How to Care for
Your Epoxy Floor
Good news: epoxy floors need very little maintenance. Here’s exactly what to do (and what to avoid) to keep your floor looking great for years to come.
Keeping Your Floor Looking Great
One of the biggest advantages of epoxy is how little upkeep it needs. These are the only steps required to keep it in top condition.
Sweep or blow out dust and debris regularly
A soft broom or leaf blower is all you need for day-to-day upkeep. Unlike bare concrete, epoxy doesn’t shed dust, so what you’re removing is just what blows in. Once a week is more than enough for most garages.
Mop with warm water and a mild detergent
A gentle mop with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent is all it takes to clean your epoxy floor. A standard floor mop or a microfibre mop works well. Rinse with clean water after if you used detergent. The whole job takes 5 minutes.
Wipe up oil and chemical spills promptly
Epoxy is highly resistant to oil, fuel, brake fluid and most household chemicals. That said, cleaning up spills sooner rather than later is always a good idea. Use a cloth or paper towel to absorb the spill, then mop the area as normal.
Avoid dragging sharp or heavy metal objects
Epoxy is tough, but dragging the bare metal edge of a jack stand or heavy tool across the surface can scratch the topcoat over time. Place a rubber mat or offcut under heavy stands if you’re working in the garage regularly.
Check the topcoat every few years
The polyurethane topcoat will gradually show light wear in high-traffic areas over many years. If it ever starts to dull, a fresh topcoat can be applied without removing the base system. Contact us and we’ll assess it for you.
Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Sweep or blow out regularly
- Mop with warm water and mild detergent
- Clean up spills when you see them
- Use rubber mats under heavy jack stands
- Use a microfibre mop for best results
- Contact us if the topcoat starts to dull
Don’t
- Use harsh abrasive cleaners or steel wool
- Use bleach or acidic cleaners regularly
- Drag bare metal edges across the surface
- Allow battery acid to sit on the floor
- Use a steam mop (excess heat can affect the topcoat)
- Apply wax or polish (it’s not needed and can make it slippery)
What People Ask Us After Installation
How long before I can drive on the floor after installation?
We recommend waiting 48-72 hours before driving on the floor after installation. Light foot traffic is fine after 24 hours. We’ll advise you on the specific timing for your job based on the conditions on the day.
Can I use a pressure washer on my epoxy floor?
Yes, you can use a low-to-medium pressure setting. Avoid directing high pressure at the edges or any cracks in the floor perimeter where water could get under the coating. For most residential garages, a mop is all you’ll ever need.
What happens if something heavy is dropped on the floor?
The epoxy coating is hard and impact-resistant. Heavy impacts can cause a small chip in extreme cases, but the underlying concrete takes the damage, not the epoxy system. Small chips can be repaired. Get in touch and we’ll assess it.
Will hot tyres damage the floor?
Our polyurethane topcoat is resistant to hot tyre pick-up, which is a common issue with basic epoxy paints. This is one reason we use a quality polyurethane topcoat rather than a cheaper epoxy-only system.
Does the floor need to be resealed or recoated?
Not for many years in a normal residential garage. The polyurethane topcoat is extremely durable. If it ever shows signs of wear in high-traffic areas after a decade or more, a fresh topcoat can be applied over the existing system without starting again.