.png?width=1800&height=528&name=Elite%20Floor%20Coatings%20Header%20Logo%20With%20White%20Background%20(1).png "Logo for Elite Floor Coatings in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.")
You're considering paint chip floors for a project in your home. You may want to refresh your garage, or maybe you want something fun for your newly finished basement. As you researched paint chip floor costs, you probably discovered that DIY kits are less expensive than working with a professional. So, why is it worth investing more in your project with a qualified epoxy contractor?
Elite Floor Coatings has coated more than 5,000 projects. We've also been called to jobs to grind off the results of box kits and reinstall a real floor. The reality is that professional epoxy is more worthwhile than a DIY epoxy job.
When you've finished reading, you'll know all the reasons why you should invest in a professional paint chip system.
Professionals Use Professional Equipment.
Epoxy coatings are installed on concrete, but they can't be installed on just any concrete. You have to prepare the concrete first.
Thorough prep work is what sets apart an epoxy coatings contractor. Qualified professionals use specialty equipment to ensure the best end results. Epoxy actually bonds to the concrete, so properly preparing the concrete helps it bond.
At Elite Floor Coatings, our specialty equipment includes huge grinders, shot-blast machines, and high-end vacuums. We grind off layers of concrete and use shot blasting to thoroughly clean any concrete dust. This type of commercial-grade equipment isn't available to homeowners.
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Concrete preparation is almost as crucial as epoxy quality when it comes to determining the end result. A box kit from Home Depot or Lowe's will not help prep the concrete. The epoxy coating is already set up for a shorter lifespan without professional equipment.
Professional-Grade Epoxy Has Better Quality Than Box Kits.
While preparing the concrete is vital, the quality of the epoxy coating is also important. The reality is that box kits do not offer the same quality as professional-grade epoxy.
Professional-grade epoxy is much thicker than box kits. The epoxy in a box kit is very thin, similar to house paint. While a thin epoxy has more opportunities to bond to the concrete, when using a box kit, the concrete isn't prepped to help that bond. In a garage scenario, the box epoxy could stick to your tires and rip off the floors if the concrete was not prepped properly.
Professional Systems Have More Layers & More Durability.
Epoxy is very rarely left as a single layer. In most cases, epoxy is coated with a thicker top coat for durability and longevity. The more layers in your floor, the longer the floor's lifespan.
A box kit may not include a top coat or a thicker polyaspartic coating. However, when you work with a professional, your epoxy floors will have layers of epoxy, more coatings, and a polyaspartic top coat. These professional floors are more durable and more chemical resistant.
If you want your paint chip floor to last, it's worth hiring a contractor to deliver those layers and durability.
Professional Systems Offer More Customization Than Box Kits.
You might be fine with the looks available from a standard paint chip epoxy box kit. However, many choices are available for paint chip epoxy when you work with a professional. You can choose all sorts of details, including:
- More colors
- Different colors
- Different sized paint chips
Not only can you get a different visual effect, but you can also have a paint chip system designed for your needs. The actual layers and components of a professional paint chip floor can vary based on the area of the home. You might not need anti-skid in a basement, but you may want anti-skid for your garage.
Some applications have unique needs based on their cleaning needs or use. For example, medical labs receive a different type of top coat than home garages. Medical labs use unique cleaning solutions, so the top coat of the floor needs to work with those special cleaners.
No matter your project type, you can get the exact look and functionality you're looking for by working with a professional.
Paying A Professional Is Arguably Cheaper In The Long Run.
For a 2-car garage, you might spend between $300 and $600 on box kits, equipment, and materials for a paint chip epoxy floor. A professional job costs closer to $2,000 to $3,000. Spending a few thousand dollars instead of a few hundred may be cheaper in the long run.
Box kits do not provide the necessary equipment to prep the concrete. Even if you rent some equipment, it will not deliver the same quality of results as commercial-grade equipment. The application's lifespan is much shorter when you can't properly prep concrete to bond with epoxy. You can expect a box store kit to last 2 to 3 years.
When you work with a qualified contractor, that epoxy floor is meant to last a lifetime. Professional paint chip systems should function for the life of the building.
If you plan to stay in your home for another 30 to 40 years, a professional paint chip system in your 2-car garage might cost $3,500. But the maintenance of box kits could rack up to $4,000 if you extrapolated the cost of a box kit every 3 years for the next 30 years.
Not only is a professional system ultimately more affordable in most scenarios, but it's also less frustrating. If you're investing in a paint chip system for its ease of cleaning and fun appearance, why not choose the once-and-done option?
What To Know: Professional Paint Chip Systems
Initially, a professional paint chip system will be more expensive than box kits. However, a professional paint chip system offers greater durability, longevity, and customization. When you invest in a paint chip system from a qualified contractor, you're getting the best possible results.
Want to learn more about epoxy floors? Check out these resources next.
- Paint Chip Epoxy Flooring Cost
- Pros & Cons Of Paint Chip Epoxy Garage Floor
- Pros & Cons Of Outdoor Paint Chip Systems
