“Behr 2 Part Epoxy coating is sold in kit form, with nearly everything
you need for installation included.”
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy is a true epoxy garage floor coating that offers a tough, durable finish. The key to a quality finish when using Behr 2 part epoxy is adequate preparation.
If you don’t like reading instructions or you are impatient when it comes to drying and curing time, pick another product. Behr garage floor paint is also available in a 1 Part Epoxy, which is more like straight paint for those who want an easier alternative.
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy
Behr 2 Part Epoxy coating is sold in kit form, with nearly everything you need for installation included. This is a water-based product that cannot be used outside. If you want to coat a patio or deck, this is not the right product.
The package includes a roller cover and a paint brush for trimming (painting) the edges, a stir stick, garage floor cleaner and etcher in powder form, and the actual floor coating in two parts: enough “paint” to cover 200 to 250 square feet as well as the activator that makes this a true 2 part epoxy. The product container doubles as a paint tray.
Behr garage floor paint 2 part epoxy comes in 2 standard colors, tan and silver gray, although it can be tinted in as many as 36 colors to suit your taste. Color “flakes” are also available as an option to enhance the finish.
Unlike the Behr garage floor paint 1 part epoxy, which is more like a standard paint product, Behr 2 part epoxy has a “pot life.” Once the 2 parts are mixed together, the product only has 8 hours of useful life. The sooner you use it, the better, and if you need a break during application, be sure to put the lid on the container.
At about $70 – $75 for one kit, you will have enough product for a 1 car garage floor.
Detailed List of Kit Contents:
- Dual reservoir bucket with a reusable lid which also serves as a convenient paint tray.
- Paint colors in either Silver Gray or Tan which covers approximately 200-250 sq ft. (Other custom colors are available which may slightly increase the cost per kit. Check with local retailer for additional information)
- (1) Roller cover. (you must supply the roller & recommended long handle)
- (1) Trim brush for cutting in the edges of the garage floor surface.
- (1) Bag of color flakes for a custom finished (Optional Use)
- (1) Container of Behr Concrete Cleaner/Etcher (powder to be mixed with 1 gallon of water).
- (1) Activator solution for the paint.
- (1) Detailed instruction guide, including step-by-step procedure for application of product.
The more complicated of Behr’s two “epoxy” garage floor paint options, this product is designed for interior application, only. Meaning, it’s designed for garage floors and not driveways or patios.
Consumer Reviews: There are not an abundance of consumer reports on the Home Depot website for this product. However, of the 3 written reports, all 3 rated this product with 5 out of 5 stars.
Benefits of Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy
As you would expect, the Behr 2 Part Epoxy resists chemicals like oil and gasoline, brake fluid, anti-freeze and salt (for those living in snow zones). Behr’s 2 Part Epoxy has a semi-gloss, non-slip finish and resists cracking, peeling and fading. When installed and cured properly, the 2 part product also resists hot tire pick up. If you don’t know what hot tire pick up is, suffice it to say you don’t want this. See below for a more detailed description.
Because Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy is a water-based product, cleanup during installation is relatively easy with soap and water. After installation and when the product has dried and cured, the semi-gloss finish is very easy to clean. Keeping a spotless garage becomes less of a chore with simple sweeping or mopping. If you have ever heard someone say, “you could eat off that guy’s garage floor,” and you want to experience the same garage dining envy, this is a great choice.
What is hot tire pick up?
Depending on road conditions, how long and/or how far you drive your car, the tires will usually get hot. When you pull into the garage, the hot tires “pick up” the garage floor paint and ruin your garage floor’s finish (probably ruin your day, too). This is something you want to avoid.
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy – Preparation
Application of Behr garage floor paint requires forethought, careful planning and familiarity with the product as well as thorough preparation of the garage floor surface to which the Epoxy floor paint is to be applied. Consumers that have achieved less than the desired results generally fail to carefully read and follow all manufactures recommendations and specifications.
- If you have recently poured your concrete, wait at least 30 days before applying a coating.
- Concrete must be free of any moisture, especially from beneath the concrete. To test for this condition, tape a piece of clear plastic (about 3 feet square) over your garage floor and leave it in place for 1 full day (about 24 hours). If you have a moisture problem, there will be water droplets on the inside of the plastic. Do not apply Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy if you have this condition. Consult with a professional to correct this problem before applying an epoxy coating.
- Be certain your garage floor is clean. That means no dust, dirt, stains (oil, grease, dirt), etc.
- Clean and etch the floor with Behr’s included Concrete Cleaner and Etcher. What is concrete etching? Concrete etching opens the concrete’s pours and allows better adhesion of coatings. Because etching is done with acid (often with muriatic acid), you MUST carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions to avoid personal injury.
- Rinse the floor thoroughly or power wash for best results.
- After rinsing and allowing the concrete to dry, run your fingers over the floor to see if you pick up any dirt. If you do, the cleaning process must be repeated. This is very important.
- If there are any stubborn oil or grease stains on the concrete after this process, use Behr’s Concrete and Masonry Cleaner / Degreaser No. 990 to remove the stains. Again, this step is very important to ensure a quality and long-lasting finish.
- If your garage floor has been previously painted or coated with an oil or water based product, Behr says you can coat over it as long as the existing paint is securely bonded to the floor. Any areas of chipping or peeling must be removed. To do a thorough job, Behr recommends their Concrete and Masonry Paint Stripper No. 992.
WARNING: If you are in a hurry or you are not willing to spend the necessary preparation time, PLEASE choose garage floor tiles, garage floor mats or some other form of garage flooring. Garage floor epoxy is not for you.
Everything you need to install Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy is included in the kit, except for the paint roller and roller extension pole (or broom handle), which is highly recommended (unless you enjoy an aching back). Follow the instructions CAREFULLY for the best results.
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy – Installation
For best results, application of Behr 2 Part Epoxy should be continuous with no interruptions. If you can’t finish the job in one session, don’t start. This 2 part product has a maximum 8 hour “pot life,” meaning it must be used after mixing or it will no longer be usable. This isn’t like paint that can be left in the can and re-applied at a later time.
Before starting the application, be sure you have enough product to ensure quality and consistency of the application. One Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy kit will cover a surface area roughly equivalent to the size of a 1 car garage. Therefore, if you have a 3 car garage, you will need 3 kits.
If you have a large garage, get a buddy or a family member to help you. This will make the application time shorter and the finish more consistent. Here is the process:
- Mix the activator with the liquid in the provided container (the package container serves as your paint tray) and stir for at least 5 minutes. Do not thin this product.
- Keep the paint tray out of the sun.
- Using the included trim brush, apply coating to all edges and areas where the roller cannot be used.
- Use the included roller to apply coating to all remaining surfaces.
- If you intend to use the included color flakes, Behr recommends working in 3 foot by 3 foot areas, applying the color flakes, and then moving on to the next area.
- To ensure a uniform finish, continue to apply product along the edge of a recently coated area where the edge is still wet. Applying new product to a dry edge may leave a noticeable line.
- If you choose to apply a second coat, do so in the opposite direction of your first application. This is optional and not a required step.
USER TIP: Use more than one roller cover when applying this product. As the coating dries on your roller cover, it becomes hard to apply and can cause your finish to be inconsistent. Change your roller cover after every 100-200 square feet to ensure a smooth, consistent finish.
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy – Drying Time
Drying times vary depending on application and air temperature. Proper installation requires concrete surface and air temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees F (10 to 32 degrees C).
Normal drying time for the Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy is two hours to the touch. This is based on air temperature of 77 degrees and 50 percent humidity. Light to moderate foot travel is possible within 6 to 8 hours after application. Heavy foot traffic is not recommended for at least 24 hours.
NOTE: Drying times will be longer with higher humidity or lower temperature. Please be patient!
VERY IMPORTANT: Vehicle traffic should be avoided for 3 days. This is much shorter than the 7 day wait time recommended for Behr garage floor paint 1 part epoxy as you are dealing with an activated epoxy product. However, for my money, I would wait a few more days..
A newly installed and properly cured floor can be cleaned with a mild detergent, aka, soap and water. Since Behr cautions against rinsing your newly coated garage floor with a mild detergent until 7 days after installation, why would you want to drive your car on the same surface any sooner? Be patient, Grasshopper. Since you will be enjoying your beautiful new garage floor for a long time, give it a week.
Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy – Reality Check
Unless you want to be known for your failed Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy installation, be patient and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Why spend the time and money on this project and cause yourself the aggravation of a failed job. The most common complaint about garage floor paint is that it peels up, especially when you drive a car with hot tires onto it (“hot tire pick up”).
Properly preparing your garage floor, properly applying the coating and allowing adequate dry time are all critical. Do it right or don’t do it at all. You will be happier in the end.
Other Behr Garage Floor Coatings and Where to Buy Behr Products
There are a number of other Behr garage floor coatings, concrete stains and sealers. Options included Behr Concrete Stain, Behr Concrete Sealer and Behr Concrete and Masonry Waterproofer.
If you are looking strictly for a suitable garage floor paint, stick with their 1 Part or 2 Part epoxy paints. For exterior surface coatings, concrete sealers, etc., consider Behr’s other products.
The Home Depot carries the complete Behr paint line, including Behr garage floor paint. Behr floor preparation products, like cleaners, degreasers, primers, etc., can also be found in The Home Depot’s paint department.
Other Garage Flooring Options
If you are sold on applying Behr Garage Floor Paint 2 Part Epoxy or some other form of epoxy, paint, sealer or coating to your garage floor, choose wisely, prepare adequately, apply carefully and wait patiently for the product to dry. By doing so you will improve the likelihood of a quality finish and many enjoyable meals on the garage floor.
If you are still deciding on your preferred garage flooring product, however, there are many other garage floor coatings to be considered. There are also a host of other options including garage floor tiles, garage floor mats and other garage floor coverings (carpet?). Visit our garage flooring page for a detailed discussion. You might be surprised at the possibilities.
Read these Tips for Painting Garage Floors
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