Cleaning and Sealing Garage Floors

Just before those Wisconsin winters when there is a crisp in the air, but you can still get outdoor work done without freezing, is the perfect time to clear out your garage and clean and seal your garage floors. If you want to make an even more lasting impression, you can paint your garage floors to make your space not only more attractive, but much easier to clean (especially with all the road salt your car will be experiencing). Using simple steps, a few tools you already have and a quick trip to your local home improvement shop, you can have garage floors that will last longer and dazzle.

Remove Debris

You’ll want to start with a vigorous sweeping with a rigid push broom to get the first layer of dirt, leaves, etc. from the garage floor. This may seem like a simple step but it will make finding the spots for the next step even easier.

Remove Oil and Grease Stains

Removing grease stains may seem tricky, but there are some everyday items that you may already have that will help easily lift them from concrete. Using sawdust or a clay kitty litter, cover any stains in a thin layer, leaving it to sit for at least a day. This will help to draw out the oils from the floor.

After letting sit, use your push broom again to sweep up all of the sawdust or litter. Next, pour dry dishwashing detergent or a concrete cleaning product onto the spots and let sit for at least 45 minutes (or if using a concrete cleaning product follow the manufacturer instructions.) Using boiling water and elbow grease, pour enough over to create a paste and scrub scrub scrub! For very stubborn stains there are specialty products that can be found at most home improvement shops.

Remove Rust Stains

There are many products on the market to remove rust stains, and chances are you already have some in your cabinets. Using at full strength, wet the concrete with the product, and then once again scrubbing will be your friend. After a thorough scrubbing, let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse completely.

Pre-Prep for Sealing Floors

The last steps for prepping your floors for sealing are filling in cracks, and making sure the sealant will adhere.

Using an epoxy paste fill in small cracks, scraping the epoxy off the surface to create a flush surface. For large cracks, over fill the crack, let it dry, then sand until the surface is smooth.

If you’re not sure if your floor has already been sealed, the simplest way to test is to pour water on the surface. If the water sinks in, it is not sealed. If it beads up, it is. If it has already been sealed and you want to reseal or change sealant, you will need to etch the floor first. Using a commercial concrete etching product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Let the floor dry overnight after to allow for maximum adhesion.

Seal your Floors

You are now ready for your final step! Sealing your floor prevents future staining and prevents concrete dust. Choose a product that is water-based or solvent-thinned epoxy which will help it go on more easily. Start along the edges using a nylon brush. Once you have gotten the perimeter of the floor or any tricky spots, you can then switch to a lint-free, solvent-resistant, medium-nap paint roller. This will make the job quicker and give you a more consistent product.

If you plan on painting your floor, use a sealant that also has a primer built in to help the paint adhere. Follow the same steps as above, but be sure to let the sealant dry for at least 8 hours before painting. When choosing which paint to use for your floor, be sure to choose an epoxy paint specifically meant for garage floors. Using the brush and roller method again, paint the floor evenly. Allow at least 24 hour between coats until you have the look you desire!

Your garage floors are now ready for the winter and to look great for years to come!