diy epoxy Archives - A Dabbled Dwelling

I had big dreams for this 50 year old unfinished garage, hoping to turn it into a studio shop for all my endless projects. After a major clean out, I knew the most impactful update was going to be Epoxy floors. Having used the Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield System before, I knew how user friendly and durable DIY garage Epoxy could be.

*This post is Sponsored by Rust-Oleum*

Supplies and Preparation for DIY Garage Epoxy

Preparation of your existing floor is key to the success of this process. While this phase of the project can be tedious, it’s necessary and worth it for the best DIY garage Epoxy results! Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplied needed for DIY garage epoxy — Supply list for DIY Garage Epoxy (Clear coast not pictured)

Paint Roller
Extension Pole
(2) 3/4′ Nap Roller Covers (One for Epoxy + One for Clear Coat)
(2) Paint Trays
(2) Paint Brushes
Cardboard, plastic or something to use as a drop cloth.
Rust-Oleum Clean & Etch
Stiff Broom
Rust-Oleum Concrete Patch & Repair
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Kit
Rust-Oleum Clear Coat Kit
Extra Decorative Chips (if desired)

Step 1: Clean, Etch, and Repair

It’s important to get your garage floors as clean as humanly possible. In my case, there was 50 years of dirt, grime, dust, and who knows what else. I used my pressure washer and a squeegee to get off as much as I could, and then moved on to the etching process with the Rust-Oleum Clean & Etch product.

woman holding concrete clean and etch product

It’s important that you start with your floor wet, but not puddled. Etching is the process of using an acid to open up the pores of your concrete in order for the epoxy to adhere properly. Avoid splashing this solution. It’s best to apply with a plastic watering can. You’ll see it bubble and fix as it reacts. Then, using a stuff broom, work it into the concrete and rinse thoroughly.

Once your floors are completely dry, you can repair any cracks, chips, or divots with the Rust-Oleum Patch & Repair. This is pretty simple to use but I was fortunate enough to not need this step. After applying, making sure you give yourself 24 hours before moving on to the DIY garage Epoxy application.

using a plastic watering can to apply etching solution to concrete for diy garage epoxy — Pouring etching Solution

working in the etching solution with a brush

Step 2: DIY Garage Epoxy Application

Once prepped, you are ready for the fun part- Epoxy! As mentioned before, I’m using the Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield Garage Floor Coating kit. I have used this same process on a previous garage and loved the results so I can genuinely speak for it’s durability and longevity. As a DIYer it’s important to me for products to be user friendly and this product as is simple as painting it on!

Start by mixing the Epoxy. It comes in a convenient 2 part burst pouch where you simply roll the end of the “Part B” side into the “Part A” side and let the middle seal break. Then massage the bag to ensure both parts are mixed together well. The working time of the product is only an hour-ish, so make sure you are ready to go once you mix. Because of this I also highly recommend grabbing an extra hand to move quicker. My Dad has been wanting to do his garage floors so he came over to help and learn! also, the kit comes with 2 bags of epoxy so it’s best to only mix one at a time. This also helps with making sure you have enough product by working in sections.

Once mixed, you can pour the epoxy into your paint tray, or directly onto the floor from the bag. Working your way out from the back of the garage, begin by edging with a brush. The Epoxy starts out thin but gets thick and sticky quickly. While one person edges, have the other person follow with rolling. Similar to painting a wall, roll in “M” and “W” patterns, making sure to cover the entire floor.

rolling the diy garage epoxy burst pouch to break the joining seal

Decorative Flake

As you roll the Epoxy, make sure you don’t get too far ahead before you start throwing the decorative chips. We did this in about 8×8′ sections. Once a section was edged, rolled, and still wet, we tossed on the flake. Throwing it high in the air is best to get it to disperse evenly. Make sure you know ahead of time the concentration you desire. For heavier flake, you may want to buy extra chips. I did buy extra but I started out heavy and ran low in the last 1/3 of the garage so be mindful!

All these chips still weren’t quote enough for the heavy flake look I wanted

throwing decorative flake for DIY epoxy flooring

high flake concentration for epoxy garage floors — Heavy Flake

medium flake for DIY garage floors — Medium Flake

After 24 hours the floor is ready for light foot traffic and you can drive on it in just 3 days!

Step 3: Clear Coat

While this step is optional, in my opinion it’s necessary. I did not use a clear coat in my previous garage and I can now see the additional shine and durability it gives. Not to mention, it helps lock in all that decorative flake! After giving the Epoxy 24 hours to dry, we repeated the same process with the Rust-Oleum Clear Coat Kit. This time we also added the “Anti-Skid Additive” that was included. This makes sure your flooring isn’t too slick and adds a bit of “grittiness” to the finish. I will mention that while the Epoxy kit has plenty of product, I had to use TWO of the clear coat 2-car kits. We edged with a brush, rolled the floors, and then we we’re done!

pouring clear coat epoxy product into paint tray

I’m so in love with my new garage shop and the new floors made such an impact! I can wipe up sawdust, wood glue, paint, and more off the Epoxy so easily. Not to mention all the money I saved by doing it myself. Did you know professional Epoxy costs THOUSANDS!? Using the Rust-Oleum products you can get the same look for a few hundred!