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Epoxy Floor Preparation, in TRI-CITIES
Planning a garage makeover? Learn what epoxy floor preparation involves before upgrading your Tri-Cities garage.
You picked the finish. Is your garage ready?
Epoxy floor preparation becomes a real question when the garage makeover moves from “someday” to something you want to schedule.
You can picture the finished floor. Then you look at the storage shelves, the old stains, and the crack near the garage door. Where does the project actually begin?
For homeowners in Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, the answer starts with evaluating the slab and planning how the space will be cleared.
See the video below.
Hear a client’s perspective on their TerraFirma epoxy flooring project. Scroll to the video beneath this article for a closer look.
The transformation starts before the color goes down.
Clearing the room creates access. Evaluating and preparing the concrete creates the starting point for the coating. Understanding both parts helps you know what to expect from the project.
Two kinds of epoxy floor preparation
There is the work you arrange as a homeowner: moving belongings, finding another parking spot, and keeping the garage available for the crew.
Then there is professional surface preparation. That involves evaluating the slab and preparing it for the specified coating system.
Ask the project team to explain who handles each task. A clear division of responsibilities prevents installation day from beginning with unanswered questions.
What should be checked before coating?
Epoxy floor preparation should account for the condition of the existing concrete. Point out anything you have noticed, even if you are unsure whether it matters.
Cracks and uneven areas
Show the evaluator visible cracks, chipped edges, or changes in level. Ask which conditions need repair and which joints will remain visible in the finished floor.
Stains and existing coatings
Mention previous paint, sealers, spills, or coatings. Ask how these affect preparation and whether additional work is included in the proposal.
Moisture concerns
Share any history of damp areas or water entering the garage. Ask what evaluation is appropriate before the coating work is scheduled.
A beautiful finish begins with a clear understanding of the concrete underneath.
What comes after epoxy floor preparation?
TerraFirma describes its garage flooring as a multi-layer system using polyaspartic coatings. Although commonly grouped under “epoxy floors,” the specified coating chemistry is different.
Prepare the concrete
The crew addresses the agreed surface repairs and grinds the concrete to prepare it for the coating.
Apply the basecoat and chips
A basecoat receives decorative chips that provide the selected color blend and texture. Excess chips are removed before finishing.
Add the protective finish
A protective topcoat completes the system, creating a glossy finish with texture from the decorative chips.
Give your garage a temporary moving day.
The homeowner side of epoxy floor preparation is easier when you decide where everything will go before the crew arrives.
- Arrange temporary parking for vehicles.
- Confirm which shelves, cabinets, and other items must be moved.
- Choose a secure, weather-appropriate location for stored belongings.
- Discuss access to doors, appliances, and utilities located in the garage.
- Ask whether you should avoid washing or treating the floor before the visit.
Plan for the return to everyday use
Installation completion and full use of the garage are separate milestones. Before scheduling, ask when you may walk on the floor, return belongings, and park vehicles.
Follow the instructions provided for your specific installation. Confirm any precautions for moving heavy storage, placing equipment, or cleaning the new surface.
Including this conversation in epoxy floor preparation helps you arrange the project around your household’s routine.
Choose a finish for the way you use the space
Discuss chip colors, texture, and the area to be coated. Ask whether exposed stem walls, steps, and transitions are included in the scope.
TerraFirma recommends this flooring system for indoor or covered spaces. If the project extends outside the garage, explain its sun exposure and intended use before choosing the finish.
You can explore the system on TerraFirma’s epoxy flooring service page , then discuss the details that apply to your home.
Your garage makeover starts with the floor.
Have questions about epoxy floor preparation for your Tri-Cities garage? Contact TerraFirma to discuss your slab, finish options, and the next steps for your property.
See the video below
Hear directly from a TerraFirma client about their epoxy flooring experience.
A TerraFirma Client’s Perspective
His shop.
His transformation story.
See the project through our client’s eyes. Spencer Snow shares the preparation and finished results of a new resin floor installed by TerraFirma Foundation Systems in his shop.
From cracked, bare concrete to the completed floor, his video offers a firsthand look at the transformation and the work that comes before the final finish.
Considering a new finish for your own shop or garage? Take a look at Spencer’s project for inspiration.
EPOXY FLOORING
Homeowner FAQs
Is TerraFirma’s flooring
system traditional epoxy?
No. TerraFirma installs a polyaspartic coating system. Homeowners commonly search for “epoxy flooring,” but polyaspartic and traditional epoxy are different resin-based coating materials.
Can you coat a
cracked garage floor?
Cracks, chips, and other damage should be evaluated first. Repairs may be completed before coating, while active settlement or significant unevenness may require additional concrete repair.
How long does
installation take?
TerraFirma’s current system can typically cover approximately 400 square feet in one installation day, although slab preparation and site conditions can affect the schedule.
When can I walk
on the floor?
Current TerraFirma guidance is approximately 36 hours before normal foot traffic. Vehicle parking should generally wait about four days.
Is epoxy flooring
good for garages?
A professionally prepared and coated garage floor can provide a more finished, easier-to-clean surface for Tacoma garages exposed to vehicles, rainwater, dirt, storage, and everyday use.
Can the coating
be used outdoors?
TerraFirma generally recommends the system for indoor or covered shaded areas. Polyaspartic coatings have UV resistance, but prolonged direct sunlight can still affect the finish.
