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Garage floors aren’t expected to be pretty. Not only do they absorb all the fluid leaks from cars, trucks, lawnmowers, and the like, but they are also subject to scuffs and scrapes from all the tools, barrels, and other objects often stored on them. However, what if we told you that your garage floor can be the envy of everyone in the neighborhood and that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to do it?
Garage floor paints are not your average wall coverings, but heavy-duty layering paints designed to create stain resistant, slip resistant flooring. Available in a variety of styles and types, and both paint and epoxy formulas, these products can have your old carriage house looking spic and span in no time. Below, we’ll outline our choice for best garage floor paint.
| Product | Type | Drying Time | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Epoxy |
24 hours |
Semi-glass finish |
|
|
Epoxy |
24 hours |
Semi-gloss finish |
|
|
Acrylic/epoxy blend |
Two hours |
Satin finish |
|
|
Polycuramine |
24 hours |
High-gloss finish |
|
|
Latex paint |
Four hours |
Flat finish |
Product FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions when it comes to garage floor paints and helpful answers for each.
Is there a difference between garage paint and other paints?
There are two main types of garage floor paints commonly in use today: epoxies and water-based paints. Water-based paints, for the most part, don’t differ much from exterior and even interior paints. Expoxies aren’t paints at all. Instead, they are made up of a liquid resin and a hardening agent. Either way, most garage floors paints are free of dangerous VOCs.
What are the benefits of paint?
For those who like the texture of their garage and merely want to cover up spills and stains, paint is the cost-effective, logical choice. Like other paints, garage floor paints can be flat, matte, or shiny, and come in a variety of colors. Furthermore, these paints are much easier to use if the goal is to create an attractive floor, not just a functional one.
What are the benefits of epoxies?
Epoxies may cost a bit more, but these resin-based floor coverings essentially create an entirely new floor over your old one, sealing in cracks, covering stains, and creating an attractive, shiny, and slick surface. Though they require extensive floor preparation, epoxies can last up to five years before chipping, while traditional painted floors usually only last one or two before showing wear.
How We Reviewed
Image via Pixabay
To identify the best garage floor paint options, we combined user reviews, customer ratings, and manufacturer specifications to come up with a comprehensive list. At the same time, we did our best to keep our list diverse in terms of product types, brand, and function, ensuring you get an idea of how broad or narrow the market is.
Overall Price Range
Though the “one-gallon” measurement is a reasonably accurate way to indicate the price of a paint product for comparison, we should note that most epoxy paints come with both a resin and a hardener compound. For the sake of this article, our products range between $24 and $181 for one treatment.
Top Five Garage Floor Paints
Valspar Garage Floor Coating
Valspar is a trusted name in the world of paint, and their two-part epoxy garage floor coating is an excellent way to get a professional-grade finish on your own, and on a budget. Using advanced bonding technology and a unique “color flake” system to give the floor a stylish look, Valspar Garage Floor Coating is fast, easy-to-apply, and leaves you with a great looking result.
The manufacturer recommends purchasing a separate degreaser and concrete cleaning product to maximize adhesion of the product and requires you to apply the hardener first. If you follow the instructions correctly, however, you’ll end up with a beautiful floor that boasts a semi-glossy finish, anti-peel protection, and no “hot-tire” pickup.
Valspar Garage Floor Coating is available in a variety of colors, and you can install it with or without the color accent flakes. Still, if you want pro results at DIY prices, this an excellent product for you to consider.
PROS
- Attractively priced and easy to use.
- Semi-gloss resin and “color flakes” add a professional touch.
- No hot tire pickup and anti-peel protection for a longer lasting finish.
CONS
- Climate will dramatically affect drying times.
- There have been reports of color matching issues.
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield
Another company that is well-known in the painting world for creating amazing transformations is Rust-Oleum, and its EpoxyShield garage floor coating is one of the more popular brands on the market today. Designed to provide a professional-grade finish that is tough, durable, and attractive, EpoxyShield is a two-part kit intended not just for garage floors, but all interior concrete surfaces.
EpoxyShield offers quick adhesion that can be walked on in 24 hours, though the manufacturer still recommends waiting 76 hours before parking a vehicle on the surface. While the kit is more expensive than other brands, it can cover 500 square feet and can protect surfaces for years. For an ultra-professional look, and you can add decorative chips in a variety of accent colors.
If you want a reliable, quick drying, and low odor solution that’s easy to use, Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is a reliable product from a reputable brand.
PROS
- Can accept foot traffic in 24 hours
- Protects from stains and chemical spills
- An attractive finish that resists peeling and hot tire
CONS
- More expensive per two-gallon kit than other brands
- Pre-sealed concrete will require extra preparation
KILZ Epoxy Acrylic Interior/Exterior Garage Floor Paint
KILZ Epoxy Interior and Exterior Garage Floor Paint is a unique, one-part epoxy blend comprised of water-based acrylic paint and a durable resin to provide a stain and crack-resistant, satin finish to garage floors, walkways, and driveways. Combining the best of both worlds, the infusion of epoxy with the acrylic creates a beautiful but understated surface that will last for years.
KILZ claims their product can dry to the touch in two hours, and be re-coated in four. With a single can, a user can cover 500 square feet of smooth surface and 400 square feet of rough or porous surface. Beyond garages, this unique formula is also ideal for decks, basements, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces.
PROS
- Extremely cost-effective.
- Can be used on outdoor surfaces like driveways for a perfect match.
- Resists scuffing, staining, cracking, and blistering.
CONS
- Proper preparation will determine your final look.
- Only available in two colors, both of which are gray.
Rust-Oleum RockSolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Kit
Another Rust-Oleum product, the RockSolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Kit is an ultra-premium product designed to maximize results, and outlast nearly everything else on the market. The manufacturer claims its unique formula is a whopping 20X stronger than epoxy and can create a “showroom floor” look that resists cracking, staining, and peeling for years.
One of the unique attributes of RockSolid is its unique, self-leveling, and buildable formula, making it perfect for creating a perfectly flat surface. The final look is high-gloss and can be combined with decorative chips to create a textured finish. Best of all, the surface can be driven on in just 24 hours, a third of the time it takes for epoxies to completely dry.
If you have the budget, Rust-Oleum has truly outdone themselves with this product, creating a fast, reliable, and beautiful final product without the need for professional installation.
PROS
- Dries in just 24 hours
- Self-leveling formula for a perfectly flat surface
- The final coating is rock hard and resists all damage
CONS
- One of the most expensive items on the market
- May need more product than stated for full coverage
DryLok Concrete Floor Paint
DryLok Concrete Floor Paint is a versatile indoor-outdoor paint designed to protect and accent concrete and masonry floors. This specially-formulated latex-based paint creates a flat, slip-resistant surface that will stand up to weather, foot traffic, salts, and acids. Best of all, the product is dry in just four hours, allowing you to complete the project in just a single day.
The manufacturer claims that DryLok resists hot tire pickup and can be easily cleaned with just soap and water, making it an attractive option for any homeowner. The product comes in nine different colors, and can also be tinted to create a variety of looks. If you’re more concerned with shaping the look of your floor than epoxy-level durability, this is a great option to consider.
PROS
- Loads of colors and tints available.
- Dries super quick.
- Has a flat, slip-resistant finish after drying.
CONS
- Not as durable as epoxies.
- Tire peeling has been reported.
The Verdict
In many cases, you simply get what you pay for. When it comes to garage floors, smooth coverage, durability, peeling resistance, and style are what most people are after, and those needs are all met with the Rust-Oleum RockSolid Plycuramine Garage Floor Kit. With its high-gloss finish, quick drying times, and high-resistance to stains and damage, it remains the best choice for DIY enthusiasts.