Resin floor in the garage step by step – how to do it quickly and independently

Installing a resin floor may be a good idea to refresh the appearance of the floor, especially in frequently used areas. If you are thinking about a new floor in your garage, this post is for you!  

With this article, you'll be able yourself ! Learn what garage resin and how to apply it properly.

Substrate preparation - a key stage in the application of resin flooring

Why is substrate preparation so important?

Substrate preparation is a crucial step before applying a resin floor. An improperly prepared substrate can affect resin adhesion, which can result in cracking, loosening, or shortening the life of the entire floor. Proper preparation ensures durability, evenness, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress. Furthermore, a poorly prepared substrate with gaps can significantly affect the appearance of the final resin coating.

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What are the most common floor problems?

The most common subfloor problems are:

• Irregularities – these can cause resin application difficulties and affect the floor's aesthetics. They should be sealed and leveled during the substrate preparation stage.
• Contamination – oils, grease, or dust reduce resin adhesion. If the floor is contaminated, it is recommended to wash it with a suitable detergent before applying resin-based products. This can be done using, for example, Pigment SULFANOL A .
• Cracks and voids – if left unpatched, can lead to the resin floor loosening. Fragments of poorly bonded concrete should be removed before resin application to ensure proper adhesion of the subsequent resin flooring system.
• Moisture – Excessive moisture in the substrate can cause resin curing problems. If the floor is damp or has not been previously sealed, it may be necessary to apply epoxy primers that can withstand these conditions, such as Neopox® Primer WS or Neopox® Primer AY .

Garage resin - Cleaning the surface

Before applying resin to the garage floor, it is crucial to properly prepare the substrate to ensure the durability and necessary adhesion of the entire system.

What tools are necessary to clean the substrate?

To effectively clean the concrete surface, it is recommended to use the following tools:

• Concrete grinder : Allows for leveling the surface and removing old coatings and contaminants. Additionally, the floor should be sanded each time before applying the resin, although the degree of sanding will vary depending on the system selected.
• Industrial vacuum cleaner : Essential for thoroughly removing dust and fine particles after sanding.
• Mop or brush : For pre-cleaning the surface of loose dirt.
• Steel trowel : Together with a spatula, it can be useful for filling holes and irregularities in the substrate, mainly when using ready-made repair masses such as Epoxol Putty or Neodur FT Putty .

What products are effective in cleaning surfaces?

Selecting the right cleaning agents is crucial to ensuring the adhesion of resin systems:

• Degreasing agents : Removes greasy stains and oily dirt that can affect resin adhesion. Sulfanol A is an excellent degreaser for concrete surfaces that are not deeply contaminated.
• Concrete deep cleaning agents : Helps eliminate deep contamination and remnants of old coatings.
• Acid neutralizers : Used after chemical cleaning to restore the proper pH of the surface.
• Fungicides : On very damp surfaces, there's a risk of mold growth. Washing with just water and detergent may be ineffective due to the mycelium being trapped within the concrete pores. The recommended product is GrzyboStop , which neutralizes molds and their mycelium, preventing future mold growth.

Please remember that thorough cleaning and preparation of the substrate before applying the resin is crucial for the durability and aesthetics of the garage floor.

Priming the substrate for a resin floor

What types of primers are used for resin floors?

The most commonly used resin floors are:

• Epoxy primers – provide excellent adhesion and chemical resistance. A wide range of epoxy primers, designed for both dry and damp concrete, allows you to choose the perfect primer for your project. These resin primers are solvent-based, water-based, or solvent-free. This versatility allows them to be used depending on the project's requirements, such as floor reinforcement or odorless execution.
• Polyurea primers – ideal for dry substrates where work must be completed as quickly as possible. These resinous primers not only offer a short drying time between coats, saving time, but can also be applied at low temperatures, even down to 0°C.

Preparing the ground for application

Before applying the primer, ensure the surface is dry, clean, and dust-free. The primer should be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper binding properties. It is applied using a roller, brush, sprayer, or squeegee, ensuring even coverage. A properly primed concrete substrate with resin will have a full gloss finish. If dull spots appear on the floor, an additional layer of resin primer will be necessary. This indicates the substrate's higher absorbency, which has absorbed the resin primer.

Soil application

Once the primer is applied to the floor, you can start by applying it to the wall, reducing the risk of uncontrolled resin spillage. Use a 6-10 cm solvent-resistant roller for this purpose. Once you've finished applying the primer to the wall, you can apply the product to the entire floor. To apply the primer to a larger surface, use a larger roller.
Spread the primer lengthwise and widthwise to thoroughly cover the entire floor surface.
For Neodur Fast Track PR, use the prepared amount of product within 20 minutes.

Filling gaps in the substrate before applying the resin

When is spackling necessary?

Filling is necessary when the substrate has cracks, voids, or other damage, such as pitting, that could impact the durability of the floor. Such damage can further affect the final visual appearance of the finished resin garage floor, reducing the aesthetic value of the entire project. These voids are filled with a special repair compound, ensuring a smooth surface and proper adhesion for subsequent layers.

Preparation of flooring resin

What types of resins are best for a garage?

The best things to do in a garage are:

• Epoxy resins are characterized by high resistance to mechanical and chemical stress. Additionally, epoxy-based garage flooring products are resistant to hot tire marks, making the entire surface easy to keep clean.
• Polyurethane resins are more flexible than epoxy resins and have excellent resistance to temperature changes. This makes them ideal for garages with underfloor heating. Polyurethane resins are also often UV-resistant, such as Neodur® Special , and can be tinted according to the RAL palette. This, in turn, allows for full customization of the resin garage floor color.
• Polyurea resins are used for quick flooring applications, but they can be more demanding to apply. The mixture's short working time requires some practice. However, they can be used to apply flooring systems at sub-zero or slightly above-zero temperatures, down to a few degrees Celsius, which would be impossible with epoxy resins, for example.

Garage resin application - step by step

What tools will be needed to apply the resin?

To apply the resin you will need:

• rollers and brushes for applying primer,
• squeegees or trowels for spreading the resin, which is thick-layered,
• mechanical mixer for preparing the resin mass,
• shoe spikes to allow you to walk on fresh resin without damage.

How to avoid common mistakes when applying resin?

• The mixing ratio of resin and hardener must be observed.
• Apply the layer evenly, avoiding runs. To do this, it's best to designate a work area—an area with precisely measured square footage. Then, calculate the resin required for the designated area, prepare it, and apply the entire layer. This will ensure the proper resin layer thickness on the garage floor.
• Do not apply resin to damp surfaces. Only designated resin products can be used in such conditions. An example is Neopox® Pimer WS, a primer for damp surfaces. However, the vast majority of resin primers, even those formulated with resin, are unsuitable for application to damp concrete.
• Ensure appropriate temperature conditions and ventilation during work. The application temperature specified in the technical data sheet should be maintained not only during application but also during the curing process, i.e., the resin flooring's full mechanical and chemical properties. For epoxies, this is usually 7 days, similarly for polyurethanes, while polyureas often achieve full curing within 24 hours of applying the final resin layer.

How to care for a resin floor in a garage?

To ensure your resin floor in your garage lasts for years, it's important to clean it regularly, avoiding harsh detergents. A soft-bristled mop works well for cleaning resin floors. It's important to pay attention to the recommended water temperature for cleaning the resin topcoat. Information on this is usually available in the technical data sheets, under the maintenance tab. Alternatively, the manufacturer can provide maintenance information directly. Minor damage should be repaired promptly. Avoid prolonged contact with strong chemicals, such as fuels or oils, which can cause discoloration, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

Resin flooring in the garage – frequently asked questions

Is resin flooring resistant to high temperatures?

Yes, most resin floors are resistant to high temperatures, but it's worth ensuring that the resin you choose meets the requirements for the anticipated thermal loads. Information regarding the temperature resistance of the selected resin is always available in the product data sheet or the appropriate system data sheet.

Are resin floors difficult to maintain?

No, resin floors are easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with water and a mild detergent and a soft-bristled mop are sufficient. Glossy resin floors are easier to keep clean than their matte counterparts.

Can the resin on the floor crack or break off after some time?

Resin cracking or peeling can occur if the substrate is not properly prepared or the floor has been exposed to extreme conditions, such as excessive loads or sudden temperature changes. It's worth considering all possible future options during the product selection phase to select the right resin product with the appropriate resistance class.

Can resin on the floor change color over time?

Resin can slightly change color over time, for example, due to exposure to daylight. This effect can be mitigated by applying UV-resistant varnishes, which will additionally protect the floor mechanically and postpone the need for renovation. A color difference may also be noticeable when furniture sits in one place for years and is then moved. However, this is a completely normal phenomenon, which is also common with laminate flooring.