Restore Your Garage Floor Tiles with These Easy Steps

If you have a garage, then you know that the floor can take a beating. Oil and gas stains, dirt, and other debris can quickly make your garage floor tiles look old and worn out. Luckily, there are some easy steps that you can take to restore them to their former glory!

This is why your garage floor should always look the best even though cars and people walk through it. Concrete garage floors need all the love they can get to last much longer. Even though a concrete floor is much more sturdy compared to other materials, we still need to take care of them. It improves the visual of your garage floor and raises the value of your house if you plan to sell it.

Of course, applying a coat of epoxy paint just won't cut it. Instead, your entire floor would benefit from restoring your garage floor tiles to their original glory. Garage floors need to be maintained to spare you from spending more on repairs and, worse, overhauling your concrete floor.

For those who have done their research, depending on your settings, there is a wide variety of different tips and tricks that experts, homeowners, and everything else in between have been advertising through websites. They claim their advice is the best, from peel and stick tiles to taking care of your interlocking tiles. However, it can confuse some people, especially newbies, so let us help you. This article will discuss the easy steps to take care of your garage floor, not just the epoxy paint. And by the end of this article, the information you learned will equip you with the things you need to know in taking care of your garage floor tiles, from using a concrete grinder to choosing which epoxy coatings would work the best for your needs.

What Concrete Garage Floors Need

The durability of a concrete floor depends on many factors. This includes the quality of the concrete or the materials used during its construction. However, even with high-quality materials, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your garage floor lasts as long as possible. When it comes to concrete garage floors, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Protect from water damage

 Water can seep into cracks in the concrete or through gaps between the floor and walls or panels. Use mold-resistant sealants on any seams that allow water to pass through them.

Clean up spills quickly

 No matter how small, spills can cause stains on a concrete floor if left unchecked for too long. Clean up spills immediately so they don't penetrate deep into the surface of the concrete and become permanent stains.

Prevent scratches and chips. 

Do not drop heavy objects on the floor or drag equipment across it. Use caution when moving furniture or appliances around, and placemats or other protective coverings under them to prevent scratches.

Avoid using harsh chemicals. 

Harsh chemicals can damage the surface of concrete floors, making them more susceptible to staining and wear. When cleaning concrete floors, stick to mild soaps and avoid using abrasive cleaners.

8 Steps to Restoring Your Garage Floors

1. Clean your garage floor

First, you will need to clean the floor. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is an important step nonetheless. You will want to remove all of the dirt, grime, and debris that has built up on the floor over time. This can be done with a broom, mop, or pressure washer. If you have oil or grease stains, you will need to treat them before proceeding. Many products on the market are specifically designed for removing these types of stains.

Consequently, remove any loose fragments from cracks or craters, but you don't need to break away hardened concrete. Doing so will only damage the floor and make the problem worse. You also don't want to use any harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these can damage the floor. Stick to mild soaps and avoid using abrasive cleaners.

If your garage is full of stuff, it’s a good idea to empty it completely, to have proper access to the entire floor surface - rent a storage unit and store everything in there for the duration of the work. After cleaning the floor, you must let it dry before proceeding to the next step.

2. Inspect the floor for cracks and damage

Once the floor is clean, you will need to inspect it for cracks and other damages. If there are any cracks or holes in the floor, you will need to repair them before proceeding. There are many products on the market that are specifically designed for repairing concrete floors. Once you have filled up the cracks and repaired the damage, you can proceed to the next step. If your floor is severely damaged, you may need to consult a professional before proceeding. 

3. Create a dam

A dam is a barrier that you create to contain epoxy. This is important because you don't want the epoxy to spread beyond the area you are trying to repair. You can create a dam by using masking tape or some other type of painter's tape. If you are repairing a large area, you may need to use multiple dams to contain the epoxy.

4. Mix the epoxy.

Once you have created the dam, you will need to mix the epoxy. This is usually a two-part process that involves mixing a resin and a hardener. The ratio of resin to hardener will vary depending on the product that you are using. Once the epoxy is mixed, you will need to apply it to the damaged area. You can use a putty knife or some other type of applicator to apply the epoxy. Be sure to smooth it out as much as possible so it can harden evenly. If you are repairing a large area, you may need to apply multiple coats of epoxy. After the epoxy has been applied, you will need to let it harden for the time specified by the manufacturer.

5. Remove the dam

After the epoxy has hardened, you will need to remove the dam. This is usually a simple process of peeling off the tape. Be careful not to damage the epoxy as you are removing the dam. If you are repairing a large area, you may need multiple dams to contain the epoxy.

6. Smoothen out the surface with a concrete grinder

The next step is you will need to smoothen out the surface with a concrete grinder. This will help blend the repair with the rest of the floor and eliminate uneven edges. If you don't already have one, go to a rental shop and rent a concrete grinder. It resembles a floor polisher but can grind down the surface by 1/16 inch with each slow pass. It's a dusty work that may take all day, although you'll get a much smoother, flatter surface—ideal if you want to apply an epoxy paint finish after.

7. Apply an epoxy paint finish or a concrete sealer.

You can apply an epoxy paint finish to the floor if you want. This will give the floor a glossy and protected surface. There are many different colors that you can choose from. You can also choose to apply a concrete sealer to the floor. This will help to protect the floor and make it easier to clean.

You can either apply the sealer yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Applying a concrete sealer is a fairly simple process. First, you will need to ensure that the floor is completely dry. Next, you will need to apply the sealer evenly across the floor's surface using a brush or roller. Finally, once you have applied the sealer, you will need to let it set before walking on it or applying any type of finish.

Applying an epoxy paint finish is also a fairly simple process. First, you will need to make sure that the floor is completely dry. Next, you will need to apply the paint evenly across the floor's surface using a brush or roller and then let it dry for the time specified by the manufacturer. After the paint has dried, you can apply a second coat if you want.

Sealers and epoxy paint finishes will give your garage floor tiles a new lease on life and make them look new again. You can find more information about concrete sealers and epoxy paint finishes by searching online.

Final Thoughts

Restoring your garage floor tiles is a great way to improve the look of your garage and make it easier to keep clean. And now that you have learned how to restore your garage floor tiles with these easy steps, there is no excuse not to start your project today. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start restoring your garage floor tiles!