When coatings are applied, two thickness measurements are taken. One is a wet film thickness (WFT) and the other is a dry film thickness (DFT). The coating is measured once before it has dried, and once again after. The percent solid refers to the percentage of coating thickness that remains after the coating has finished drying, or the difference between the WFT and DFT. Usually, a percentage of the solid is lost and thickness is reduced during the drying process. 100% solid epoxy coating will maintain the same level of thickness between the time they are applied and the time they have dried, hence the name 100% solids.

There are three main types of epoxy coating: 100% solid epoxy, water-based epoxy coating and solvent-based epoxy coating.

Water-based epoxy coating is considered to be an “Green” option but least durable. Unlike two-part 100% solid epoxy coatings, water-based epoxy coatings contain only about 40% – 60% epoxy. They are thinner and are thus easier, quicker and more convenient to apply.

Solvent-based epoxy coatings are slightly stronger, thicker and more durable. Like water-based epoxy, they are easier to apply. However, the use of respirators is required because of their high VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content.

100% solid epoxy coating is the toughest and most durable of these three. These are two-part coatings that result in very hard and thick flooring. 100% solid epoxy coatings are commonly used in professional garages for their ability to resist hot tires, scratches, oil and chemical spillage. They are also prized for their longevity and can last up to twenty years.

Polyaspartic garage floor coatings are more expensive but gaining more recognition today. The two biggest advantages of a polyaspartic garage floor coating are temperature and time. Polyaspartic coating cures very fast, with a pot life of 10 to 120 minutes depending on the formulation. Typical polyurea and polyaspartic floor coatings are applied in just two coats. This means a complete flooring system can be installed in one day and returned to service the next. In addition, polyaspartic coating can be applied in temperatures as low as -30F to as high as 140F depending on the formulation, which means you can coat your garage floor all year long. Performance-wise, polyaspartic garage floor coatings are considered to be more durable than epoxy coatings. Although they are thinner than epoxy coatings, they are also more flexible and thus can better absorb impacts. In terms of maintenance, polyaspartic garage floor coatings will last as long as the epoxy coatings while requiring the very least of maintenance

Since dust and dirt do not stick to the coated floor, just use the dust mop once a week (or sooner if needed) to keep the floor clean. It only takes a few minutes. Dust mop even works well for floors that have a polymer anti-slip additive in the surface. For floor coatings with an aggressive anti-slip aggregate such as aluminum oxide, a soft bristle push broom is the better choice.

If you have contraction joints or saw cuts in the floor that are exposed, vacuum these out monthly or use a broom to sweep them clean of debris.

Spot cleaning for spills and fluid leaks from cars are easily wiped up with a soft cloth. You can usually clean the area with a shot of Windex if the spill has left a film.