The Week Before Installation
1. Clear the Garage
Remove everything from the garage floor — vehicles, tools, storage bins, shelving, appliances, everything. Our crew needs a completely empty floor to work on. If you have heavy items that can't be moved, let us know during the estimate and we can discuss options.
2. Check for Oil Stains
You don't need to clean oil stains — our diamond grinding process removes them. But if you know of any major oil or chemical spills, point them out during the estimate so we can plan for extra prep in those areas.
3. Plan Your Parking
You'll need alternative parking for 24-72 hours depending on the system. For our standard system, the floor is ready for foot traffic in 4-6 hours and vehicle traffic in 72 hours. Plan accordingly.
4. Secure Pets
The installation process involves mechanical grinding and chemical applications. Keep pets away from the garage and the work area during installation and curing.
5. Choose Your Color
Review our color options and choose your flake color. We'll bring samples during the estimate, but having a general idea speeds things up. Popular choices for Utah garages include grey, tan, and black flake.
The Night Before
- Remove vehicles: Park cars in the driveway or street
- Clear the floor completely: Nothing should be on the concrete
- Unlock the garage: Make sure we have access (or arrange to be home)
- Turn off garage heaters: We need the floor at ambient temperature
What to Expect on Installation Day
Step 1: Diamond Grinding (1-2 hours)
We use dust-controlled diamond grinders to open the concrete's pores and remove any existing coatings, sealers, or contamination. This creates the mechanical profile needed for the epoxy to bond. We use commercial-grade dust extractors, so there's minimal dust.
Step 2: Crack and Pit Repair (30-60 minutes)
All cracks, pits, and spalled areas are repaired with a polyurea mender. This creates a smooth, uniform surface for the epoxy.
Step 3: Primer Coat (30-45 minutes application, 4-6 hour cure)
100% solids epoxy primer is squeegeed and back-rolled across the entire floor. This bonds chemically to the prepared concrete.
Step 4: Color Coat with Flake (45-60 minutes application, 8-12 hour cure)
The color coat is applied and decorative flake is broadcast across the surface to refusal (full coverage). Excess flake is swept off after curing.
Step 5: Polyurea Topcoat (30-45 minutes application, 4-6 hour cure)
The UV-stable polyurea topcoat is applied as the final protective layer. This is what gives the floor its chemical resistance, UV stability, and durability.
After Installation
When Can You Walk on It?
Light foot traffic is OK after 4-6 hours. Remove shoes if possible to avoid marking the surface while it continues to cure.
When Can You Drive on It?
Vehicle traffic is safe after 72 hours. Don't park hot vehicles on the floor during the first week if possible.
When Is It Fully Cured?
The floor reaches full cure in 7 days. Avoid harsh chemicals, heavy impacts, and dragging items during this period.
Maintenance Tips
- Sweep regularly to remove dirt and grit
- Mop with mild soap and warm water
- Wipe up oil and chemical spills promptly
- Use felt pads on chair and furniture legs
- Avoid harsh degreasers or acidic cleaners