DIY vs. Professional Concrete Floor Coating: Pros and Cons

Is it time to consider new concrete floor coatings? Many property owners consider DIY solutions for covering a concrete floor surface.

In this post, Armor Coating Co. discusses the differences between professional and DIY solutions to help you make an informed decision.

DIY Concrete Floor Coatings

DIY concrete coatings consist of floor paints and epoxy floor coatings you can find in your local hardware store.

The Advantages of These Garage Floor Coatings

There are a few advantages to DIY floor coatings.

  • Labor. The cost of these projects is lower because you are going to perform the labor yourself rather than hire someone to do it. Labor costs make up a large part of the expense, as you are paying for the skill to complete the project properly.
  • Convenience. There is no need to vet contractors because you are the contractor. All you need to do is to set aside the time.
  • Scheduling. You set the timeline for installation instead of waiting for the contractor to be free. Popular contractors book up quickly, especially during summer. Avoid this issue and book early.
  • Products. Simple concrete coatings DIY kits offer a distinct improvement over floor paints because they are less prone to damage and do not require refinishing as often.

Cons of DIY Polyaspartic Coatings

The downsides of installing your own polyaspartic floor coatings include the following:

  • Poor quality. A professional installation will last at least 5 to 15 years, depending on traffic. A DIY product doesn’t provide the same level of quality and lasts a fraction of the time. The product will also scratch more easily and yellow in the sun.
  • Subpar results. The quality is lower, so getting professional results is challenging. This is the reason that professional installers will not use DIY kits. It’s difficult to get the results you require, even if you have years of experience with these products.
  • Rough finishes. Getting a smooth finish is challenging. If you pour the mixture too quickly, bubbles form, and if you don’t work quickly enough, the mixture dries too fast. In the worst-case scenario, mixing the hardener incorrectly means the mixture may never dry.
  • No warranty. With a professional installation, your warranty is usually up to 15 years. If you install the product yourself, you become fully responsible for repairs and other alterations.
  • Timing. While you don’t have to wait for a contractor, it can be difficult to find the time to set aside for the project. The work will take at least a full day.
  • Extra costs. There’s a higher chance of installation errors. Unfortunately, this also means that you may need to pay someone else to remove the original coating and apply a new one.

Professional Concrete Floor Coatings

Do you want the best possible results? It is well worth considering hiring a professional service. While the initial expense is higher upfront, you are going to achieve better results on a floor that lasts longer overall.

The Advantages of Hiring Professionals

Here are the advantages of employing a professional team:

  • Durable. Professionals use the best quality supplies to ensure a durable result. The coating should last 5 years in a commercial setting and 15 years in a residential one.
  • Value. The cost per use is low compared to DIY options because the product lasts for such a long time.
  • Versatility. You have many design options not available in the DIY kit. The more skilled the contractor, the wider your range of options is. You may select solid colors, stone effects, vinyl flakes, and even custom logos and designs.
  • Training. The best contractors undergo manufacturer training to ensure that they use best practices when installing your garage floor coatings.
  • Warranty. Do you want a fully-backed warranty? Our warranty is 5 years in a commercial setting and 15 years for residential projects. If the coating cracks or peels within this time, we will repair it.
  • Proper evaluation. Prior to the project, was there a moisture issue in the slab? No concrete floor coatings will adhere properly. Professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to detect any issues that might interfere with the finish.
  • Budget. Many firms partner with finance companies to make the installation more affordable.
  • Tools. Professionals have access to industrial-grade products so they can ensure you get the results that you deserve.

Cons of Hiring Professionals

While we recommend hiring professionals, we admit that there may be some negatives in doing so. These include the following:

  • Costs. It costs more upfront than DIY options. You are paying more for the product and for someone to install it. This increases the upfront cost.
  • Reliability. The results depend on the contractor’s skill, so it takes longer to find someone on whom you can rely. There are some contractors who have neither the experience nor the skill to complete the work properly.
  • Time. It takes longer because the professional will insist on an on-site evaluation and will order fresh supplies. With the DIY option, you can pick up the product and start immediately.
  • Scheduling. You might have to wait a little while for popular contractors because they book up quickly. Although different teams can handle many projects on the go.

Choose the Professionals Today!

Is it time to upgrade your drab or broken concrete flooring with brand-new concrete floor coatings? Contact Armor Coating Co. for your free estimate by calling (715) 934-9037 today!

How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent.  Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable.  Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture.  We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This  one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Armor coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Armor Coatings is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating