How Much Does It Cost To Paint A Garage Floor?

Painting a garage floor

Garage floor painting immediately refreshes the appearance of your garage while also improving the value of your home. It protects your garage floor from new oil spills and coolant leaks, making them easier to clean and longer-lasting so you don’t have to worry about doing it again. Paint for your garage floor usually lasts 15 to 20 years. 

Painting your garage floor adds value to your home not only by appearance; it also improves the quality of the floor, making it more durable against erosion. Sometimes oil stains leak into concrete pores, making everything gunky and sticky. Some paints also resist chemical breakdowns, mold, and water. A fresh coat of paint or epoxy will solve the problem of a perpetually dirty surface while maintaining the floor's integrity. 

Garage floor painting vs. garage floor covering

Garage floor painting and coating gives a great finished look to a well-used garage. While the paint is opaque and a great way to change the look, you can add a coating over existing concrete to produce a smoother, durable finish. It costs a lot to paint a garage floor, so some people like these alternative options.

Another option is to lay down garage floor coverings – removable mats or tiles that cover your existing oil stains and other markings. It costs far less to purchase these than the cost to paint a garage floor. These durable coverings are useful to prevent further staining on your garage floor while also preventing cracks upon impact in the event tools fall from the workbench.

Floor coverings are a quick fix for a few spots, but if your entire garage floor is covered in spills and stains, giving the whole floor an overhaul is the best way to go. 

Types of paint for garage floors

You’ll have a broad selection of paints and coatings for garage floors once you get to the hardware store. Depending on your choice of paint and the size of your garage floor, expect to spend from $150 to $1000 on paint. 

Here are some of the top options for painting your garage floor. 

• One-part epoxy: The most basic you’ll find. It usually covers about 300 square feet and is less expensive than any of the other options at $35 a can.
• Two-part water-based epoxy: This style includes hardeners that make your paint job last longer. It usually covers 500 square feet and costs $140.
• Oil-based enamels: This paint seeps right into the pores of the concrete, making a smooth surface. It costs from $50 to $75 for a can and covers 400 square feet.
• Polyurethane paint: a heavy, opaque paint available in a range of colors. It costs $90 to $220 and covers $600 feet. 
• Concrete Sealer: For uneven garage floors or floors with holes or ledges. It costs about $85 for a can and covers 200 square feet. 

How to paint a garage floor

You may want to hire a contractor if you aren’t comfortable working with epoxy or don’t have the time to set aside for an uphill task. It costs anywhere from $25 to $100 an hour to hire someone to do the job. 

A professional is insured, so you’ll know they’ll get the job done according to your contract, and the job will last longer too. As a professional, they’ll have great attention to detail, so the floor will look even without paint getting on your walls or in any other undesired locations. They’ll also know how many coats are needed to get your desired results.

Doing this project yourself does cost substantially less and takes between five and fifteen hours, depending on your skill, the size of the garage floor, and how many coats you are putting down. 

Here are the steps to take if you are painting the garage floor yourself: 

1. Make sure there is ventilation in the garage and that you’re wearing protective gear. Heavy-duty gloves, a face mask, and covering your arms and legs with coveralls or old clothing is always a good idea. You’ll also want to leave the doors open and preferably turn on some fans.
2. Clean the floor with a broom and mop to get rid of all debris — you’ll need a clean surface. Give it a good sweep, then mop it with soap to cut the grease and oil on the surface of the garage floor. Rinse it with water, and make sure there is no leftover residue.
3. Use concrete filler to repair any cracks in the floor. Make sure the floor is dry before doing this. Use a spatula or scraper to pack the filler into any uneven or damaged areas. This will ensure a smooth top layer once you get to that step.
4. Use a concrete etcher to prep the floors for the paint or epoxy. This tool is available at your local hardware store and helps absorption by eliminating the porous holes of the concrete.
5. Apply primer to the floor and let it stand overnight before applying the topcoat. Priming your garage floor before painting gives the top coat a surface to stick to while covering any imperfections. It also makes for a longer-lasting finished product by helping the paint endure wear and tear.
6. Paint the floor's entire surface with a nylon brush and roller cover. The roller cover should be water-resistant. We recommend laying down two coats with 24 hours of drying time. Wait a week before driving on top of it.