Top Epoxy Flooring Questions DIYers Always Ask (And What You Should Know Before You Start)
If you’ve ever gone down the YouTube rabbit hole of epoxy floor installs, you’ve probably thought, “Hey, I could do that.” And honestly? You probably could. But before you go full DIY mode, there are a few things you should know—because epoxy isn’t just paint, and garage floors aren’t as forgiving as they look on camera.
So let’s run through the most common questions DIYers ask about epoxy flooring—straightforward, no fluff, and from the perspective of someone who’s seen how amazing it can turn out… and how bad it can go when things are rushed or skipped.
“Do I really need to grind the floor first?”
Short answer: Yes. Always.
Long answer: Epoxy doesn’t stick to dirty, smooth, or sealed concrete. It needs a profile—something rough enough for the coating to bite into. That means grinding or shot blasting, not just sweeping and calling it a day. Skipping prep is how you end up with peeling, bubbling floors six months later.
Think of it like painting a wall covered in grease. Sure, the color might stick for a while, but give it time and it’ll start falling apart. Floor prep is 90% of the job.
Grinding the floor is a crucial step to have a successful coatings Project!
“Can I just use one of those kits from the hardware store?”
You can… but they’re not the same as what pros use.
Big box store kits are usually water-based epoxy with minimal flake and a thin topcoat—if any. They’re marketed as “easy,” but that ease comes with a cost: durability.
Professional epoxy systems (like the ones we install) are typically 100% solids, which means they don’t shrink, don’t peel, and form a much stronger bond with the concrete. Plus, we include things like moisture vapor barriers, polyaspartic topcoats, and custom flake blends—none of which you’ll find in a $199 weekend kit.
If you’re going DIY, just know the kit you buy won’t perform like what you see in pro photos.
“What if there’s already a coating on the floor?”
You need to know what’s down there before you do anything. If there’s paint, old epoxy, or sealers, they need to be removed. Period.
Coating over something that’s already failing is like putting new siding over rotted wood—it might look okay for a bit, but the problems underneath will come back. Always strip or grind off old coatings before starting fresh.
“How long will it actually last if I do it myself?”
That depends on two things:
How well you prep the floor
What products you use
Even the best DIY job won’t last as long as a professionally installed system with industrial-grade materials. But if you grind the surface properly, fix any cracks, and use a high-quality epoxy system (not a kit), you can get 5–7 years of solid performance. Compare that to 10–15+ years for a professionally installed system with a polyaspartic topcoat.
“Can I make it look as good as the pros?”
Maybe. But it takes experience, timing, and a bit of finesse.
Getting a smooth, even base coat, applying flake without gaps or clumps, and finishing with a clean, bubble-free topcoat all take practice. Most DIYers can get pretty good results, especially if you’re detail-oriented. But if you’re a perfectionist and want showroom-level results? That’s where hiring a pro is worth it.
Also: flake gets everywhere. Be ready.
“What do pros do differently?”
Besides using commercial-grade materials, pros also know how to:
Test and mitigate moisture issues (a huge reason coatings fail in basements and garages).
Repair cracks and spalling the right way.
Apply multiple layers correctly and within the right time windows.
Use high-performance topcoats like polyaspartic that cure faster and last longer.
DIY epoxy floors can absolutely be done well—but knowing what you’re getting into is half the battle.
Final Thoughts: Should You Go DIY or Call a Pro?
If you’re comfortable with tools, ready to rent a grinder, and willing to spend a full weekend on prep and application, DIY epoxy flooring is totally doable.
Just know what you’re sacrificing:
Longevity
High-end finish
Professional-level protection (especially for moisture)
If you want a floor that lasts 10+ years, handles hot tires, repels moisture, and looks flawless, consider bringing in a pro (hi, that’s us). If you're just looking for a budget-friendly upgrade for a light-use area? DIY might do the trick.
Either way—know your surface, prep it like your reputation depends on it, and don’t rush.
