Garage Floor Epoxy Coat - Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide | Builds by Maz

If you want to epoxy your garage floor but don't know where to begin, you've come to the right place! I've done hours of research on this, and have put all my findings into this step-by-step instructional video. This covers the entire prep and application process, and you can do it on a budget with easily accessible products. No more need to spend thousands for this great home upgrade!
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MUSIC -----
Right Here (Instrumental) - Atch / atch-music
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Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/3gYRq6p
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MATERIALS + TOOLS -----
Zep Degreaser - www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-128-o...
Concrete Grinder Rental - www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Cl...
Diamabrush Attachment - www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Di...
Rustoleum EpoxyShield 2.5 Car Kit - www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleu...
Rustoleum EpoxyShield 1 Car Kit - www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleu...
Anti-Skid Additive - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Decorative Chips - www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleu...
Drill Mixer - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Spiked Sandals - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...

[@Mr-ni2cc]

By far the best detailed DIY video I have watched thus far, exactly what I was looking for. Excellent Video man and the floor looks absolutely amazing! I was worried about your toes and the acid 😅🤣. I plan on knocking this out when our house is finished being built! Can't wait!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you very much! Glad this was helpful. Luckily my toes made it out unharmed haha

[@jorgemaya7688]

Gracias por tu video tan detallista sobre todo en la preparación del piso, excelente muchas gracias me es de gran ayuda

[@cakeman58]

Is this recommended on fresh concrete? You may want to give it a few months to cure well.

[@GMan-yv8cb]

Like cakeman58 said, You may need to wait for newer concrete to age / cure! READ THE LABELS !!! ESPECIALLY THE SAFETY WARNINGS. -EYE Protection -SKIN / Splash Protection -Mixing Epoxy w/drill -Etching ACID - PROPER Footwear [I don't think OSHA has approved sandals/flip-flops yet!] AGAIN: READ THE LABEL

[@FaresMasarweh-rp7cj]

​Grgjci

[@sven888]

I watch this to fall asleep... works wonders.

[@paulheron8283]

Wear boots!!! That grinder almost landed on your foot! Then you poured acid! In flip flops!

[@0ptimal]

Lol. Hvnt watched yet but this made me laugh

[@wagonerjared]

Its citric acid so its not harmful.

[@paulheron8283]

@@wagonerjared and the grinder???

[@paulheron8283]

@@wagonerjared When applied to the skin: Citric acid is possibly safe when used in products also containing glycolic acid and lactic acid in concentrations of 10% or less. But it is possibly unsafe when used inappropriately. Using products inappropriately or in higher concentrations can cause skin burns. CITRIC ACID - Uses, Side Effects, and More - WebMD You DONUT!

[@raoulgarcia8912]

I like your attention to detail. The prep work really makes the final finish look great and last a long time. Good job

[@TGLASS24]

Dude I think this may be the most informative step by step video ever posted. This is on my list after our pool gets put in and I put up new fence. Always something to do!

[@buildsbymaz]

Haha heard that! Always staying busy

[@billsitter8278]

A very comprehensive detailed instruction. You seem to have anticipated most of the issues that could occur. Well done!

[@user-wp7cr8sr8n]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’m a Home Depot tool rental and apprenticing technician!! This was such a great video on how the Floor Maintainer works with the Prep Attachment!

[@utoo45]

Great video! Very detailed explanation of everything involved. I wish I would have seen this 15 years ago when I did half of my basement with an epoxy coat. I learned as I went along.

[@rachelgamble8965]

For sure a lot of prep work but those results are amazing! The floor really looks great! Nice flake throwing technique btw!

[@michaelvg1093]

you're right......

[@stevemccourt50]

This is a great video and it has really helped me in planning for Epoxying my garage floor. Thanks for sharing.🍻

[@zachnelson2150]

As someone who does this professionally there should never be a question of if you should grind it. You should always grind it. Acid etching is not the same. There are other grinders out there that arent very expensive to rent. I recommend using a grinder that comes with a 2 part vacuum. You will save a lot of time on grinding and clean up.

[@zachnelson2150]

Acid etching always fails

[@jaejizzle3569]

I literally closed on my house a week ago? do i need to grind my garage? I have not even parked in there yet

[@zachnelson2150]

@@jaejizzle3569 I would because fixing it is a pain in the ass even for professionals and it never turns out right. Just grind now and your floor will be super strong

[@gsxriderk7]

How is ur holding up? Update

[@zachnelson2150]

@@gsxriderk7 I've done over 100 of them. As well as quite a few 1000+ square foot walkways and decks. Not a single one has failed. We grind everything, we never acid etch. We have however fixed quite a few, all of then etched, none of them grinded.

[@dmgscalemodels2825]

Epoxy shield is a great product! We used it to rehab a breakroom floor, and we didnt do even half the prep you did! And it turned out great and held up well.

[@richardkunz9004]

Plan on doing my shop , 30’x48’ , got 4 kits to assure I would have enough. Thanks for the tips 👍🏻

[@karamazan116]

Beautiful garage floor!! Love the flip flops with the epoxy spiked shoes 🤣 great explanation and wonderful results!

[@thejerkofalltrades3862]

I've done this several times professionally. Good job muscle dude.

[@realamericanz4641]

Very good video Sir. No BS, just straight to how you did, what research you did prior, and why you chose what you did. All while you show how it was done.

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful

[@MichaelSmith4747]

Rust-Oleum went from an oil base 2-gallon kit to water-based gallon. They also raised the price. I was able to get one of the last oil-based kits. My garage is 35 x 35. Preparation is everything. I pressure wash the floor, had a professional come pressure wash the floor with an attachment that look like buffer. I used concrete prep. I also scrub the floor by hand. Working with Rust-Oleum product is a bit different from paint. It was thicker and didn't spread as well as paint. Overall I was pleased with the outcome. I did another garage floor and it came out even better. The product isn't cheap but I think it's worth the effort.

[@user-bw6tp3yo9w]

The final result is amazing!! Your video is so well made and informative.

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@wilnewyork1]

Bro you are a "talk geek", I got it by the way you described how you did it, the way some people described things they did or do depends on their tone of voice sometimes, yours was exxxx-celent, thank you..

[@buildsbymaz]

Much appreciated!

[@elche1387]

Great Job!. I guess patience and the desire to get it done properly is definitely the key

[@mrrrrr1rob590]

Super thorough video. From someone who's done one before and I'm about to do my second one. Watched this for a refresher and pick up some tips. This time, I think I will buy the extra kit and the shoes. I was able to just barely make the square footage with the last floor. But it's not something you want to make a hardware store run for in the middle of the project. My first one is going on 10 years old. Still looks great, but I do see some slight yellowing in spots. Think I will go with the slightly darker gray this time... due to that.

[@buildsbymaz]

Glad to hear it! Yes definitely better to have extra epoxy so you're not worried about running out. Awesome that your floor has lasted so long, good luck with the new one!

[@danshealthylifestyle8443]

Wow this is amazing. By far the best DIY garage floor coating I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing bud I feel my confidence now

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks so much and glad it was helpful

[@Kporazie_subaru]

Thank you very much for your video, technics. I’m planning to do my garage this weekend 🎉🎉🎉

[@503osito]

This is the first time I watched your video and so far I think I'm going to start my little business and see how it goes thank you for sharing the video

[@sopromondo3262]

As you said lots of prep work. Final product looks amazing. I see you brought in some reinforcements near the end. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together and sharing with us.

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks so much!

[@JohnHatzis]

Appreciate the time you took to cover all the details here, thank you!

[@buildsbymaz]

You're very welcome!

[@northern957]

One of the best instructional DIY videos I’ve ever watched. Thx & congrats

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@lukos3211]

Yep, I saw you got it at one point for the grindee. You need to put the handle bar on your stomach. It's the same thing as using a concrete machine to trowel and finish concrete floor.

[@fahmidabbagh7282]

I was looking for Epoxy process like this after watching the results is amazing I love it good job.

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@FAhmad1782]

Looks great! For those worried about not finding screws and nails that are dropped, considered getting a magnetic roller. They're pretty cheap. I have one from Harbor Freight. I just roll my garage floor occasional and it grabs anything that is metal.

[@yodasecondave]

Your solution to the three bag problem, mixing all the part As together and Part Bs ws a smart play.

[@andremachadomonte]

What a great step by step video!! Thank you very much for all the time spent on this! Very helpfull!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks for watching!

[@adamautumn2329]

The confetti part looks so fun

[@johnjuarez8005]

Last summer had my garage epoxy coated. The grinding of cement is the best. Get that clean consistency of virgin concert is best for the epoxy.

[@rodericde876]

You made really hard work of that grinder. It is effortless when you know how. Find the balance point where the machine remains in the same place then lightly raising and lowering the handle will cause the machine to sweep in a controlled manner from side to side. Easy.

[@tracycummings278]

I was genuinely lost on how to epoxy the foundation, and thought it would run off. I'm glad you added the detail about vertical surfaces and cleared up any confusion. Next mystery to solve is how to move a water heater and appliances before I can start on this project

[@buildsbymaz]

Glad I could help - good luck!

[@0ptimal]

Yea i had a similar concern. Mistakenly thought of it like a self leveling pour, instead of a thick paint. Prob frm all those counter n table top videos

[@decepticonX]

The storage system on the ceiling you have is dope, is it DIY or buy? Great informative video as well.

[@buildsbymaz]

I built them! But sadly this was before I started filming my projects so I don't have an instructional published

[@BARIKAD23]

​@buildsbymaz i love the storage system 🔥

[@henrygoltiano7683]

Thank you for the thorough explanation. You are very helpful.

[@josephbelcourt6120]

You did an absolutely amazingly excellent job with your garage and as well with your tutorial. Kudos my man !!!🎉🎉🎉

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you so much!

[@pcbatl]

Great job, when you use the concrete grinder, you can wet the concrete to keep the dust to a minimum. I did this in my basement. Also, if you do this in an air conditioned area, block the return or have the AC off. If you don't the dust can make it's way into your AC unit and potentially damage it.

[@buildsbymaz]

Great tips!

[@adall]

What a great Step-by-Step guide, many thanks!

[@user-vh2pk6bd3g]

I would love to add this to my basement floor

[@FamazLasy]

Can't believe how detailed this video is! Definitely wearing boots next time 🙌🏼 #DIYgoals

[@pamelaaverill1608]

Thank you for sharing your experience ❤

[@Zeus-mf2sm]

Good work 👏

[@nizouTelecom]

The Best detailed epoxy video. All the best for your next project.

[@jonsmith3664]

Yeah…well, well done and well explained. All of it including how you can totally destroy a shop vac with the dust. Congrats on the final result!

[@JamieSaives]

I don't even have a garage and this is the BEST instructional video I've ever watched on KZbin! Bonus points for using the word "Homogenous" in the video! Seems impossible you don't have over a million subscribers! Wishing you and your family the best!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@rodger2499]

Very well done job on a step by step tutorial.

[@4Truth4All]

Excellent job! I really appreciate your showing both methods of concrete prep. I'm glad you had some help with the edging. It always helps to have a second set of hands!

[@moggie100th]

Great job and great video - thanks for sharing! PS - I'm glad you still have your toes!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you! Me too lol

[@abengtebaran5346]

Excellent job on your work done on the garage

[@reelyology]

You passed on a ton of great tips buddy. I'm surprised the kit didn't come with a top coat after the flaking step. Thanks a ton buddy!

[@jcbbb]

Kinda defeat the purpose of having geometry protruding to produce friction wouldn't it

[@reelyology]

@@jcbbb after some more research there is quite a variety of this flooring. I do see some with non-slip granules still have some sort of top coat. Well, always do what is recommended by the manufacturer and it should be alright

[@kasso187]

you're brave man. almost no PPE. anyone reading the comments that want to try this, do NOT attempt without proper Personal Protection Equipment.

[@LG-ws3ze]

First thing I noticed as well, luckily he didn't tear his feet up because of his flip-flops 😅

[@raywigton]

That thing grinds concrete. Did you see how it gets away from you on the first try? Happens to everyone. I wear steel toe shoes to operate it.

[@wisdomspitter7688]

@@raywigtonmy guy hates shoes. He doubled up his sandals tho so he’s good.

[@johngoudie6676]

Those diamond blades would effectively remove all your toes in one slip. Wear PPE

[@thejerkofalltrades3862]

Sissy.

[@jaws7794]

Nice job,garage looks awesome!👍

[@deepanjanbanerjee3491]

This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@wrongmark]

I was sure the guy was going to sand his toes off at 3:33. 😂 Good save.

[@LG-ws3ze]

It would've tore all the skin right off of them 😅

[@gregvw123]

Excellent video! By far the best I've seen. I did the same thing with excellent results. I did add the clear coat. My two cents: 1. I didn't use the paint chips and NEVER regretted it. Being able to see the dropped screw on the floor is worth it! 2. If you had to stretch your epoxy or have a few areas where the sheen looks uneven, the clear coat makes this look WAY better. Another KZbin video showed this and I was skeptical, but the finished product after the clear dramatically improves the sheen. 3. I had to remove failed paint first. The chemical method worked for me. 4. I had water seep through the wall and ruin a few baseboards inside the house in areas where there was no concrete riser. Consider sealing these areas before power washing. 5. Best. Upgrade. Ever.

[@buildsbymaz]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing.

[@christopherdowninbrazil5801]

TOTALLY WORTH THE 18 MINUTES!!! GREAT JOB MAKING THIS VIDEO! WATCHING FROM DOWN IN 🇧🇷 BRAZIL!!!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks so much!

[@R0T0RGUST]

I use a cyclonic dust separator on my shop vac which catches about 95% of everything. All the rest is dealt with by the HEPA bag in the shop vac. Pretty good.

[@freedomchaser4781]

Incredible video. Thank you

[@paintstarllc]

Thank you for the excellent video!

[@mattheweveleigh6351]

You did a nice job…looks good

[@RBCire]

18:30 That's also an excellent way to find that tiny screw you lost a minute ago 😅

[@qama1]

You earned a new subscriber 😊 ! Thanks a lot for the very detailed video.

[@buildsbymaz]

Glad to hear it and you are welcome!

[@drdotter]

Great job with the video. Sun will make the finished fade and yellow, especially around the garage door opening, so don't be surprised when it happens.

[@my-max-media7621]

Even without using the clear top coat? He didn't apply a clear coat to it 🤔 for this reason

[@ua787]

Amazing work! But no on flip-flops….. You detail everything on how it’s done and it came out great !

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@stevepetreski]

hi mate, awesome video. question. i have a pebble driveway that i only clear sealed not long ago. when i do the etching and hose it down the driveway will it create streaks , in other words , would it wreck the sealant on the driveway

[@budgetinnsuites7375]

I am about to do this at a bar roughly 2500 sq ft. I have grinder the floors before with awesome Bosch vacuum and grinder combo. Wish me luck

[@buildsbymaz]

That'll be a long day for you! Best of luck.

[@JonSchellenberg-xf8pv]

This video is way more informative than the company’s video that made the product!! Thank you for taking the time to make this!!

[@buildsbymaz]

You are very welcome!

[@samnat01]

Thanks for the detail explanation :)

[@raktambara]

Is the epoxy changing color from dull gray to bluish by itself while drying? I don't remember you talking about it. It's really beautiful.

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you! Honestly I think it's just the lighting making the difference. It is a blue-gray color though.

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Just found your channel and Subscribed. Very nice paint

[@Starship007]

Looks great! Thx! Thorough video

[@VictorGarcia-qz1wy]

Very nice explanation

[@rcarioca]

great explanation and video

[@moefreeze4203]

Hello! Your video was the most detailed version I have found as far as the DIY epoxy coating goes! How is the floor holding up so far? I want to do it DIY but heard horrendous stories of it not lasting as long as the one professionally done. Please let me know your input! Awesome vid!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks so much! It's been a year and has held up incredibly well so far. No flaking or anything.

[@PomMom700]

I like the blue chips too.

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

Very nice. I was just going to do my new shed in plain grey, but I really like the chips. But when you showed a close up after it dried , it looked like the chips were above the floor and not smooth at all?

[@cybercamp2900]

Great description.. thanks 🙏🏻

[@nevergiveupfitness4710]

That looks great bro !!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thanks so much!

[@egnaty396]

Don’t mind the flip flops, great video!

[@jaejizzle3569]

Mannnnn tis video is thorough and helpful, I have not started mine yet, but its coming, I just closed on my house and my concrete new, so i wanted to get it done right away I do have a question? Did you build those storage shelves, I would love to see the video on that kind SIr!!, Keep rocking on and great video

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you sir! I did built those shelves but sadly I never filmed the process :(

[@richardbuck7207]

Thank you! =EXCELLENT!

[@Richie5480]

WOW SPIKE SHOES WITH FLIP FLOPS, AMAZING. AND STILL HAS ALL HIS TOES.

[@RM23459]

Love it. How much could it cost?

[@crsp76691]

Great explanation

[@jcbbb]

I subbed so I like your style of video and figure you'll have success my only complaint is the over use of speckle/glitter lol... The point is to break up the mononatomy of a solid color but not to make it impossible to find a lose bolt... That's assuming men actually turn wrenches in their garage these days

[@stone18jo]

Amazing job. Imma do it

[@buildsbymaz]

You got it!

[@cubbypilot6530]

You earned another new subscriber. Thanks for the great video. And as for the comments about sandals while grinding... let me just say that, after 7 years in the Marines, where we nicknamed ourselves "aviation cross-buffer operators" (for all the buffers we had to use on our quarters & shop floors), the quirks of using a big buffer no longer concerns me. I did get a kick out of you first using the buffer/grinder, did you stage that for dramatic effect? 🤣 Thanks again.

[@buildsbymaz]

Haha glad to hear it! And it was a very real first attempt lol

[@Spartan_0916]

Do the chips help with not having slippery floor or do you recommend skid additive as well?

[@buildsbymaz]

They help but only slightly. I think the skid additive should be used to make sure you have good grip, it's pretty cheap and well worth it

[@ZERODESTRUCTION]

Awesome job!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@user-ch1xg2zw9z]

Great video! Question--if you do end up having to use a moisture barrier does that eliminate grinding and etching?

[@buildsbymaz]

You would still want to prep the bare concrete before applying the moisture barrier. I would go by the manufacturer directions, but how well the product is first bonded to the concrete will dictate how the rest of your floor will turn out. Good luck!

[@rodymonster]

This was GREAT!

[@buildsbymaz]

Thank you!

[@torsten6777]

haha, lol, hihi, he is using that concrete brush in his flip-flops! WOW! Luckily he still got most of his toes.

[@user-iw3ry6lk3i]

Nice job , congrats

[@jtbalthis]

I see you were not in the military. I got lots of buffer experience. LOL Great job on the video. One of the best info I have seen. You covered everything. One thing is get knee pads. I'm old and speaking from experience. Thanks

[@Speak-Fearlessly]

Did you have any oil spots that didn’t lift completely? I do, and I wonder how many times I should degrease and scrub. I’ve already done like 4x on some spots.

[@buildsbymaz]

I didn't have any really bad oil spots, so it's tough to say, but I think with 4x scrubbing you should be good to move on. Hope it turns out!

[@meribestanley1922]

Great video with great explanation

[@user-qg9zy2te6f]

Good job mate Can you show how you install your bikes on your garage’s ceiling?

[@buildsbymaz]

I just used these mounts here - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PEURIQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@mob12216]

Great detailed video!! I just moved in a new contruction home last week. So I know my garage isn’t that bad. What step you recommend I should start ?

[@buildsbymaz]

With a new construction home you should be fine going straight to acid etching. The concrete should already be new enough that you don't need to mess with grinding it. Good luck!

[@zachnelson2150]

Always grind it. I have fixed too many jobs that were just etched.

[@jcbbb]

True it's literally imperative to a sustainable floor and if a grown man can't go rent a little grinder and work those little wrists holding it for a few hours he should let his wife lead the project heeeeh