Have you ever heard of anything about epoxy paint for driveways? Do you know how to epoxy driveway? We can use epoxy coatings for different buildings with different uses. However, you have to choose the most suitable kind of epoxy coating for your building based on your project’s needs.
If this sounds like a DIY project to you, here’s a guideline. First of all, you have to prepare the surface, etch the concrete, and mix the epoxy paint. After that, you should apply the epoxy and let it cure.
What Is Epoxy Coating for Driveways?
What is driveway epoxy coating? Here’s a simple answer! When you mix resin epoxy and hardener together, they create a durable and long-lasting surface that transforms your place. You can always choose concrete floors for your driveway, but remember that epoxy coatings can take your driveway’s functionality and aesthetics to the next level.
Epoxy paint acts as a protective surface layer for concrete floors and can easily withstand heavy foot traffic and spills.
How Long Does Epoxy Driveway Last?
If you are worried about the longevity of epoxy coating floors, you should know that this smooth, tough, and visually appealing finish can last up to 20 years. However, the lifespan of epoxy driveways depends on different factors like: environmental conditions, traffic levels, and chemical exposure.
Here is a breakdown of different epoxy floors’ lifespans.
Always remember that when professionals apply epoxy flooring, it usually lasts up to 20 years, thanks to their expertise and the quality of materials used.
How to Epoxy Driveway?
If you are still asking yourself, “How to epoxy driveway?” you should know that it can simply be a DIY project or you can choose some professionals to do it for you. If you have experience with home improvement projects and you assume that applying epoxy is relatively easy, here’s a quick overview of the steps:
1-Prepare the surface:
This very first step involves cleaning and etching the concrete floor. You should do this to make sure that the epoxy adheres properly.
2-Ready the epoxy coating:
You can always find the instructions on the bucket of epoxy resin. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
3-Apply the epoxy:
At this step, choose a soft roller or brush to apply the epoxy evenly over the concrete floor. Use special tools to apply the epoxy to the corners.
4-Let the epoxy dry:
You shouldn’t step on wet epoxy. Allow the epoxy to dry for at least 24 to 4 hours.
Warning: Always remember that applying epoxy floors needs accuracy and attention. Wear protective gloves and goggles when applying the epoxy to the floor. In addition, use spiked shoes that are specially designed for standing on the wet floor to apply the epoxy. There’s a big difference between DIY epoxy projects and leaving the work to experts.
Professional vs. DIY Epoxy Application for Driveways
DIY vs. Professional epoxy application? Which one is better? The simple truth is that you can definitely save on labor costs by applying the epoxy yourself. In addition, you can even customize the application according to your preference and budget without spending more money on special designs.
However, you should be aware that achieving a professional-grade finish always requires experience and attention. On one hand, preparation and application of the epoxy may take several years. On the other hand, if you don’t prepare the floor properly, the epoxy may not adhere well.
However, if you choose to hire a professional epoxy contractor, you can be rest assured that they use high-quality materials and apply the epoxy resin properly. Since professionals are trained to apply all types of epoxy, the final surface will be durable and long-lasting. In addition, you can benefit from warranties on the work.
All these considered, the only con of hiring a professional is the labor fee that can significantly increase the total cost. However, if you want a high-quality surface that lasts for years to come, it’s the minimum price that you have to pay. The choice is yours.
Golden Benefits of Using Epoxy Paint for Driveways
If you’ve chosen epoxy coating for your driveway, then you’re on the right track. Applying epoxy paint to your driveway offers numerous benefits. Here’s a short list of epoxy flooring for driveways.
•Epoxy Floors Last Long!
Outdoor places like driveways endure heavy traffic use and fluctuating weather conditions. Therefore, you should choose durable and strong flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear. Since epoxy floors are easy to maintain and last for years to come, they are considered one of the best coatings for driveways.
•Epoxy Floors Are Resistant to Stains and Spills!
What do you often see on driveways? Oil leaks, gasoline spills, and other chemicals. Unlike concrete floors, epoxy floors don’t absorb these substances and remain clean and stainless for years to come. In addition, you can easily clean the surface, which keeps your driveway looking pristine. You don’t have to worry about spills and chemicals anymore.
•Improve the Safety of Yourself and Your Family!
Epoxy floors are considered one of the best floor coatings in cities where you see much of rainy or icy weather. Not only can you use non-slip additive coatings to make epoxy floors safe, but you can also choose some epoxy floors with embedded texture or gravel to provide better traction. This way, you create a safer place for yourself and your family to walk and drive on.
- Epoxy Floors Require Low Maintenance and Cleaning!
Compared to other traditional flooring and even concrete floors, epoxy floors require little upkeep and maintenance. They can withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic and still last for years to come. A single mopping and sweeping is usually enough to keep the surface clean and pristine.
Which Kind of Epoxy Coatings Is the Best Option for Driveways?
If you are still unsure about choosing the best type of epoxy flooring or how to epoxy driveway, you’ll just need a professional to help you with the process.
The truth is, there are different kinds of epoxy coating, and each one of them offers its own unique benefits and uses. You have to carefully study each epoxy floor’s characteristics and uses to choose the most appropriate one for your driveway. Which one do you choose?
1-Solid Epoxy Floors; Thick and Durable
If you are searching for the thickest and most durable type of epoxy coating out there, then solid epoxy floors are your first and only chance. This kind of epoxy coating is so long-lasting and durable that we usually use it in industrial settings. It can easily withstand heavy foot and machinery traffic and lasts for years to come.
2-Solvent-Based Epoxy Floors; Long-Lasting and Easy to Apply!
If you prefer an epoxy coating that is as durable as solid epoxy coating but easier to apply, then you should choose solvent-based epoxy. With solvent-based epoxy, you can still benefit from a strong, durable, and chemical resistant surface. However, its application is easier because of its thinner consistency.
Warning: Remember that when you apply this kind of epoxy coating, it emits strong fumes. Therefore, you need to use proper gloves and goggles.
3-Gravel Epoxy Coatings; Strong and Textured Surface
You can see the natural texture of gravel or stones in the gravel epoxy coating. This kind of epoxy flooring is as durable as strong as other kinds and offers a unique and different look to your building. These embedded stones in the epoxy coating finally create a rustic, textured surface. Do you prefer a more decorative and unique driveway in front of your home? Then gravel epoxy is your one and only choice.
Cost of Applying Epoxy Floor on Driveways
Before we even start to calculate the costs, you have to decide if it’s going to be a DIY project or not! If you choose to leave it to the expert hands, you also have to add the labor cost to the final price.
Furthermore, the size of the driveway, the type of epoxy used, and additional additives to the epoxy floors can significantly affect the final price.
Here is a general breakdown of the costs. Please remember that these prices can vary across the country and different companies.
How Can You Choose the Most Suitable Type of Epoxy for Driveways?
If you want to choose the best and most suitable kind of epoxy for your driveway, you have to consider the following factors: Weather condition, Traffic and use,
Aesthetic preferences.
If you are still unsure about how to epoxy driveway or which kind of epoxy is the best option for your driveway, call us now! We’ll help you choose the best!
