How to Brighten up that Garage Floor

Have you been unhappy with your garage floor since you moved in, what, five years ago? It seems the previous owner must have used it as a mechanic’s shop. There are all kinds of grease spots and blotches in all sorts of colors. It just feels grungy. You have tried to clean it, but it seems that the stains have deeply embedded in the concrete. There is a simple solution it only takes a little time.

Garage floor paint.

You’ve seen it in magazines, and you love the look, but you don’t believe it will really work. And it must be expensive to do. The cost, if you do it yourself is very reasonable. You will spend more on a good 10x15 area rug than you will on the floor in your garage. It runs between $100-$250 depending on the size of your garage and if you have to buy some tools.

First, gather supplies: You want to make sure that you get the garage floor paint that comes as two parts. What that means is that you must mix two liquids together to form the paint. Also, measure your garage’s square footage so that you get enough to cover. Read the instructions for pre-cleaning. Of the recommended products, muriatic acid works the best because it cleans and etches the concrete. In addition, get a small one-gallon container of gasoline. You will need a floor squeegee, heavy bristle brush, and the recommended paint roller and extension stick.

Note: This is a project that needs to be done above 60 degrees F.

Second, prepare the space: Remove everything from the garage that is sitting on the floor. You need to plan for your cars to be parked outside for at least 48 hours after you have finished. Cleaning the floor is not about getting the stains removed, the floor paint will cover them. It is about using the gasoline to make sure to remove the oil and grease residue. The paint will not stick to an oily surface. Also scrape up any lumps of dirt, paint, glue, or anything else that is on the floor that would make it not smooth.

Third, etch the floor. Use the muriatic acid to etch the concrete. Create a mixture of one-part acid into ten parts water. Carefully pour the mixture into a plastic garden watering can and then onto the floor. Spread it around using the squeegee making sure to cover all of the concrete. Allow it to sit on the floor until it stops bubbling. Then carefully rinse the floor with water. The concrete floor must completely dry before continuing, so depending on the outside temperature you may not be able to apply the paint until the next day.

Fourth, paint the floor: Following the instructions on the garage paint package, roll it onto the floor just like painting the wall. Caution! Do not spread it too thin. Also, remember not to paint yourself into a corner. Once you have finished, you need to lock all doors leading to the garage. If you can secure your garage door opener, that would be advisable as well.

Just wait the time shown on the paint instructions for it to dry. Remember you are going to drive a heavy car onto this paint, so do not get in a hurry to drive on it. The better it has dried, the longer the floor will last. Once it is dry and usable, it looks so beautiful you almost don't want to drive on it. But now, cleaning oil drips and any other drippings from your car or work you do in the garage is, and the floor still looks great.

A beautiful, clean, painted garage floor adds value to your home. When you list your home with a professional real estate agent, be sure to highlight your upgraded garage.