Concrete and cement sealants for a garage floor turn out to be a complex topic. Here are some answers to have ready when you call your local concrete or DIY specialist:
- What is the square footage of the area you want to seal?
- Is it indoors, outdoors, or both?
- Are there issues with leakage or water penetration?
- Is there an in-floor heating system/will the garage become an extension of your living space?
- Are you concerned about the VOC content or environmental impact of your sealant?
- Do you want to improve the visual impact of the space when you seal it, or is this purely functional?
- Are you concerned about slipping on wet concrete?
- How often are you willing to re-seal the floor? Do you want a warrantied product?
- Have you already cleaned the garage floor of all oil, grease, and chemicals?
- Will you also need to rent or purchase special equipment to protect your health when you apply the sealant?
From my research, I’ve found that epoxies and urethanes last longer, but that acrylic-based products are more often used by experts for outdoor cement surfaces. Epoxies create a solid surface over the concrete, usually applied in several layers, but are more susceptible to fading in harsh weather conditions and sunlight.
You may even need to purchase a system of two or more products to apply in layers, depending on your needs. Make sure to ask if the products you select will bond to each other upon application. Any slip-resistant additives will be mixed into the final top coat before you spray or brush it onto your floor.
Whatever you do, make sure the floor of the garage is clean and dry, with no residual car oil or chemical drips. Most sealants require about five days of dry-time to be cured enough for vehicle traffic. When comparing products for VOC and off-gassing, know that a higher solids content means lower liquids and VOC content. Check the Material Safety Data Sheet on your selected product for this information.
With so many intentions and options available, I understand why you asked for a recommendation.
Check out the Concrete Network website for additional information, or bring your list of requirements to your local home improvement store and talk with an expert about your specific needs.
