Note: This article was originally written in 2017, but as all good thing come to end on day; in 2025 many things has changed that make the previous article not so accurate anymore.
So, we wrote a fresh 2025 version on why DIY garage epoxy floor kits are STILL not working even when you follow the instruction perfectly.
Looking to upgrade your garage with a glossy, durable finish?
Garage epoxy floors are a popular choice for Sydney homeowners, especially with so many DIY kits on the market.
But before you grab a roller and start mixing, here’s a reality check: Many garage floor epoxy flooring jobs done with retail kits still fail. Even when the instructions are followed to the letter.
Let’s break down why, and what to watch out for if you’re planning to do it yourself.
1. Poor Surface Preparation
Whether you call it garage epoxy floor coating or epoxy coatings for garage floors, none of it matters if your surface prep is wrong.
DIY kits often skip or downplay the most important step: concrete profiling. Without opening the surface (via grinding only), the coating won’t bond, no matter how clean it looks. You etch the floor and you guarantee a failure.
Common issues:
- Skipping surface grinding and wasting time on “Acid Etching”,
- Applying over painted or sealed floors,
- Not degreasing properly,
- Missed cracks and spalling.
💡 Tip: Professional installers always check concrete porosity and moisture before applying epoxy.
2. Moisture Issues in the Slab
Sydney’s humidity can destroy a DIY epoxy floor.
Garage floor paint from DIY kits doesn’t include moisture-blocking primers, which means trapped water vapor can cause bubbling and peeling. Always watch for:
- Condensation or sweating on the slab,
- Damp spots that don’t dry out,
- Older slabs without a vapor barrier.
DIY garage epoxy floor coatings often fail due to hydrostatic pressure, not product quality.
3. Weak or Problematic Concrete
Even the best epoxy floor paint for garages won’t fix a bad substrate.
If your slab is chalky, flaking, or covered in unknown coatings, the epoxy won’t bond. DIY kits assume your concrete is “perfect”—and let’s be honest, it rarely is.
Common problems:
- Silicone crack fillers that repel epoxy,
- Soft concrete that dusts easily,
- Spalled or pitted areas not repaired beforehand.
4. Thin, Budget-Grade Products
Most garage floor coatings sold as DIY kits are thin-film, water-based or low-solids formulas. These epoxy coatings with flakes look great for short-term, but struggle with:
- Hot tyre pickup
- Fuel or oil resistance
- UV exposure (yellowing)
- Surface wear after 6–12 months
A garage epoxy floor kit may look good on Day 1, but start to peel by Day 200 — especially in high-use Sydney garages.
5. Mixing & Application Errors
Unlike wall paint, epoxy is chemistry! — two parts must be mixed precisely and used within a time window (pot life). DIY errors include:
- Incomplete mixing,
- Using expired kits,
- Applying too thick or too thin,
- Skipping a clear topcoat (often not included).
Without correct technique, even premium garage epoxy floor paint will fail prematurely.
What Professionals Do Differently
Pro installers use high-build systems with:
- Moisture-tolerant primers,
- Crack repair and surface prep,
- Broadcast flake systems,
- Polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoats,
- Slip resistance additives.
We also tailor systems for Sydney’s weather and slab conditions — no guesswork, no shortcuts.
Conclusion: DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper
Sure, you can buy a garage epoxy floor kit and try it yourself. But if you skip key prep steps or use the wrong product, you’ll likely be redoing it within a year.
For a garage that:
- Handles vehicles, tools, and heavy use
- Stays clean and dust-free
- Looks pro and lasts 10+ years
…it’s worth calling in the experts.
Need Help With Your Garage Floor?
At Epoxy Flooring Tech, we install professional garage epoxy floor coatings across Sydney. Whether you need slip resistance, UV stability, or just want it done right the first time, we’ve got you covered.
📍 Servicing all Sydney suburbs
📞 Book your free quote via the form below.
