Shopping for garage flooring in the Atlanta area can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the terminology. Many coating companies throw around technical words without explaining what they mean—or why they matter. Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly guide to the key terms you’ll encounter as you compare options.
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy is a two-part material that cures into a dense, highly adhesive layer. Installers rely on one type of epoxy, specifically moisture-mitigating epoxies, for the direct-to-concrete primer coat. Why? Because it cures slowly, allowing for deep penetration, and strongly bonds to the concrete slab. In quality garage flooring installations, this moisture-mitigating epoxy provides the structural backbone beneath the decorative and protective layers.
Moisture Mitigation
Atlanta’s humidity makes moisture mitigation essential. Concrete constantly emits moisture vapor, which can push coatings off the surface if not applied correctly. A true moisture-mitigating epoxy primer forms a vapor barrier, helping prevent bubbling, peeling, or delamination. Fast 1-day systems often skip this step (in pursuit of speed), while 2-day systems include it for long-term performance.
Concrete Paint
Despite similar marketing language, concrete paint is not a garage flooring system. Paint merely colors the surface—it doesn’t bond chemically, handle hot tires, or tolerate seasonal shifts. It may look good initially, but it typically wears out quickly under vehicle traffic. For durability, a professional coating system is the only reliable option.
Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic is a high-performance clear coat known for its UV stability, fast curing, and chemical resistance. While some companies promote all-polyaspartic systems to allow for a “1-day” install, polyaspartic works best in a hybrid systems (i.e., paired with an epoxy primer). In a balanced system, it seals the flakes, protects against stains, and keeps your garage flooring looking sharp in Atlanta’s sunny climate.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is another type of clear protective finish. It offers durability but is generally less UV-stable and chemical-resistant than polyaspartic. For a garage exposed to sunlight, humidity, and frequent vehicle use, polyaspartic topcoats typically provide superior long-term results.
Flake/Full-Flake
Flakes are decorative vinyl elements broadcast into the epoxy layer. They add slip reduction, visual texture, and color variety. A full-flake floor covers the entire surface, creating a thicker, more consistent finish that enhances both durability and appearance.
Garage Floor Coating
A garage floor coating is a multi-layer system—moisture-mitigating primer, epoxy layer, full-flake coverage, and 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats. Together, these layers form a seamless, long-lasting surface that outperforms DIY and quick-install alternatives.
Ready to transform your garage? Garage Floor Coating of Atlanta installs premium garage flooring built for Georgia’s climate. Contact us today for your free quote.
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