If you’re thinking about coating your concrete floors, you might be tempted to use a DIY epoxy kit. It’s a cost-effective solution that seems easy enough to do on your own, right? While it may save you some money in the short term, using a DIY epoxy kit can have some hidden costs that you might not be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why DIY epoxy kits might not be the best solution for your concrete coatings and explore the hidden costs you should consider before making a decision.
The high cost of equipment rental
One of the biggest challenges of using a DIY epoxy kit for concrete floors is the high cost of equipment rental. To ensure proper adhesion and longevity of the coating, you need to diamond grind the surface, which requires the use of specialized equipment. Renting a diamond grinder can cost hundreds of dollars a day, making it a costly investment for most homeowners.
Additionally, diamond grinders are difficult to use and require specialized training to avoid damaging the concrete surface. Improper use can result in an uneven floor, leading toan unsightly surface. This means that not only are you spending money on equipment rental, but you’re also risking having to spend even more to fix mistakes.
The Cost Of Buying The Epoxy Kit
While it may seem like a bargain to purchase a DIY epoxy kit for your garage floor at a big box store like Lowe’s or Home Depot for as low as $100-$200, it’s important to consider the quality and effectiveness of the product. Many of these kits use lower quality materials, which can result in a lower-quality finish and a shorter lifespan for your garage floor coatings.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the proper preparation for garage floor coatings. Without proper preparation, the epoxy may not adhere properly and can lead to peeling and chipping. Professional flooring companies have access to industrial-grade products and have the experience and knowledge to properly prepare your floor for a high-quality finish.
While the initial cost of a DIY epoxy kit may seem attractive, it’s important to factor in the potential long-term costs of repairing and repainting if the product fails. In the end, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a professional installation of a high-quality garage floor coating.
The Cost Of Your Time
While it may seem like a DIY epoxy kit is a cost-effective solution for your garage floor, it’s important to consider the cost of your time. Installing an epoxy floor coating is a time-consuming process, even for a professional. In fact, it can take a trained professional up to 5 days to install, including cure time. If you’re not a trained professional, you can expect to spend even more time installing your garage floor coating. And this doesn’t include the time it takes for proper preparation for garage floor coatings. In addition to the time it takes to properly prepare and install the coating, you’ll also need to factor in the time it takes to clean up and dispose of any waste materials. While there are faster alternatives to epoxy coatings, such as polyurea and polyaspartic coatings, these still require proper preparation and installation. It’s important to consider whether your time is worth the savings of a DIY epoxy kit. In the end, the cost of your time may be more valuable than the cost of hiring a professional to install your garage floor coating. By hiring a professional, you’ll save yourself the stress and hassle of DIY installation and ensure a quality job that will last for years to come.
The Cost Of Mistakes
One of the biggest hidden costs of using a DIY epoxy kit for your concrete floors is the cost of mistakes. While these kits may seem like a cost-effective solution, they often lead to subpar results that end up costing you more money in the long run.
One common mistake that DIYers make is not properly preparing their garage floor before applying the epoxy. This can lead to adhesion issues and premature failure of the coating. Proper preparation for garage floor coatings requires thorough cleaning and etching of the concrete, as well as addressing any cracks or imperfections.
Additionally, many DIY epoxy kits do not offer the same durability and longevity as professional-grade coatings like polyurea and polyaspartic coatings. These coatings are specifically designed for high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy wear and tear. Investing in a concrete coating that will last will save you money in the long run.
While DIY epoxy kits may seem like an attractive option at first, the cost of mistakes can quickly add up. By hiring a professional and investing in a durable coating, you can ensure that your concrete floors look great and stay protected for years to come.
The Better Solution
After considering the high costs and potential risks of using a DIY epoxy kit for your concrete floors, it’s clear that there is a better solution out there. Rather than taking on the challenge yourself, why not hire a professional to install polyurea and polyaspartic coatings on your floors?
Not only are these coatings 4x stronger than epoxy, they also have UV resistance and can be installed in just one day. Plus, with a 15-year warranty, you can trust that your floors will stay in great condition for years to come.
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are a top choice for garage flooring and are often used in commercial settings due to their durability and long-lasting finish. So, while it may seem tempting to save some money and tackle the job yourself, the cost and hassle of a DIY epoxy kit simply isn’t worth it when you have a better option available.
So, why not make the investment in your floors and trust a professional to install polyurea and polyaspartic coatings? Your floors will look great, last longer, and give you peace of mind knowing you made the best choice for your space.
Give Durable Coatings a call today to schedule your free consultation, your floors will thank you! We service Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids and all areas in between! We now also proudly service Phoenix, AZ with quality coating services as well!
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