Epoxy Floor & Concrete Coating FAQ
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about epoxy floors and concrete coatings.
How much does a garage floor coating cost?
A standard two-car garage starts at $1,850. Your final price depends on the size of the garage, the condition of the slab, how much crack repair is needed, whether an old coating has to be removed, and which coating system you choose. We give you an exact number after a free on-site estimate.
How long does a garage floor job take?
A typical two-car garage takes about two days. Day one is diamond grinding, crack repair, and the base coat. Day two is the flake or finish layer and the topcoat. Larger garages, heavy crack repair, or removing an old coating can add time.
What coating systems do you install?
We install polyaspartic and polyurea coatings, an epoxy base coat with a polyaspartic topcoat, 100% epoxy systems, full-broadcast flake floors, and metallic epoxy. We'll recommend a system based on how you use the space and the condition of your concrete.
How long does the coating take to cure before I can park on it?
It depends on the system and the temperature. We'll give you specific walk-on and drive-on times for your floor before the job starts, and cold weather can slow curing down.
Why does concrete prep matter so much?
Coatings most often fail because they were applied to concrete that wasn't properly prepared. We mechanically diamond-grind the surface so the coating can bond, repair cracks and pits, and clean off the dust before anything is applied. Prep is part of every job, not an add-on.
What about moisture in the concrete?
Moisture moving up through a slab can push a coating loose. Basements and older slabs are the most common trouble spots. We check for moisture during the estimate, and if it's an issue we'll explain your options before you commit.
What is hot-tire pickup?
Hot tires can soften a weak or improperly cured coating, and as the car cools and pulls away, the tire lifts the coating off the floor. Proper grinding, a system built for garage floors, and letting the coating fully cure before driving on it are what prevent this.
How do I clean a coated floor?
Sweep or dust-mop regularly and wash with water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid harsh acids and citrus cleaners, which can dull the finish. Wipe up oil, brake fluid, and other chemicals promptly.
What's the difference between epoxy and polyaspartic?
Epoxy is a two-part coating that builds a thick, hard base layer. Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings cure faster and hold up better to UV exposure, which makes them a strong topcoat. Many of our floors combine an epoxy base with a polyaspartic topcoat.
Can you coat a floor that has cracks?
Usually, yes. Cracks and pits are filled and ground smooth during prep. Coatings don't stop a slab from moving, so cracks caused by settling or structural movement can show again over time. We'll point out any cracks we're concerned about during the estimate.
Is a driveway treated the same as a garage floor?
No. Garage floor coatings aren't meant for outdoor driveways — sunlight, water, and freeze-thaw cycles break them down differently. Driveways get outdoor-rated repair and resurfacing instead.
Are coated floors slippery?
A smooth, glossy coating can be slippery when wet. Full-broadcast flake and anti-slip additives add texture. For pool decks, patios, and entryways, we typically recommend a textured finish.
What's the difference between garage floor paint and epoxy?
Garage floor paint is a thinner, paint-like product with lighter surface prep, while a professionally installed epoxy or polyaspartic system uses mechanical grinding and a thicker, built-up coating that generally holds up better to hot tires and chemicals.
What's a full-broadcast flake floor?
It's a coating system where decorative flake chips are broadcast to full coverage across the floor, then sealed with a topcoat. It hides minor imperfections in the slab and adds texture underfoot.
What is metallic epoxy?
Metallic epoxy uses metallic pigments worked into the epoxy base coat to create a marbled, dimensional look, then sealed with a topcoat. It's a specialty finish that takes extra time and skill to install.
What areas do you serve?
We install floors throughout Richmond, Henrico, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, and Ashland.
Do I need to empty my garage before you start?
Yes, the garage needs to be cleared of vehicles, boxes, and other items before we begin, since we need full access to the slab for grinding and coating. We'll let you know what to clear out when we schedule your job.
Can you coat over an existing coating?
An old coating generally needs to be ground off first so the new coating can bond properly to the concrete underneath. We'll assess your existing floor during the estimate and let you know what's involved.
Can these coatings be used outdoors, and will they yellow in the sun?
Some systems are used outdoors, but epoxy can yellow or chalk with prolonged direct sunlight. For outdoor areas like driveways and patios, we use outdoor-rated materials suited to sun and weather exposure rather than standard garage coatings.
More on pricing in our garage floor coating cost guide, or compare epoxy vs. polyaspartic and garage floor paint vs. epoxy.
Request Your Free Estimate
Tell us about your floor or concrete and we'll set up a free on-site estimate. Prefer to talk? Call (804) 476-0216.
Serving Richmond, Henrico, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Midlothian, Chesterfield, Mechanicsville, Ashland.