Avoid Future Regrets

Upgrading a garage floor is a significant investment, and choosing the right coating can mean the difference between a long-lasting, durable surface and one that deteriorates within a few years. Unfortunately, many homeowners make critical mistakes when selecting and applying garage floor coatings, often leading to peeling, cracking, and premature wear.

At Rock Solid Surfacing, we specialize in polyaspartic and polyurea coatings, which offer superior durability, adhesion, and resistance to wear and tear. However, even the best coating will fail if improperly applied or if the wrong material is chosen. Below, we explore the most common mistakes homeowners make with garage floor coatings and explain how to avoid them.

1. Choosing Epoxy Instead of Polyaspartic Coatings

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming epoxy coatings are the best choice for their garage floors. While epoxy has been a common option for years, it does not offer the same level of durability, flexibility, or resistance as polyaspartic coatings.

Epoxy coatings:

• Are prone to yellowing when exposed to UV light.
• Take longer to cure, requiring extended downtime.
• Are susceptible to cracking and peeling when exposed to temperature fluctuations.

In contrast, polyaspartic coatings provide superior performance, curing faster and penetrating deeper into the concrete surface for maximum adhesion. Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic coatings flex with the natural expansion and contraction of concrete, preventing cracks and delamination over time.

2. Neglecting Proper Surface Preparation

Applying a high-quality coating over a poorly prepared surface is a recipe for failure. Many homeowners believe a simple pressure wash or acid etch is sufficient before applying a coating, but these methods do not properly prepare the concrete.

Professional application requires mechanical grinding to:

• Open the concrete pores, allowing for better absorption of the coating.
• Remove grease, oil, and previous coatings that can interfere with adhesion.
• Eliminate high spots and smooth uneven surfaces for a uniform finish.



Skipping proper surface preparation often results in peeling, bubbling, and premature wear. At Rock Solid Surfacing, we use industrial-grade grinding equipment to ensure each floor is properly prepared for maximum adhesion and long-term durability.

3. Applying a Coating in the Wrong Conditions

Temperature and humidity play a crucial role in how a garage floor coating cures. Many homeowners attempt DIY applications without considering environmental factors, leading to poor adhesion and inconsistent finishes.



Issues caused by incorrect conditions include:

• High humidity preventing the coating from bonding properly.
• Cold temperatures slowing down curing time, leaving the floor vulnerable to damage.
• Hot weather causing the coating to dry too quickly, leading to an uneven finish.

Professional installers understand ideal temperature ranges for polyaspartic coatings and adjust application techniques based on environmental conditions, ensuring a flawless and durable result.

4. Using DIY Epoxy Kits from Big-Box Stores

Many homeowners opt for store-bought epoxy kits as a budget-friendly alternative to professional coatings. However, these kits lack durability, contain lower-quality resins, and do not include proper surface preparation tools.

Common problems with DIY kits include:

• Thin, inconsistent coatings that wear down quickly.
• Improper adhesion, leading to peeling and chipping.
• Limited color and finish options, restricting customization.

While DIY kits may seem cost-effective, they often need to be redone within a few years, making them a poor long-term investment. Professionally applied polyaspartic coatings from Rock Solid Surfacing offer a more durable, visually appealing, and cost-effective solution over time.

5. Not Considering Long-Term Maintenance

Many homeowners believe once a garage floor is coated, it requires no maintenance. While polyaspartic coatings are highly durable, proper upkeep is still essential for maximizing lifespan and performance.

Best maintenance practices include:

• Regular sweeping and dusting to remove debris.
• Cleaning spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Using a neoprene squeegee and ammonia-based cleaner for deeper cleaning.

Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic coatings resist micro-scratches and stains, making them easier to clean and maintain. By following a simple maintenance routine, homeowners can keep their garage floors looking pristine for years.

6. Ignoring Non-Slip Additives

Safety is often overlooked when selecting a garage floor coating. Many homeowners focus on aesthetic appeal without considering slip resistance.

Professional installers, like those at Rock Solid Surfacing, incorporate nonslip aggregates into each layer of the coating, ensuring the floor remains safe even in high-traffic or wet conditions. This feature is especially important for:

• Homes in snowy or rainy climates where water and ice can create slippery surfaces.
• Workshops and garages with heavy foot traffic.
• Auto detailing or mechanical spaces where oil and chemicals may spill.

Choosing a high-performance polyaspartic coating with built-in slip resistance helps prevent accidents and ensures long-term safety.