you will be able to start your floor sealing project with ease, so make sure to pay attention. But before we start, please check my list of things you may need to do the job correctly.
What You May Need To Seal A Garage Floor
- Garage floor sealer
- Concrete cleaner
- Paint remover
- Scrubbing brush
- Paint roll or brush
How To Seal A Garage Floor: Step By Step Guide
1. Choose A Sealant
1. Epoxy sealant: Epoxy sealant is an excellent choice for your garage because it can withstand the most abuse, last for years, and can be easily cleaned. It is made of a chemical compound usually, epoxy, mixed with a solvent.
2. Polyurethane sealant: One of the most popular products for garage floors is polyurethane sealant. This sealer has many excellent features that make it stand among the competition. It is a very resilient product that can easily withstand vehicles’ weight, including those that weigh up to five tons. Another feature that makes it stand out is that it acts as a moisture barrier, meaning that moisture will not penetrate the garage flooring.
3. Acrylic: Although epoxy and polyurethane have been the traditional choices for sealing garage floors, both have drawbacks. Epoxy doesn’t have much choice when it comes to color, and polyurethane can yellow with age. Acrylic sealant, on the other hand, offers many advantages. It’s available in a wide range of colors, it’s easy to apply, and it’s less expensive than either epoxy or polyurethane. In addition, it can be used in a single coat, extending the life of the floor and making it much easier to maintain.
4. Silane/Siloxane: This sealant typically consists of a thixotropic liquid rubber applied using a garden-type sprayer. It cures to a hard surface that is water-resistant and stain-resistant. Most silane/siloxane sealants come in various colors, although the most common color is gray.
2. Decluttering The Garage
3. Clean And Repair The Floor
It is so important to take care of this before sealing the floor because once the garage floor is sealed, you will not be able to clean it. So, if you have not already done so, get on out to the garage and get to work!
4. Gently Apply Sealant
While applying the sealant on a garage floor, you also need to prepare the right things before applying it. One of the things you need to do is to make sure that you have adequate ventilation.
The reason why ventilation is necessary is because of the off-gassing of the sealants. If the sealant you are going to use is water-based, it is important to point out that the product will release moisture during the drying process.