New Garage Floor - Basic Spill Protection

[corvusclaw]

Just had a new 28x32 garage built less then two months ago. It hasn't been used at all, so there are no stains to deal with yet. However, I will soon be using it to work on some vehicles so there is some potential for fluid spills.

This is my first garage, so I'm not sure if I should apply something on the floor to protect it from staining/damage? Is there a general best practice for protection or is it fine just to leave it bare and clean stains later on?

I'm pretty tapped out after the build, so looking for a cheap solution (<$400) that I can do myself. Someday in the future I might put a more interesting top coat on (epoxy, stain, tile, etc), but for now simplicity is key.

Thanks!

 

[slickgt1]

Leave it as is for now and deal with it later, especially if you do tiles, or something like racedeck.

If you are planning on epoxy in the future, then I suggest you pony up the $$$$ right now, because cleaning all the **** off to get epoxy to stick like its supposed to, will cost you a lot more. So plan ahead.

 

[KPSquared]

http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/ultimate-clear-sealer-system-p-177.html

Best bang for the buck. A few guys have used it with great sucess on here. For $400, you're not going to get much in the way of quality. . . most things you try will either fail or won't seal or will break down with spills.

Tile would be the other option but not cheap either. . .

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

It is great of you to think ahead. Many folks let vehicles stain the floor and have a real problem later.

I would apply an acrylic sealer to protect it for now. You might even find this is all you need.

We have one to consider.

http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/hd...7.html?zenid=bb395934335b804e51ade601db80e5ca

 

[Garage Flooring]

For the most part, I would not put most tiles in the 'spill protection' category. If all you are looking to do is protect the concrete there are some basic products you can use.

• BLT Garage Floor Mats
• Drymate Garage Mats

 

[KPSquared]

How are tiles (with the appropriate grout) not going to offer spill protection? Nothing sinks in, easy to clean up, no stains, no problem.

Just curious why you say they dont fit the bill?

 

[jameswood]

With tight $ situation and concrete being new I would do the sealer. That sealer in the long run will hide better and make cleanups much easier.

Smart of you to be doing it now, but didn't the conc guys offer to do a sealer when they poured?

 

[Shea]

I would suggest either a topical acrylic sealer or floor mat under the car. The sealer can easily be removed via grinding if you decide to epoxy or do tiles some time in the future. Either way you will not have to deal with stain and contamination issues if you do decide to do more later.

 

[jhutch]

You're getting good advice here. About all you can do is an acrylic sealer for that kind of money. Just remember, you'll have to remove that later if you do install a quality floor coating later.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

+2 on a good sealer. I can understand wanting to cover up old stained or damaged concrete with paint or tiles which means future maintenance, but a new floor? Not me. I am getting ready to grind down my 44 year old concrete garage floor to clean it of all the old paint and goo. Going back with a good sealer and forget about it. jmo

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

http://legacyindustrial.net/cart/ultimate-clear-sealer-system-p-177.html

Best bang for the buck. A few guys have used it with great sucess on here. For $400, you're not going to get much in the way of quality. . . most things you try will either fail or won't seal or will break down with spills.

Tile would be the other option but not cheap either. . .

 

[corvusclaw]

Wow, thanks for all the advice. Lots of options. Guess there is no real "standard" spill protection for new concrete. I'll ask the builder if they put a sealer in when they poured, but I don't remember it ever mentioned.

I'll do some more research but I appreciate you guys giving me a good starting point.

Thanks.

 

[JakeKohl]

Wow, thanks for all the advice. Lots of options. Guess there is no real "standard" spill protection for new concrete. I'll ask the builder if they put a sealer in when they poured, but I don't remember it ever mentioned.

I'll do some more research but I appreciate you guys giving me a good starting point.

Thanks.

Pour a little water on the concrete - if it beads up, it has a sealer. If it soaks in, it does not.

 

[Garage Flooring]

How are tiles (with the appropriate grout) not going to offer spill protection? Nothing sinks in, easy to clean up, no stains, no problem.

Just curious why you say they dont fit the bill?

Based on the way I read the post, the OP was looking for a way to protect the existing garage floor on an inexpensive basis -- not redo the garage floor. I might have mis-read that. In that context I assumed he was referring to garage floor tiles, most of which offer no spill protection. I sell tile that does, I was replying in the context of what the OP wrote.