It's often good to add specialised coatings to the concrete floor in your garage or basement, so you can keep it watertight, easier to clean, and even safer for walking. There are many different types of coatings available and most are applied with a simple roller, much like rolling on paint. While they're easy enough to apply, they are not all alike, so it's good to ensure you opt for the right coating for your particular needs. Most are either a urethane or epoxy base. Note the following simple tips to keep in mind when chusing between the two.

Urethanes

Urethane coatings are very thin and are used to build up a coating where you may need light coverage that simply protects the flooring from wear and tear without a thick layer over your concrete. They have a brighter, shinier finish than other coatings. A urethane coating is often used for a basement floor and is so light it is even applied over wood floors, where you simply need a light coat to protect the material from foot traffic.

A urethane coating is often not the best for heavy traffic such as for a garage, unless you're only storing lighter vehicles in the garage; this might include motorcycles, bikes, or standard lawn care equipment. For a garage floor that will see heavier traffic, opt for an epoxy.

Epoxy

An epoxy finish or coating is thicker than a urethane and more durable, but it may be more dull and drab. It rarely adds to the look of a concrete floor, but protects it from heavier traffic including cars, trailers, and the like. An epoxy may also be easier to clean than a light urethane, so this makes it a better choice if you work on cars in your garage and may spill oil and other fluids. An epoxy will also hold an added flake or other material you put over the coating.

Flaking

Flaking or flakes are a simple material that you sprinkle over your epoxy or urethane while the coating is still wet. This flaking may be added for the sake of appearance, but thicker flakes are added to give the surface texture. In turn, this can make it less slick and safer for walking and driving. When choosing a flaking to add over a decorative surface, be sure you check the thickness and overall texture; for areas where you walk such as the basement floor, opt for a small flake with a smooth surface so it's most comfortable, but for a garage floor where you need added traction, choose a larger, rougher flake that will offer maximum traction.  

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