When you start exploring garage flooring options, installers may use terminology that sounds technical—or intentionally vague. Learn these core terms and you’ll be able to discuss your project with confidence, ask smarter questions, and immediately identify when a coating company is overselling or skipping crucial steps.
Epoxy Coatings
Professionals rely on epoxy because it forms the structural backbone of a high-performance system. Epoxy is a two-part material that cures into a thick, highly adhesive layer, making it ideal for primers and broadcast coats. Its strength is essential for garage flooring that must withstand Western Colorado’s temperature swings and winter wear.
Moisture Mitigation
Even dry climates aren’t free from moisture vapor beneath concrete slabs. Moisture mitigation requires the application of a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer direct-to-concrete. It blocks future moisture vapor from lifting or blistering the coating. Pros know this step is non-negotiable. 1-day systems often rush past it (in the pursuit of speed); 2-day systems build it in from the start.
Concrete Paint
A term you’ll hear from companies offering cheap or DIY-friendly options. Concrete paint does not chemically bond with the slab, and it cannot handle hot tires, melt-off, or freeze/thaw cycles. It’s purely cosmetic—and pros do not consider it true garage flooring.
Polyaspartic
A favorite topcoat among installers who prioritize durability. Polyaspartic cures fast, stays UV-stable in sunny climates, and resists stains and chemicals. But professionals use it as the topcoat only. Any installer promoting an “all-polyaspartic system” is glossing over the importance of epoxy and moisture mitigation.
Polyurethane
A clear-coat option used in some flooring systems. While durable, polyurethane typically offers lower UV and chemical resistance than polyaspartic. In regions with sun exposure and fluctuating temperatures like Western Colorado, polyaspartic remains the preferred finish.
Flake/Full-Flake
In a professional flake epoxy system, colored polyvinyl acetate (PVA thermoplastic) and/or mica mineral flakes are broadcast into the wet epoxy to add depth, texture, and traction. A full-flake finish covers the entire surface, producing a thicker, more uniform, more durable coating ideal for high-use garages.
Garage Floor Coating
When pros use this term, they mean a complete multi-layer system: moisture-mitigating epoxy primer, full-flake coverage, and 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats. Together, these layers create seamless garage flooring built for long-term resilience and easy maintenance.
Ready for garage flooring built for Western Colorado’s climate? Garage Floor Coating Western Colorado installs premium, long-lasting systems engineered for durability. Request your free quote today.