The Best Garage Floor Coatings to Prevent Oil Stains

(Page 3 of 3)

May 14, 2009
By Todd Kaho 
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Put Down a Mat or Deck

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Another garage floor option is to install a mat or snap-together deck tiles instead of coating the floor. Mats are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Simple rug-like mats start at about $100.  In addition to smooth surface mats, you’ll also find ribbed, coin and diamond-tread patterns.

Modular polypropylene snap-together decking surfaces are a popular and stylish way to go for designer garages and shops. These floor systems are free-floating and allow moisture to escape from the concrete floor below. Another advantage is that the tiles are easily replaced. If one section is damaged, simply replace a tile and the floor is as good as new. There are even a few floor tile products made from recycled materials.

Regardless of which product you choose, protecting your garage floor is an investment that will make your garage or shop space more enjoyable for many years to come.

For ideas for alternative types of garage floors, read I am building a garage, is there a cheap, green substance to take the place of concrete for the floor? If you’re interested in low-VOC paint, check out The Benefits of Low-VOC Paints.

What type of garage floor coatings have you used? Tell us your opinion in the comments section below.

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  • Joel 5/20/2009 2:29:06 PM

    Sustainability seems to be the poor stepchild of the ecology movement. Some "oil based" and "plastic" products get a bad rap even though they can last decades and more.

    The garage floor is just another example of this sort of thinking. Garage floor coatings that last should be applied by a professional.

    The article doesn't take in to account the existing condition of the floor. Most floors should be bead-blasted before anything is applied. And that should be done by an experienced tech. Or, you can DIY with "earth friendly" coatings and then replace them in a couple of years. Not my idea of earth friendly. Lipstick on a pig is more to the point.

    Don't bother with "green" products you can buy in big retail outlets. Something that doesn't "pollute the atmosphere" but will soon be in the drains or chipped up and placed in landfill. That isn't very green. Those products are for consumers, not professionals. And they're hard on your pocket book too.

    Do anyone really think they can buy professional grade materials from a consumer paint store? Are you trained to handle them correctly if you can get them? Don't try this at home kids. Stick to gardening. And don't try cutting your own hair either.

    The professional coatings industry has many "bio-based" products available. And professionally installed products look, well, professionally installed.

    Fix the car so it doesn't leak. Hire a pro to install a quality floor. Live happily ever after. And when you neighbor pulls up his funky floor mats every two years and takes them to land fill, think about how unclear on the conservation concept he is.

    If you are really skilled, go to a "water proofing" supply where pro's buy their products. If you're really skilled you'd know that already. Anyhow, get all the information and advice you can. Then follow directions!

    Send me a dollar if by the t

  • tammy 5/20/2009 10:04:35 AM

    Try Eco Safety Products - they have all kinds of "green" concrete floor finishes including and epoxy substitute as well as paints, wood stains, etc. All Soy based.

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