If you’re comparing garage flooring options, you’ve likely seen a mix of technical terms, some accurate, some marketing-driven, and some that sound similar but mean very different things. This essential dictionary breaks down the terminology you actually need to know so you can evaluate coating systems with confidence.
Epoxy Coatings
A two-component material made by combining a resin with a hardener. Once mixed, epoxy cures into a dense, highly adhesive layer that bonds deeply into concrete. In a professional garage flooring system, epoxy forms the primer and broadcast coats, providing strength, structure, and long-term adhesion—especially valuable in regions with seasonal temperature swings.
Moisture Mitigation
Concrete continuously emits moisture vapor, and without proper moisture mitigation, coatings can peel, blister, or fully delaminate. Moisture mitigation involves applying a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer that acts as a vapor barrier. While 1-day installers often skip this step, 2-day systems include it to ensure the coating remains bonded for the long haul.
Concrete Paint
A thin, cosmetic product that simply colors the surface. Concrete paint does not chemically bond with the substrate and is not engineered to handle hot tires, moisture, or temperature fluctuations. It may look appealing at first, but it lacks the durability of a true garage floor coating and typically wears away quickly.
Polyaspartic
A UV-stable, fast-curing clear topcoat that protects the underlying flakes and epoxy. Known for its chemical, abrasion, and stain resistance, polyaspartic plays a vital role in long-lasting garage flooring. Although sometimes marketed as a full system, polyaspartic performs best when used as the final layer over a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer and flake broadcast coat.
Polyurethane
Another category of clear coating sometimes used in flooring systems. While polyurethane is durable, it generally offers lower UV stability and chemical resistance compared to polyaspartic—an important distinction in garages exposed to sunlight, moisture, or temperature swings.
Flake/Full-Flake
In a flake epoxy system, colored polyvinyl acetate (PVA thermoplastic) and/or mica mineral flakes are broadcast into the wet epoxy to add texture, color range, and depth. A full-flake installation covers the entire floor, creating a thicker, more uniform finish that enhances durability and appearance.
Garage Floor Coating
A complete multi-layer system consisting of a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer, full-flake coverage, and a polyaspartic topcoat. Together, these layers form seamless, long-lasting garage flooring engineered for strength, beauty, and easy maintenance.
Ready to upgrade your space? Garage Floor Coating of the Front Range delivers premium, long-lasting garage flooring built for Colorado homes. Request your free quote today.