how to paint garage floor

Painting a garage floor is one of the most effective ways to freshen the space, protect the concrete, and make the garage easier to clean. A well painted floor resists oil stains, dust, tyre marks, and general wear which is a major improvement over bare concrete. Whether you use your garage for parking, storage, a workshop, gym space, or simply want a cleaner and brighter surface, the right paint system can transform the room. The key is correct preparation which is where most DIY attempts fail.

This guide explains how to paint a garage floor using methods recommended by UK building and trade specialists. You will learn which paint systems work best on concrete, how to test whether your floor is ready for coating, how to fix common surface issues, and how to apply the product for a long lasting finish. You will also find guidance on painting new floors, treating old floors with oil contamination, planning considerations, costs, and real world UK examples.

Painting a garage floor is not complicated but it does involve patience because each stage must be done properly for the coating to bond. By following the guidance below you can achieve a professional looking finish that stands up to daily use.

Why paint a garage floor

Painting a garage floor offers several practical benefits:

• Protects concrete from oil, fuel, salt, and moisture
• Reduces dust caused by unsealed concrete
• Improves safety by allowing anti slip additives
• Brightens the room by reflecting more light
• Makes sweeping and mopping far easier
• Enhances kerb appeal especially during property sales

A coated garage floor is particularly useful for homeowners who use the garage as a home gym, workshop, or storage area because it feels cleaner and more finished.

What type of paint should be used on a garage floor

The type of coating determines durability. Household wall paint or low grade floor paint will peel within months. The following coatings are recommended for UK concrete floors.

Single pack epoxy floor paint

A durable paint that is easy to apply and widely available. It is suitable for most domestic garages and provides good resistance to oils and chemicals.

Two pack epoxy resin coating

A commercial grade system made of resin and hardener. It provides excellent durability and long term resistance to vehicle tyres, impacts, and chemical spills. It is ideal for heavy use garages or workshops.

Polyurethane floor paint

Highly flexible and resistant to abrasion. Often used in industrial settings. It remains resistant to tyre pick up which is when hot tyres pull the paint off the floor.

Concrete sealer with acrylic topcoat

Useful for garages used as storage or hobby rooms where heavy vehicle use is not expected.

Choosing the right product depends on your budget, how you use the garage, and whether the existing floor has been painted previously.

Check whether your concrete floor is suitable for painting

Before painting you must check the condition of the floor. Painting over unsuitable concrete leads to peeling.

The moisture test

Concrete must be dry. To test this, tape a square of plastic sheet to the floor and leave it for 24 hours. If condensation appears under the sheet the floor is too damp for painting. Moisture issues are common in older garages or garages below ground level.

The contamination test

Sprinkle a few drops of water on the floor. If the water beads rather than soaking in the floor may have oil contamination or old sealants that need removing.

The adhesion test

If the floor is already painted scrape a small patch. If the paint flakes easily the old coating must be removed or stabilised.

Preparing a garage floor for painting

Preparation is the most important stage. Good prep ensures the new coating bonds and lasts.

1. Clear the garage completely

Remove vehicles, tools, boxes, and shelving where possible. You need full access to the floor.

2. Sweep and vacuum

Remove dust, grit, and debris. Use a stiff broom to reach corners.

3. Remove oil stains

Oil contamination prevents paint from sticking. You can remove oil using:

• Degreasers designed for concrete floors
• Hot water and sugar soap
• Commercial oil stain removers
• Floor grinding if stains are deep

Scrub thoroughly then rinse and dry. Oil spots that cannot be fully cleaned should be treated with a sealing primer.

4. Repair cracks and holes

Small cracks can be filled with epoxy repair mortar. Larger holes require a stronger concrete repair mix. Allow repairs to fully cure before painting.

5. Key the surface

Smooth or power floated concrete must be keyed so paint can grip. Use:

• A floor grinder
• An acid etch solution
• Coarse sanding using a floor sander

Rinse and sweep again after etching.

6. Allow the floor to dry

The floor must be completely dry before applying any paint. UK garages often suffer from damp so be patient with drying times.

How to paint garage floor: step by step

Step 1: Prime the surface

If using a two pack epoxy or a system that requires primer apply it first. Primers help the topcoat bond and block oil residues. Use a roller on a long handle and cut into edges with a brush.

Allow the primer to dry fully before adding paint.

Step 2: Mix the paint correctly

If using two pack epoxy mix resin and hardener according to the manufacturer’s ratio. Once mixed you usually have a limited window to apply it.

Single pack epoxy only needs stirring.

Step 3: Apply the first coat

Pour the paint into a roller tray. Use a medium pile roller on an extension pole. Start at the back of the garage and work towards the door to avoid getting trapped.

Apply an even thin coat. Thick coats take longer to dry and may trap solvents.

Step 4: Allow the paint to dry fully

Drying times vary. Water based floor paints may dry in a few hours but solvent based and epoxy paints usually require 12 to 24 hours.

Avoid driving on the floor until the coating has cured completely. This can take up to 7 days for some products.

Step 5: Apply the second coat

A second coat gives depth, durability, and full coverage. Apply it in the same direction as the first or at a right angle for better consistency depending on the product.

How long does paint last on a garage floor

A high quality coating should last:

• 2 to 4 years for single pack epoxy
• 5 to 10 years for two pack epoxy
• 10 years or more for polyurethane systems

The key factors that affect longevity are vehicle weight, hot tyre pick up, damp conditions, and whether the floor was prepared properly.

how to repaint garage floor

If your garage floor was painted previously and is now peeling, bubbling, or worn you can repaint it as long as the old coating is made stable first.

Step 1: Check which paint was previously used

Epoxy coatings may react with other paint types. If you are unsure, test a small patch or consider stripping back to bare concrete.

Step 2: Remove loose and peeling paint

Use a floor scraper or grinder to remove unstable areas. Feather the edges where old and new layers meet.

Step 3: Clean and degrease again

Old painted floors often accumulate oil so deep cleaning is essential.

Step 4: Patch repair damaged areas

Fill cracks and rebuild worn patches using epoxy repair mortar.

Step 5: Apply a bonding primer

Primers improve adhesion between old and new coatings and help prevent lifting.

Step 6: Repaint following the same process as a new floor

Apply one or two coats depending on product recommendations.

A well prepped repaint can last as long as painting a new floor.

Real world UK scenarios

Cold garages

Garages in the UK often have low winter temperatures which slow drying times. Plan painting for a warmer spell and avoid painting below 10 degrees Celsius.

Damp garages

Homes built on clay soil or with single skin garage walls often suffer from damp floors. You may need a damp tolerant primer before painting.

Old concrete floors

1950s and 1960s garage floors may have dusting surfaces. These need sealing with a concrete stabiliser before painting to prevent dust pushing through the coating.

Garages used for gyms or workshops

Epoxy resin is ideal because it provides impact resistance and is easy to clean.

Planning and building considerations

Painting a garage floor does not normally require planning permission because it is classed as internal maintenance. Building regulations are also not required unless you are converting the garage to a habitable room.

If converting to a room you must meet UK building regulations relating to:

• Insulation
• Damp proofing
• Floor build up
• Ventilation
• Fire separation

In that case a simple paint system may not be suitable and you may need a full insulated flooring build up.

Common mistakes when painting garage floors

Painting a damp floor

This is the biggest cause of peeling. Always test for moisture.

Using the wrong paint

Household paints or generic floor paints will not survive hot tyres.

Not removing oil contamination

Any oil left in the concrete will prevent adhesion.

Applying thick coats

Thick coats can wrinkle or trap solvents which leads to soft or tacky surfaces.

Not allowing enough curing time

Driving on the floor too soon damages the finish permanently.

Tips for a long lasting painted garage floor

• Keep the garage ventilated to reduce damp
• Avoid turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary
• Clean spills quickly especially brake fluid and solvents
• Sweep the floor regularly to prevent grit scratching the surface
• Add anti slip granules if the floor is likely to get wet
• Recoat high traffic areas before the coating wears through

Cost of painting a garage floor in the UK

DIY costs:

• Single pack epoxy: £25 to £60 per tin
• Two pack epoxy: £60 to £150 per kit
• Primer: £20 to £40
• Concrete cleaner or degreaser: £10 to £20
• Crack repair mortar: £15 to £40
• Rollers and trays: £10 to £20

Professional cost:

£300 to £900 depending on the size of the garage, level of preparation, and type of paint system installed.

Two pack epoxy systems cost more but provide far longer life making them good value long term.

Alternatives to painted garage floors

If painting is not suitable you can consider:

Interlocking garage floor tiles

Rubber or PVC tiles provide good durability and are quick to install although they cost more than paint.

Resin screed floors

These are commercial grade and extremely durable. They cost significantly more but provide long term protection.

Polished concrete

Grinding and sealing the concrete provides a modern industrial look. It is resistant to dusting and easy to clean.

Conclusion

Knowing how to paint garage floor surfaces correctly allows you to create a bright, durable, and low maintenance space that stands up to everyday use. Success relies on thorough preparation, correct product selection, and attention to drying times. Whether your concrete is new, old, or previously coated the process is straightforward when broken down into stages. With the right approach you can achieve a long lasting finish that improves appearance and protects the structure of the garage.