Deciding on epoxy coating color is a difficult process when you realize the extent of the options you have! Your concrete will be anything but boring when you work with Packman’s Coatings to refinish the surface.

Your worn-out garage or basement floor can be revitalized with our help, but it starts with your taste. What do you envision when it comes to your finished epoxy coating? Answer the questions below to help decide color and texture.

What’s the Lighting Situation?

Choosing an epoxy coating color that looks sharp in the space begins with assessing the lighting. How much or how little light the room receives will dictate the final look. What looks one way on paper could look entirely different when it’s installed.

If you don’t have much light infiltration, dark colors will only make the room seem darker. On the other hand, this could be motivation to upgrade your lighting as well!

What Mood Are You Going for?

What is the ambiance you want to convey? Your choice of epoxy coating color will determine the environment you create.

Blue and green are calm colors, yellow and red are creative, and black and gray are stately and classy! Think about how you want to use your space and that will inform the direction of the creative expression.

Do You Have a Theme in Mind?

Many homeowners use their garage as their hangout spot. It’s where you go to kick back, relax and tinker with your bike or antique vehicle. Because your garage is your escape, it should be representative of you and your interests!

From adding the Harley-Davidson logo to unique designs, you can customize your epoxy coating in countless ways to be consistent with the theme of your space.

Consider the Color of Your Car

If you want your car to look like it’s in a showroom, choose an epoxy coating color that accentuates the beauty of its exterior. A bright, shiny red sports car will look amazing on a glossy dark floor. We have plenty of advice for you if you’re looking for an outside opinion!

Consider Maintenance Needs as Well

Remember that lighter colors will show dirt and grime more than darker shades. Still, epoxy is a great product because it’s easy to clean. Assess your ability to maintain your floor on a day-to-day basis before you make a decision.

Let’s Talk Design!

One of our favorite parts of the job is designing an eye-catching coating just for you. We can do personalized designs, from the logo of your favorite sports team to your business logo! Depend on Packman’s Coatings for an exciting new look for your new epoxy coating — we have a wide color selection to fit any style.

Your garage floor’s topcoat will determine the finished look of your project. It will also determine how the floor performs under a number of conditions. It’s important to choose wisely before you invest in refinishing your concrete surface.

What to Look For

What’s most important to you about your garage floor’s new surface? Are you looking for a topcoat that’s resistant to chemical spills? A slip-proof surface? Are you interested in a glossy, shiny, showroom-like finish?

Your options depend on your priorities.

The Benefits of Epoxy

You can use epoxy as a clear coat for your concrete. In fact, it’s one of the most cost-effective options. When affordability is your main concern, epoxy is the answer.

Epoxy has a great chemical resistance. If you spill oil or other fluids when you work on your car, it can protect against staining better than other finishes. However, one of the drawbacks to consider is that epoxy can be slippery when wet. It’s also not as clear as other options and its abrasion resistance is low.

Why Polyurethane Could Be a Good Choice

Polyurethane is another great option for refinishing your garage floor. With a high chemical resistance just like epoxy, but with the addition of a high abrasion resistance as well, you’re getting more from your topcoat.

Polyurethane cures as a crystal-clear product, ensuring you see the beauty of the concrete beneath. It is a UV-stable product, so it won’t yellow or fade the appearance of the concrete. You can opt for a glossy or satin finish.

The drawback you’ll see from polyurethane is you’ll probably you need more than one coat, since it’s thin. You’ll also need to prepare the concrete properly beforehand because it doesn’t bond with bare concrete.

When You’re Making a Concrete Coating Decision

At Packman’s Coatings, we pride ourselves on providing full education for our clients on all things related to concrete coatings. Come to the experts for answers when you are looking for direction on a topcoat for your garage floor. Not only can we help correct any misconceptions you may have about various coating options, you’ll also get an itemized quote for us to complete the work for you.

Applying a topcoat correctly is an important factor in its long-term durability, so make sure you have a professional team on your side to help you — Packman’s Coatings.

Solid, solvent or water-based epoxy … it can make your head spin when you consider your choices for your concrete coatings! Which product is best for your specific application?

Knowing the basic properties of your coating of choice will help you decide with confidence when you select the product for you.

The Central Difference

Some solid epoxy coatings do not have any carrier agents; these coatings are typically thicker and stronger.

When a coating uses a solvent or water as its base, it makes it easier to apply, but it also thins as it dries. A coating that’s 7 millimeters thick on application will dry to 3 to 3½ millimeters thick as the solvent or the water evaporates.

Using a solvent or water-based epoxy is popular for a DIY approach, as it gives you more time to apply the coating and it is typically less expensive, but these cannot compete with solid epoxy’s durability.

Solid Epoxy: It’s a Long-Term Investment

A solid epoxy coating is what professionals use when they install concrete coatings. It provides a whole new floor that’s thick, durable and can last up to 20 years. It can withstand hot tires, grease and other chemicals and dropped power tools without sustaining damage.

Water-Based Epoxy: It’s More Like a Sealer

A water-based epoxy coating just doesn’t deliver the same level of quality. It will look good right away, but it’s a fraction of the thickness. It will offer a smooth, glossy surface, but this will fade. The pros? It is less expensive and you can apply it yourself.

Here’s How to Decide

Here are three factors that can help you make your decision on which type of coating to use:

Your Vision 
What are you trying to do with the space? Depending on the level of use your floor will get, match the durability of your coating. Think about what you want the final product to look like. A solid epoxy is a professional-level finish that is unmatched by any other option. But if you’re not prioritizing looks, this may not be a concern for you.

Your Budget 
If you have limited cash, a water-based epoxy will save some money. If you want your money to go farther, invest a little more in a professional solution.

Your Plan
Do you see yourself living in this home forever, or at least for 10 to 20 years? You will get the most out of your money with a solid epoxy. If you’re just looking for a temporary fix, choose a water-based epoxy instead.

Get a quote along with our professional recommendations when you contact Packman’s Coatings. We are happy to help you find the solution that fits your vision, budget and plan.

Concrete coatings are enhancements that make your garage floor look good through every season. But can they be applied in every season?

A concrete coating isn’t the best candidate for a do-it-yourself project in any season, simply because of the many steps to completion as well as the wide breadth of equipment required. But in winter, it’s even more critical these steps are performed correctly. Otherwise, you could see a premature failure of the concrete coating — a major disappointment.

Cold Weather Challenges

It’s not fun to work outside in the cold, unless you’re readily prepared for the task and can get it done quickly. Low temperatures also mean the materials you’re working with may not perform as you’d expect. Liquids become thicker, and there is the risk of freezing. It can take longer for coatings to cure.

But while cold weather challenges are legitimate, there are factors to consider when working in hot weather as well. Hot weather can dry out concrete coatings too quickly. Humidity can make it difficult for the coating to bond with the concrete like it should.

There are always weather challenges to overcome, but none too great that Packman’s Coatings can’t do an exceptional job, regardless of season.

Make Sure All Residue Is Removed

The first step to a successful concrete coating project is making sure all residue is removed from the surface. In summer, that means dirt and dust. In winter, that also means salt and de-icing chemicals. You need a clean slate for the coating to bond.

The Surface Must Be Dry

There should not be any moisture on the surface of the concrete at the time of application. In cold weather, this means ice too. It can be challenging to remove every trace of moisture, but it’s imperative to the outcome of the project.

No Additional Solvents Necessary

It might be tempting to add solvents to the mix to offset how the temperature change affects the coating material. Don’t do it. Adding solutions can compromise the performance of your coating, since manufacturers did not intend for the additives to become a part of the mix.

Why Depend on Us

For best results, trust professionals in all seasons, but especially when applying concrete coatings in cold weather. Packman’s Coatings is the team for you. Call today for your personalized free quote! From garage floors to showrooms, we are your go-to resource for all aspects of the concrete coating process.

If your epoxy coating didn’t live up to your expectations, you might be wondering what to do with the cracked, chipped, disappointing mess on your concrete floors.

You’re not alone. Applying an epoxy coating is the best way to preserve and refinish your concrete floor, but if the installer doesn’t follow strict preparation and selection procedures, the finished product won’t look good, and it likely won’t last either.

Here are six possible reasons your current epoxy coating failed:

1. Inadequate Floor Preparation

For concrete to fully accept epoxy, the pores must be fully open and ready to bond. This is best accomplished through diamond grinding of the concrete surface. Usually it’s not enough to just sweep and wash the floor. Every square inch must be acid etched or ground, then all dust removed.

2. The Presence of Moisture

Water is bad news for an epoxy coating. If you have moisture issues with your concrete floor, this could spell the demise of the epoxy coating. Even if the room is simply humid, that can have a disastrous effect, because that means it’s nearly impossible to get the concrete completely dry before applying the coating.

3. Bad-Quality Epoxy Product

There are countless terrible epoxy products for sale. If the epoxy is low quality and the substance is watered down or not mixed properly, it will not produce long-lasting results. Check the ingredients or talk to your installer about what product is ideal for your concrete. When it comes to epoxies, the cheaper they are, the worse they perform.

4. Too Much Dirt, Dust or Grease

Grease and oil must be extracted from or ground out of the concrete before epoxy application. All the dirt and dust that gathers from the floor preparation process must also be removed, through sweeping or a shop vac. You don’t want your epoxy to bond with the dust.

5. Coating Isn’t Fit for the Install Environment

Different types of coatings are intended for different environments. Industrial labs will need a product that’s vastly different from what you’d choose for a residential garage. An experienced concrete professional can explain the difference.

6. Subpar Workmanship

Sometimes it just comes down to experience. Without the right tools and skills, an epoxy coating may still fail, even if all the preparation was done correctly and the right product was used.

We Can Correct and Prevent These Problems

At Packman’s Coatings, we take your concrete refinishing project seriously. It’s an art and a science, a balance we’ve mastered after years of hard work for clients just like you. Whether you’re looking for commercial, industrial or residential epoxy coating solutions, you can trust our team to deliver quality results that last.

Is garage floor moisture plaguing you? You aren’t alone. Plenty of homeowners deal with it, and it’s one of the main hindrances to successfully applying epoxy coatings without delamination.

If you have moisture anywhere in your home, it’s a problem. But unlike other areas, moisture in your garage might be a little more difficult to diagnose. Is it coming from above or beneath the slab? 

It’s an important question to answer, especially before you invest in a garage floor coating, as moisture can have a drastic negative effect on its durability.

Signs of a Moisture Problem

The signs of moisture may be subtler than you expect. It’s easy to notice if a part of your concrete is darker or damp. But have you ever seen powdery residue on the surface of the slab? This is called efflorescence, and it’s a sign of moisture as well. It’s created when water is absorbed into the concrete, condenses and then evaporates. What’s left behind is a calcium hydroxide residue — this white powder that you’re always sweeping up.

Conduct a Moisture Test

If you don’t notice either of those two symptoms, you can test the slab for hidden moisture. Use duct tape to secure a plastic sheet to the garage floor. Let it sit for 24 hours, then check the underside for any signs of condensation. Also look at the garage floor beneath the plastic to see if it’s damp.

Fix the Problem Before You Seal

If you find moisture, you’ll want to know what’s causing it. Ultimately, if your garage floor did not have a vapor barrier installed before the concrete was poured and moisture is originating from beneath, it will be difficult to rectify, apart from laying a vapor barrier over the floor and pouring another slab on top.

Test for the level of moisture or call a professional to help. If you have less than four pounds of moisture flowing per 1,000 square feet every 24 hours, you can safely seal without worrying about future consequences. Talk to your garage coating professional — applying a moisture barrier coating underneath epoxy as a primer could be an effective solution.

It’s important to deal with garage floor moisture before you seal, no matter the amount, because a high water content can cause epoxy to peel and curl away from the concrete. Trust Packman’s Coatings for an in-depth assessment of your concrete before applying a coating — we can find a solution for you.

Resurfacing a concrete driveway sounds like a major home project, but it’s much easier than the alternative — replacing the eyesore where you park your car.

When your driveway is cracked, crumbling and faded, it’s tempting to simply rip out and rebuild the entire expanse, but it’s an expensive undertaking. You don’t have to settle for a subpar driveway, though. You can find a permanent fix that’s affordable. Resurfacing a concrete driveway is the answer.

It Transforms the Look of Your Home

One of the top ways resurfacing a concrete driveway pays off is in the feeling of pride you get when you drive up to the curb. Just a simple driveway refinishing can drastically alter the look of your property, leaving you feeling more satisfied.

Compare the Cost of Replacement

Resurfacing a concrete driveway costs significantly less than excavating and re-pouring the slab. When you choose repair, you instantly put money back in your pocket. You won’t have to pay for repairs to torn-up grass, either, or to have your old concrete hauled away.

Buyers Will Take a Second Look

A clean, beautiful, updated driveway adds to a home’s value. Potential buyers won’t be turned off by pictures of your home with its old concrete driveway. They’ll be attracted to the beautiful finish or stamped design. Fixing the outside of your home is the first step toward selling.

You Save Time, Not Just Money

Ripping out an old driveway and pouring a new one takes time. Even after the rubble is cleared away and the new surface is installed, you must wait months for the concrete to fully cure.

Meanwhile, you could have been driving on your refinished concrete if you chose the alternative route! Time is money, and it’s what you save when you opt to work with the concrete you have, turning it into something beautiful. It’s what we do at Packman’s Coatings every day, and it’s exactly how we can help you.

Get a free quote on how much it would cost – find out if resurfacing your concrete driveway is as affordable as you need it to be, and learn more about the valuable benefits this option provides. Contact Packman’s Coatings today for more information!

Is concrete staining or epoxy coating the better way to finish your floors?

When you’ve had enough of your chipped, dirty concrete, the best way to make a change is by refinishing the surface, not by tearing it up! You can re-do the look of your concrete with either concrete staining or epoxy coating, but the final products look quite different.

Which option is right for your garage floor?

What’s the Difference?

The concrete staining process involves grinding down the concrete and applying a water or acid-based stain to the surface. When finished, the concrete looks polished and glossy, more like natural stone than concrete.

An epoxy coating is applied on top of concrete. While the surface must be prepared to accept it, it adds up to one-quarter of an inch of thickness to the floor. You also have more control over the color and appearance. An epoxy finish can include multicolored flecks in the surface as well.

Why Choose Epoxy?

The best part about epoxy coatings is that even if the underlying concrete is severely damaged, it doesn’t matter. The epoxy material covers up the damage without an issue, leaving a smooth, level finish behind.

Another great advantage of epoxy is its resistance to chemicals and abrasions. It doesn’t stain, it can withstand thermal shock and it is slip-resistant. It requires little maintenance, so it’s ideal for a work environment, such as your home garage.

When Staining Is Preferred

Concrete staining is more of a transformative product rather than a replacement finish. While epoxy covers concrete, a stain simply changes its appearance.

Staining is best when you want to give your concrete a new look, but preserve its natural appearance. Keep in mind there may be more maintenance involved with concrete staining, as the surface is still porous. But it won’t be dull and dusty — it’ll be polished and shiny.

It’s Up to You

At Packman’s Coatings, we give you the information and you make the decision. If you’d like to see examples of concrete staining or epoxy coating jobs we’ve done, call us today! We can provide before-and-after pictures, as well as a free quote for your floors.

Is sealing a garage floor OK to do if it’s chipped and stained? Will you still get the results you want? And will your garage floor look the same, or can you expect a big difference, even if it’s old?

With the right equipment, supplies and techniques, your decades-old garage floor can look like new again. Age is but a number — epoxy can make your floor better than ever!

How Does Your Concrete Look?

A high-quality preparation and sealing process can remedy many imperfections, from oil stains to uneven spalling. What can’t concrete sealing do? Well, sealing doesn’t do any good on cracked or sinking concrete, so it’s important that these issues are repaired beforehand.

And it doesn’t matter how old concrete is — it can have cracks even when it’s freshly poured. So make sure you stay realistic about what to expect from sealing, and outsource the work to a repair company that has dealt with concrete issues before.

It’s More Important That You Let it Cure

When concrete is poured, it’s important that it finish curing before it’s sealed permanently. Some sealant manufacturers recommend waiting at least 30 days for the concrete to solidify, while some professionals recommend waiting a year.

Talk to your concrete installer and your concrete coating expert about what’s best. Depending on the mix and the timeline, it may be better to wait to seal your garage floor.

Why Sealing Is Right for Your Garage

Yes, sealing a garage floor can mask surface imperfections, but coating the concrete is good for other reasons as well. For instance, you don’t have to rush to clean up spills and messes — the floor is protected against future stains.

Also, the reflective surface of a sealed garage floor can add brightness to the space. Depending on the coating you choose, it can reduce slip hazards, making your space safer. It’s not just an aesthetic change!

It’s Never Too Late … Unless You Have a Moisture Problem

Sealing your garage floor might not be possible if you have moisture in your garage. This is typically the only scenario where we don’t recommend sealing right away, mainly because you should deal with the cause of the moisture first. It could be due to a plumbing leak or a drainage issue.

Trust Packman’s Coatings when sealing a garage floor is what you want, but not a job you can tackle on your own. That’s where we come in, offering high-quality, professional concrete coatings at an affordable price. Call today to get your free quote!

DIY epoxy coatings promise a lot, but do they deliver?

You aren’t the first homeowner to consider coating your worn-out concrete yourself, and you also aren’t the first to question whether it’s worth your time and money. What gives better, cost-effective, long-lasting results — DIY epoxy coatings or professional epoxy installation?

When you know the difference between DIY epoxy coatings and professional grade finishes, you aren’t under any false impressions about what off-the-shelf products can or can’t do when you’re looking for a flooring transformation.

It Starts with Product Quality

DIY epoxy coatings are cheap. That’s because they’re made of cheap ingredients. DIY materials are thin and watery. They’re water-based, which means all of the dense, tensile resins that make up a typical professional mix are diluted. This makes it easier to apply (for non-professionals) and the mix goes further.

But think about what you’re getting: a brittle, thin coating that simply isn’t as durable as a professional coating made of 100 percent epoxy.

Preparation Is a Vital Step

Your DIY kit might tell you how to do basic acid washing of the concrete, but DIY preparation isn’t in-depth enough to remove the stains that are prompting you to refinish your flooring in the first place.

Professionals take the time to carefully inspect the concrete, using diamond grinding to remove stains and smooth out the top, allowing for an even, durable bond between the epoxy and the floor. All the cracks and pits you see in your concrete that won’t disappear with a DIY approach are easily handled by an industry professional.

It’s All in the Technique

Broadcasting the color flakes into the epoxy correctly is a highly technical skill that ultimately determines whether your floor looks like it was finished by an amateur. Without practice and the right tools, you don’t achieve the same effect.

How Epoxy Is Finished Dictates its Life Span

Similar to the quality of the epoxy itself, the quality of the topcoat (and the method used to apply it) will have a lasting effect on how the epoxy stands up to wear and tear. The thin, watered-down top coating included in DIY kits — if a top coating is included at all — isn’t enough to create a durable, protective, glossy finish.

You Need the Right Equipment

DIY epoxy coatings typically come in kits. The manufacturer includes basic application tools or instructs you on what to buy to get the job done. Sure, you could try to buy professional-grade products, but you may not have the tools to apply them correctly.

Even if you can find a professional-level product for sale, it’s probably not worth your money to buy the specialized tools that go along with it, since you won’t use them often. You need a pro: Packman’s Coatings.

Need Help from the Professionals?

DIY epoxy coatings will not deliver lasting performance — you need professional-grade products and our proven skills. Work with Packman’s Coatings and get the durable, beautiful epoxy floor you deserve. Call us today for a free quote for your space!