Anyone ever painted a garage floor?

[Erik88]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if I can simply redo my garage floor. The previous owner put down some epoxy garage floor coating that I'm sure looked good at one time. Now it looks horrible.

 

Do you think I could simply put another coat on or do you think the old stuff would need to be stripped off?

 

[TripleDigitRide]

It depends on a few factors. First of all, are you sure the existing finish is an epoxy? If not, you'll likely have to grind the floor and start over.

Also, if the existing coating is delaminating, you'll need to grind the floor and start over.

If the current coating is epoxy and just showing sign of wear, you can clean the floor with a degreaser and add a new coat of epoxy. Edited November 30, 2015 by TripleDigitRide

[MudBugjr]

It looks like a cheap garage kit from Lowes. If it was me I would grind off and have a good floor put down. We do full flake poly floors and they last forever. Just depends on how much you want to spend. If you need any help feel free to mesage me. If you don't strip off it will look like that again in 6 moths to a year.

Edited November 30, 2015 by MudBugjr

[Erik88]

Thanks for the info. I was afraid someone was going to confirm it would need to be removed first. I'd rather do it the right way the first time.

[56FordGuy]

It has to come up. Proper preparation is key to any garage/ shop floor holding up over time. We did the floor in the shop at work, brought in a crew that shotblasted the brand new concrete to get it clean enough for the coating to adhere correctly. 

[Caster]

You COULD rent a hot water pressure washer. They have kerosene fire boiler kettle and will do a very nice job of getting it clean.
You can also go to your local pool supply house and get some muriatic aid. Just be safe and wear a respirator.

[enfield]

This is why I never paint anything that doesn't NEED painting. You always have to paint it again . . .

[peejman]

Yep, that'll have to be removed.  In general, the DIY kits that don't require a respirator aren't worth doing.  The good stuff is expensive for a reason. 

[TNWNGR]

FWIW I've painted basement floors with a good epoxy paint with pretty good results and liked the look. But with that said I'd rent a good high pressure self heating hot water pressure washer and thoroughly strip the floor. Once clean I'd lay a good tile floor down, keeping an extra box or two of replacement tiles.

[monkeylizard]

That's why I want a RaceDeck floor. Lots mo money, but zero maintenance and I can take it with me if I move.

Edited November 30, 2015 by monkeylizard

[enfield]

FWIW I've painted basement floors with a good epoxy paint with pretty good results and liked the look. But with that said I'd rent a good high pressure self heating hot water pressure washer and thoroughly strip the floor. Once clean I'd lay a good tile floor down, keeping an extra box or two of replacement tiles.

There's a good idea, especially the idea of spare tiles!

[MudBugjr]

Even if you get the paint off you need to grind the surface of a garage before you reapply something else. They burnish garage floors to much when poured.