There are many different options for garage floor coatings. These coatings help add a layer of durability and increase visual appeal. One of these coatings is garage flakes. Whether you are looking to improve safety, upgrade your garage’s appearance, or simply find a cost-effective flooring solution, garage flakes are an option worth considering.
What is Garage Flakes?
Garage flakes are also often referred to as vinyl flakes, color flakes, color chips, or epoxy paint chips. They are made up of polymer paint aggregates, which include a combination of acrylic and vinyl resins. These flakes have a unique visual appeal are are offered in a variety of color blend variations from more cream and earthy colors to more colorful options. There are about 150 possible color combinations that can be made with garage flakes. They also can come with a variety of base coat options, with some of the most common options being greys and tans.
What are Garage Flakes Used for?
In addition to visual appeal and customizability, garage flakes are often used for their slip-resistance properties. This is what makes them a great choice for garage spaces specifically, as these spaces are more regularly exposed to the outdoor elements and hazardous spills. The additional traction of the flakes slips and makes wet areas safer to walk on. These types of floorings are also sometimes used for showrooms, dog kennels, hotels, grocery stores, shopping malls, healthcare and emergency service settings, airports, schools, and more.
What are the Benefits of Garage Flake Floorings?
The costs for new flooring can add up quickly. For example, installing popular ornamental flooring options like terrazzo mosaics in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings may be challenging or unfeasible due to high costs. However, epoxy flooring offers a cost-effective alternative while using decorative flake patterns that can still mimic the terrazzo look. These value-based flooring products enable you to achieve a distinctive and customized appearance at a lower cost.
These floors are not only cheaper than other flooring options themselves, but they also allow for additional savings for insurance premiums. This is because they are highly durable and require infrequent repairs as they are built to withstand high winds, heavy rains, and other natural disasters. Since garage flake floors are so durable, they also create a strong barrier for concrete substrates and allow surfaces to have greater load-bearing capabilities and longevity.
Garage flake floorings are also very easy to clean. Their finishes make them resistant to dust, mildew, and other bacteria that often collect in the cracks of other floorings. They can also be easily cleaned with soap and water every few months. The floors are also highly durable and are made to withstand even harsher chemical cleaning options.
Finally, one of the greatest benefits of garage flake flooring is its customizability. Epoxy flake flooring systems offer endless customization options. Whether you are looking to enhance safety by selecting a texture that minimizes slip and fall accidents or seeking a solution that can withstand extreme temperature changes and prevent microbe growth, there are options for you. With these versatile flooring systems, you can create a functional and durable surface for a wide range of applications.
What goes into the floor?
Garage flake floorings are made up of five key parts:
- Concrete
- A primer or sealer (optional)
- A pigmented base coat
- The flakes
- A clear topcoat.
To apply flakes to your garage floor coating, an installer will broadcast them onto the base coat until the floor is completely covered. This ensures there are no bare spots left. The flakes are then thrown into the air from a bucket so that they disperse evenly as they land. This method prevents unwanted patterns and promotes even coverage.
The floor will then have to dry, which usually takes one to two hours. After the floor dries floor scrapers are used to lightly remove excess and raised flakes without damaging the base coat. Any leftover flakes are blown into one corner of the garage with a leaf blower, the floor is thoroughly vacuumed, and finally, a clear polyaspartic top coat is applied to provide shine and durable protection.
After that, it is just simple maintenance every few months by cleaning the floor to make sure it stays looking as good as new. The flakes that are added to the floor will not only add a layer of visual appeal but it also doubles a durable and slip-resistant surface. These flakes are also fade-resistant, and will never become discolored, regardless of whether they are in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Garage flake flooring is a great choice for durable, affordable, and comparable flooring in the garage space. With these slip-resistant properties, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance, garage flakes are an excellent choice for enhancing safety and functionality in garage spaces and beyond. These floors are not only more affordable and highly functional, but they are also very customizable. Garage flake floorings ensure that aesthetic appeal does not have to be sacrificed for affordability. With the endless design possibilities, the are more than 100 possible color combinations to match any style or color scheme. From installation to maintenance, garage flake flooring is a great investment for any garage space.
Garage Gallery
Explore our Garage Gallery for ideas and inspiration.
-
Pingback: Top Epoxy Garage Floor Ideas and Designs – Epoxy Coatings Plus