ArcaMax

An ugly pock-marked cement garage floor can be transformed with a new epoxy finish. The new surface does double duty to upgrade an otherwise ordinary garage while creating a durable, long lasting surface. The dreaded job of removing everything in the garage is no small feat for most of us which can resurrect new found treasures if your garage is as overstuffed as ours. The reward is worth it because in the process you’ll get rid of unwanted stuff, find things you’ve been looking for and enjoy an attractive, easy-to-maintain surface for years to come.

Depending on the condition of the floor, you may have to repair any loose or chipped concrete, remove any poorly bonded paint or sealers, and eliminate excessive moisture. This can mean a lot of time preparing the surface before applying the finish coating.

Rustoleum makes Epoxy Shield, a 2-part garage floor coating kit for a small 2-car garage for $135. The floor must be clean, dry, free of any grease or oil spots, and in good condition. A painting contractor will charge $1,850, which includes the labor and the material, to apply the finish. Get an estimate for how much preparation work is needed before the new finish is applied.

You can buy the materials for $235, and apply the finish, and save 87%. You’ll need a paint roller with a 1/2-inch nap roller, a screw-in extension handle and wide masking tape to protect the base of the walls. Plan extra time and money to prepare and patch (if necessary) the surface and if priming is needed before applying the new finish.

Pro Cost: $1,850 — DIY Cost: $235 — Pro time: 16.5
DIY Time: 20.5 — DIY Savings: $1,615 — Percent Saved: 87%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.