Adding a garage floor coating can transform your space into a durable, polished area that’s ready for anything. While DIY kits seem like a quick, cost-effective solution, opting for professional installation provides a level of quality, durability, and service that a DIY kit simply can’t match. Here’s why professional coatings outperform DIY installations and why hiring professionals for your epoxy flooring is the best choice, especially with Washington’s climate challenges.
Why Professional Coatings Outperform DIY Options
Choosing a professional coating service means investing in products and techniques specifically designed for high durability and lasting results. Experts use industrial-grade epoxy, polyurea and polyaspartic coatings that provide resilience against everything from road salt to oil stains, a crucial advantage in damp, unpredictable Washington weather. This is also what protects you from high foot traffic, cars or trucks going in and out all day, hot tire transfer, dropped tools, and more.
Professionals also prepare your concrete surface meticulously by grinding it down with industrial tools to ensure the coating bonds securely, an essential step for preventing peeling, cracking, or bubbling. This preparation, paired with high-performance coatings, provides a tough, seamless finish that will last for years without discoloring or wearing down. The way DIY kits recommend prepping concrete is borderline laughable to a seasoned professional.
Professional installers also bring expertise in customization, offering multiple options like metallic epoxy floors, full-flake designs, and custom colors, so your garage floor is not only functional but also visually appealing. And because the process is in expert hands, installation is typically completed in a fraction of the time it would take a DIYer, allowing you to go about your daily routine with minimal disruption.
The Downsides of DIY Garage Floor Kits
Though DIY epoxy kits are available in hardware stores and may seem like a simple weekend project, these kits come with significant limitations.
First, surface preparation in a DIY kit is generally limited to a basic acid etching process, which doesn’t provide the proper foundation for epoxy to adhere well. In Washington, where seasonal temperature shifts and moisture are common, this minimal preparation often leads to premature peeling, cracking, and bubbling. Additionally, the quality of DIY coatings is often lower, resulting in a finish that may yellow, fade, or scratch easily, especially under Washington’s heavy rain, road salts, and temperature changes.
DIY kits can also be more labor-intensive than they initially appear. The time required for preparation, coating application, and cleanup can quickly add up, only to deliver a result that might not withstand daily use. Furthermore, if a DIY job fails, the cost of stripping the failed coating and starting over can end up costing more than a professional installation would have from the start.
Warranties and Peace of Mind
One of the greatest benefits of choosing a professional installation is the warranty that often comes with it. Quality epoxy and polyaspartic floor coatings applied by professionals are backed by warranties that cover everything from normal wear and tear to critical issues like moisture damage, which is especially important in Washington’s humid environment. Unlike DIY kits (or “1-day” coatings), which generally come with no warranty (or “sleight-of-hand” warranties), a professionally installed coating provides peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong, you’re covered.
Elevate Your Garage with Professional Installation
From basements and entryways to patios and garages, epoxy and polyaspartic coatings offer a versatile solution to boost durability and appearance across many areas of your home. For Washington residents, waterproofing basements or enhancing outdoor spaces can add value and functionality to your property. Professionals know how to tackle each unique area with the right tools and high-quality products, ensuring your investment stands the test of time.
If you’re ready to take your garage to the next level, get in touch today for a free estimate and see the difference a professional coating can make.
