Garage floor coatings are durable, sleek, and protective, making your garage more functional while enhancing its appearance. While they’re known for their durability, even the toughest coatings need basic care and maintenance to stay looking great and performing their best.
At Brush Brothers Coatings, we want you to have all the tools and knowledge you need to take care of your garage floor coating. Whether you’re considering adding a coating to your garage floors or you’ve already completed the project, keep reading to learn the basics of how to care for your coating and ensure it remains in great condition for years to come.
Why Proper Care Matters
When you take proper care of your garage floor coating, you don’t just keep your floors shiny and free from stains. Proper care can prevent premature wear, chipping, and fading, as well. Furthermore, regular maintenance reduces the buildup of oil, dirt, and chemicals that can create slippery surfaces and safety hazards. Plus, some floor coating warranties require regular maintenance, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of it.
Regular Cleaning Practices for Garage Floor Coatings
Like any surface in your home, garage floor coatings need to be cleaned regularly. The good news is that coatings make the concrete much easier to clean by sealing all the grooves, cracks, and pores, so your cleaning routine should be quicker than ever.
Sweep or Dust Mop Frequently
The frequency with which you should sweep your garage floor depends on what you use your garage for. If it’s mostly a storage space, a quick sweep every week or two should suffice. If you’re constantly using your garage as a workspace or driving your cars in and out, you should sweep more frequently. Just make sure you use a microfiber dust mop or a soft-bristled broom to prevent scratches.
Wash with a Mild Cleaner
Washing your garage floor may be a bimonthly task, or it might only need to be done a couple of times a year. Again, it depends on how you use your garage and how quickly it gets dirty.
It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or strong solvents — instead, use a pH-neutral cleaning solution mixed with warm water. You can either mop it like you would any other floor or use a soft scrub brush for spot cleaning. Avoid wax, as it can make the surface slippery.
Rinse Thoroughly
After cleaning, use a hose or a pressure washer on a low setting to rinse the floor. If you skip this step, the cleaner residue could cause the floor to become dull or slippery. Just be careful not to get any of your belongings wet, and make sure the floor dries completely before putting everything back in its place.
Dealing with Spills and Stains
Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen. When spills occur, clean them up immediately. Gasoline, antifreeze, oil, and brake fluid can stain or damage many coatings if left too long.
The right cleaning method will depend on the substance that was spilled. Make sure you research how to remove the specific substance to keep yourself safe. Clay-based cat litter, specialized absorbent pads, baking soda, and dish soap are common solutions.
Protecting the Surface from Damage
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your garage floor coating, it’s essential to protect it from damage. Consider placing mats or rugs under vehicles to catch drips and prevent hot tire pickup or near workbenches to protect from dropped tools.
Speaking of dropped items, be careful to avoid impacts. Place heavy items down carefully, don’t drag metal objects across the floor, and use padding under jacks and stands.
If you’re working with spillable substances like oil or gasoline, place mats underneath the workspace in case something drips.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
It’s a smart idea to adjust your maintenance routines with the seasons. In the winter, sweep away road salt quickly, before it has the chance to dull the coating. Place mats at entry points to prevent snow and slush from being tracked in.
In the summer, watch for heat-related expansion and contraction near garage doors. Be aware of whether your garage floor coating is UV-resistant, and if it’s not, consider protecting areas near windows by laying down mats or rugs.
Long-Term Care and Recoating
Certain floor coatings can last a decade or more with proper care. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time for a professional touch-up or recoating:
- Cracking
- Discoloration
- Dull appearance
- Flaking or chipping
- Drainage issues
- Bubbling
- Rough or bumpy texture
If your garage floor coating is looking a little worse for wear, professional maintenance can restore its appearance and functionality.
Quality Garage Floor Coatings by Brush Brothers
At Brush Brothers, we’re experts in all things garage floor coatings. Whether you want an epoxy or polyaspartic coating, we’ll get the job done right. Our technicians are known for their attention to detail throughout every step of the process, from surface preparation to the finishing touches.
Contact us today to get started!
