How Many Coats of Epoxy Should be Applied to a Garage Floor?

You have decided on an epoxy garage floor.  You have selected your epoxy color and have cleaned and prepped your garage.  But now it is time to do some calculations.  How much epoxy do you need?  That depends in part on how many coats of epoxy you apply to your garage floor.

For best results, most manufacturers recommend applying a minimum of two coats of epoxy to a garage floor.  Allow each coat to dry for at least 12 hours but no more than 48 hours before applying an additional coat. 

In addition to these two coats of color, many floors will also need a primer.  If a floor has any contaminants or is subject to moderate to high levels of moisture, a primer designed specifically to seal out these potential future issues is highly recommended.  Using such a primer ensures that the epoxy bonds well with the concrete, greatly extending its life.

Epoxy is not self-leveling.  If a perfectly level surface is important, a self-leveling compound should be applied before the epoxy to correct any imperfections that were either already present in the concrete or that were created during the preparation of the floor.

Many floors will also benefit from a clear top coat of polyurethane.  There are a variety of reasons to apply a top coat:

1. Protecting color flakes:  Color flakes can add character and style to a garage floor, but if they are not protected with a clear coat, they will not last long. Color flakes quickly accumulate dirt and debris if they are not sealed in, and the process of cleaning this extra dirt from the floor can chip away the color flakes.
   
   
2. Protecting the colored epoxy: Garage floors need to be rugged.  A clear coat protects the color of the floor from the inevitable scratches and spills that all garage floors are subject to, and it makes the floor much more durable and longer lasting.  When the floor does begin to show its age, the top coat can simply be sanded down and reapplied, and the floor will look like new with only a fraction of the work!
   
   
3. A shinier, deeper looking finish: While not a practical consideration, a good deal of work goes into an epoxy garage floor.  Why should it not be as shiny and luxurious looking at the vehicles that will park on it?  A clear top coat can add depth to a garage floor, and most polyurethane coatings are available in varying gloss levels. 

Once all the necessary coats have been applied, allow at least three days before driving a vehicle or other heavy equipment on the floor.  It can take up to two weeks for an epoxy garage floor to fully cure.  At the end of these two weeks, use the garage floor however you see fit!  With minimal cleaning and maintenance, the floor will be beautiful for years to come.

Still have questions? Our professionals are here to help with all your epoxy coating needs!