There are several reasons that you may want to consider sealing your garage floor. Sealing a floor will extend the life of the floor, will provide a smooth and stable surface, and will prevent corrosion or staining. And many floor sealers can be used as a primer for concrete paint which can change the look and feel of your garage.
Please check to make sure that the sealant you choose will meet your needs. If you would like to paint, be sure to purchase a sealant that can be painted over. Also look at the lifetime of the sealant and ask an employee of your local hardware store which they would recommend for your location due to climate and weather conditions.
Once you have decided on the type of sealant you will need, be sure to purchase enough to cover your floor space. A good measure is 1 gallon of floor sealant per 200 square feet of floor space. Therefore, if you have a two car garage that measures 24 X 30 ft, you should be prepared to buy 4 gallons. Many brands of floor sealer will come in a 5 gallon canister, which will be sufficient for most jobs. Again, you might need to consult with your hardware store on the quantity you will need if there are any special circumstances.
In addition to the sealant itself, you will need to purchase a catalyst or hardening solution which you will mix into your sealant in preparation to cover the floor. You will also need a stiff painting brush and a paint roller with a medium-nap roller cover. It would also be beneficial to include an extended handle for your roller. Other items you will need include protective wear such as coveralls, safety goggles, thick rubber gloves, and an air filter breathing apparatus. Also be prepared to purchase commercial grade floor cleaner.
List of Supplies:
Adequate amount of Floor Sealant
Floor Sealant Hardener
Commercial Floor Cleaner
Stiff Bristle Paint Brush
Paint Roller with Extended Handle
Large Plastic Mixing Bucket
Paint Roller Tray
Protective wear including Coveralls, Goggles, Rubber Gloves and Ventilation Mask
The first step is to completely clean your floor surface. You should sweep away all debris from your floor then apply the commercial cleanser to your floor. Allow the solution to soak into any stains for 15 to 30 minutes before completely cleansing the floor with clean, pure water. Once the surface has been completely cleaned and dry enough to place a coating of the sealant down, prepare your ingredients in the large mixing bucket and then start applying the sealant.
To apply the sealant, cut out the center of the floor by using the stiff bristle brush to the outside edges of the floor. (Note: Most sealants will stain other surfaces, so tape out any walls or moldings you may need to.) Once the floor has been cut out, pour some sealant into the paint tray and apply it liberally to the floor. Be sure to work from the inside towards the garage door so that you don't seal yourself into a corner.
Once the entire floor surface has been covered by a thick smooth coat of the sealant, allow it to dry and provide plenty of ventilation including opening any windows and the garage door itself. Do not open the door that connects the garage to your house if you have an attached garage as this will fill your home with noxious fumes. You may want to use a large industrial fan to help the solvent dry quicker and to aid in ventilation.
Once the floor is completely dry, give it at least a day before applying any concrete paint or before placing chemicals or other items onto the floor. At this point, your garage should be protected from most damage do to chemicals or stains. Check the remainder of your unused solution to see if it is able to be used again, and be sure to check the shelf-life of the product that you buy. You may need to re-seal your garage within a few years depending on wear and tear.
Be sure to clean all of your equipment thoroughly in warm soapy water as soon as you are finished. You may dispose of the roller cover and any disposable paint trays after cleaning.
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