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Sealing a Garage Floor Easily
from:Garages can be a great place for storage when you create organized spaces and start with a good plan. But one thing that can keep you from using your garage to the extent possible is the dust that accumulates on the porous floors and the drab, dull floor surface. Not only are garage floors often unattractive, they are also difficult to keep clean and may become unstable. Many floors are not stable and smooth, making them uncomfortable and distracting.
Home improvement projects for your garage should include sealing the floor with a good quality sealant. Since most floors are concrete they will absorb stains and become unsightly. Moisture can get into the concrete through cracks that form and this will weaken the floor. A sealer will create a more finished looking floor while helping it withstand water and other things that can stain and weaken the floor. Sealants come in many forms and each one has very specific instructions on preparation, application, use, and disposal so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Applying a concrete sealer is not difficult. Most anyone can do it. We’ve included some tips on ways to make the job even easier.
1. Only seal the floor after you ensure it is thoroughly and completely dry. Don’t seal water in!
2. You’ll need to apply sealer around the edges of the floor with a paintbrush to ensure it is thoroughly coated and to avoid getting sealant on the walls and wood. Purchasing a good quality brush is advisable. The job will go quicker and the end product will be better quality too.
3. The majority of the floor can be sealed with a paint roller or a hand-held sprayer. If you don’t have a sprayer, you can probably rent one from a local home improvement or hardware store.
4. Sealants are chemicals so it’s important to protect yourself. Open any windows and doors to allow air to circulate. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working with the sealant. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands.
5. Sealing your floor should start with a very clean surface. Remove everything from the floor and temporarily store it somewhere else while applying the sealant and allowing it to dry. Make sure items are stored securely where they won’t be exposed to rain or other elements that could damage them since you don’t want to put them back in the garage until the floor is completely dry.
6. Clean the floor thoroughly. You can sweep the area and a good shop vacuum is a great way to get dust and tiny particles off the surface. Use a scrub brush on stubborn areas and to remove stains as much as possible. You can purchase stain remover at your local hardware or home improvement store to make the job easier. Phosphate-free cleaners are recommended. If there are rough spots or edges, scrape them away with a chisel or shop tool.
7. If there are cracks, be sure to patch them and allow them to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
8. Cover the walls and cabinets to protect them from splatters or spray from the sealant. Drop cloths or plastic sheets are good choices for wall covering.
9. Paint the edges of the floor around the wall first using your paintbrush. Once this is done, spraying or using a paint roller will go much faster.
Once your floor is thoroughly sealed, it’s important to allow it to completely dry. The manufacturer will recommend how long the sealant takes to dry, but use good common sense and check the floor before replacing items. Don’t get in a big hurry to move back in the garage until it’s dry or you will damage and weaken the sealant before it has a chance to do its job. The harder the sealant dries before you walk on it or replace items, the more likely it is to be effective and last for years to come.
Once your floor is sealed, you can consider painting it a bright color for even more fun. This will make it more inviting and you’ll enjoy spending time on hobbies, crafts, and other projects in the improved surroundings. Be sure to check with your local paint, hardware, or home improvement store to learn more about paint products that are suitable for garage floors.
A sealed garage floor is much safer and more aesthetically pleasing than raw, bare concrete. It is also the best way to keep water from seeping into cracks and damaging your garage floor. An added advantage is that sealing usually helps keep dust to a minimum since the surface is no longer a porous magnet for dust and dirt.
This is a do-it-yourself project that will have tremendous benefits. Before you replace everything in your garage, take a look around and find ways to organize things as you replace them. You’ll soon have a garage that has become a “room” you can enjoy.
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