Hello,

I just purchased a new home, and would like
to paint the garage floor. Anyone have any
tips as to what kind of paint to use? I
would like something easy to clean, but can
also withstand most automotive chemicals,
fluids and oils. Any help is appreciated.

Jimmy,
I would have to say get the best you can afford. Stick with epoxy and make sure to prepare the floor as the directions tell you. It is the most important part of the application. I tried an oil based paint years ago and did everything by the book, but the slicks on my race car would peel it right of after sitting for a week. Believe it or not, at my machine shop, we use a real good acrylic floor wax. We put down about 4 good coats right when we moved in. It takes some work keeping it up, but then again it gets tons of use.

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Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorf Md

Jimmy how about checker floor tile like some of the race shops.I think that is the cat hind end...FRED

go to your local farm supplier and ask for a sample of their "dairy paint" or, as it's sometimes called, "Milk Parlor Paint". This is what's used, obviously, in the milk rooms of a dairy farm. It's also used in places like cheese factories.

It's very durable, thick, and easy to clean. I've used it in my shop with great results. You'll want ot mix a small amount of texture media into it so you don't slip when it's damp.

Also, check out an intustrial supply house for factory floor paint. Heavy duty enamal used in industrial settings.

Kurt

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The 68 Chevelle info page. [last updated Nov. 30, 98]
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I went to Sherwin Williams and bought their two part epoxy paint. I acid washed the floor per directions and later rolled on the catalyzed paint. Use a good roller, one made for oil base paint. The paint cost $50 gal which included the 1 qt hardener. This covered half of the two car garage at my last house. My new house has a three car garage but I did not paint the floor because it needs to be cleaned regularly and I don't want to spend the time. My floor jack left marks on the floor and when you pull a car in after driving in the rain you will find dirty water spots all over the place. Definitely frustrating!

I would go with an epoxy but don't use Sherwin Williams, I have found that there paints don't hold up.

Jimmy,
Just a tip. If you use muriatic acid to prep the floor, as most paints recommend, make ABSOLUTELY SURE that any metal objects and parts, including your vehicles, are moved as far away as possible. When I did my floor in my garage, I left a piece of roll bar tubing leaning in a corner between two studs and it was INSTANTLY covered with rust. And this was just from the fumes from the acid !
BillK

Jimmy:
I would not recommend paint. I have been in my home over 4 years now. When I moved in, I too wanted a nice looking garage floor that would withstand fluids such as oil. I went to a local Sherwin Williams and got a grey "concrete stain". It goes on like paint but will not peal or chip off because it is stain. However it looks painted. It still looks great four years later. I had to first clean the concrete thoroughly with muric acid. A neightbor has done this as well and it looks great too. Best of luck!