Your garage floor has seen better days and it’s time to give it a lick of paint.
Instead of investing time and effort into painting your garage with a subpar product destined to chip, crack, and peel up, let us help you find a product that will last.
These six garage floor paints and coatings have proven track records for holding up to everything your garage can throw at them. Each has shown a unique ability to stand up to stains, damage, and hot car tires. One is so tough that it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Whether you are looking for something budget-friendly or easy to apply, we’ve got your proven-tough recommendations below.
Disclosure: It is important you understand that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. All opinions are our own we pride ourselves on keeping our articles fair and balanced. For more info see our disclosure statement.
Learn more: How to clean oil off a concrete garage floor.
Best Garage Floor Paint Comparison
Best Concrete Floor Paint and Epoxy Coatings
Rust-Oleum 293515 Rocksolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Coating Kit
Best Overall Garage Floor Paint
Key Specifications
- 20x as strong as epoxy paint alone
- Revolutionary industrial-grade polycuramine formula
- Virtually zero VOCs and noxious odors
- No hot tire pickup (resistant against salt, oil, gas and other harsh chemicals)
- Covers 200-250 sq. ft. per kit
Your paint needs to be exceptionally durable in the face of heat, impact, and chemical solvents to stand up to the abuse a garage floor takes. It also needs to be relatively easy to apply and not cost you an arm and a leg to be considered the best garage floor paint. Rust-Oleum 293515 Rocksolid Polycuramine Garage Floor Coating meets all of these specifications.
This specialty floor paint is an epoxy blend known by its trademarked name, Polycuramine. Along with epoxy, this garage floor coating contains polyurea and polyurethane, two substances that add to its shine and durability. This unique blend is 20 times stronger than epoxy alone.
This kit is available in 1-car or 2.5-car garage sizes. The former will cover about 250 square feet, while the latter will cover 500 square feet. It is meant to be applied in one coat that will bond with the surface and last for years.
This self-leveling solution is easy to apply if you have the right tools and prepare your surface correctly. You will need an extension pole and paint roller frame. The kit includes the epoxy foam roller itself, but you’d want to get extras for larger jobs.
This paint does take some time to apply, and it is best done with two people, especially if you want to use the included decorative chips. The Polycuramine sets up fast, especially in the heat, so having a second set of hands to spread the chips is imperative. Having two people tackle the clear coat at the end also helps shorten the application process.
If you are looking for a garage floor paint that can stand the test of time and doesn’t require a professional to apply, this is it. Rust-Oleum’s Polycuramine comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is available in five colors.
Pros
- Sets up fast
- Long-lasting finish compared to other options
- 20 times stronger than epoxy alone
- One coat will bond with the surface
- Foam roller is included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Five color options
Cons
- Take some time to apply
- May require two persons for shorter application process
- Requires an extension pole and a paint roller frame
FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint
Best Acrylic Floor Paint
Key Specifications
- Anti-slip coating for increased safety
- Easily adheres to a wide variety of surfaces
- Durable finish that prevents flaking and peeling
- Decreased chances of oxidation and color-fading
- Comes in 7 colors (Camel, Cobalt, Crimson, Emerald, Jet, Plain, and Slate)
If you are looking for a garage floor paint to help make your garage safer against slips and falls, then you may want to consider our choice for the best acrylic floor paint, FIXALL Skid Grip Anti-Slip Paint.
Acrylic paints are not as durable as epoxy coatings, but they are much easier to apply, especially for beginners. The added texturing in this paint not only helps with reducing how slippery your concrete floor can get, even when wet, but it also makes the product more durable to wear and tear.
Each gallon of FIXALL will cover between 60 and 100 square feet, depending on how porous your concrete is. Generally, one coat will get the job, but do make sure you prep the floor very well so the paint can get good contact with the surface.
Like most acrylic floor paints, you can apply FIXALL using a standard paint roller. When choosing textured paint, one thing to consider is how clean you want to keep the area. The coarse texture of this product makes sweeping your garage floor very difficult unless you add a second coat of non-textured acrylic paint. This method will still give you an effective non-slip surface while making the area easier to sweep and maintain.
Overall, FIXALL Skid Grip makes a good choice for garage floors that require slip protection. However, this product is not especially hot car tire resistant and will pull up when exposed to heat. We recommend this and most other acrylic paints only for garage workshops. It’s not suitable for areas where cars will be parked.
Pros
- Slip protection
- Requires a standard paint roller
- Generally, one coat is enough
Cons
- Not hot car tire resistant
- Difficult to clean unless you add a second coat of non-textured acrylic paint
Rust Bullet DuraGrade Concrete
Easiest To Apply
Key Specifications
- UV Resistant
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Low VOCs
- Does not require acid etching
- Does not require primer or topcoat
- Covers nearly 1500 sq. ft.
One of the most challenging parts of painting a garage floor is the application. Most require extensive surface preparation and take some skill and planning to get coats even and looking their best. If that all sounds like a little too much to take on, you may want to consider Rust Bullet DuraGrade Concrete.
This product, which is made from polyurethane, does not require acid etching. You can apply it directly to concrete without a ton of prep as long as the surface is in good shape. Plus, you can use it alone – primers, base coats, or a concrete sealer are not required. Moreover, you’ll only need a standard roller for the application.
Each gallon of DuraGrade will cover about 300 square feet. You will need at least two thin coats for a garage floor and will have to give the paint plenty of time to cure before using the space. Also, be aware, this product claims a low VOC rating but is very odorous during the application, so maximum ventilation or a respirator is a must.
DuraGrade is easier to apply than acrylic and will last much longer. It is better able to stand up to chemical spills, impact, and UV. For use in a garage, it resists hot tire pick up.
Overall, this product comes with a higher price tag than acrylic or latex paints but is more durable than epoxy in many areas. And it is much easier to prep and apply than most epoxy and epoxy mixes. Just be sure you take precautions against the heavy odor during application.
Pros
- Resists hot tire pick up
- Applies directly to concrete
- Only needs a standard roller
- Durable against chemical spills, impact, and UV
- Easy to prep and apply
- Doesn’t require primes, base coats, concrete sealer, and acid etching
Cons
- High price tag
- Heavy odor during application
Is Your Garage a Mess? Check out our guide on the best garage storage systems.
KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint
Best 1-Part Epoxy Garage Floor Paint
Key Specifications
- Trusted paint brand
- Designed for concrete covering
- Satin finish
- Comes in 1-gallon pail for convenience and small jobs
- Covers 400-500 sq. ft. per pail
- Dry in 2 hours
One-part epoxy floor paints are another great option if you are looking for durable floor paint that is easy to apply. The best option in this category is KILZ L377611 1-Part Epoxy Acrylic Garage Floor Paint.
Despite the name, these products aren’t actually epoxy products. They are acrylic paint with a small amount of epoxy added to increase the paint’s durability. However, if you are hoping to do a true epoxy coating on your garage floor, this is not the product you want. But if you are after a compromise between expensive epoxy and non-hardy acrylic, this is an excellent choice.
One gallon of Kilz Garage Floor Paint will cover about 400 square feet. You should apply a thin first layer followed by a thick second coat. For best results, make sure you give the paint ample time to dry before driving on it—at least a week.
You can apply this paint with a roller or sprayer. If you choose the latter, make sure to clean the unit immediately after use. Prepainting preparations will be the same as what you would do with any water-based paint. Acid etching will help guarantee better adhesion between the paint and the surface.
As far as 1-part epoxy paints go, this is the best you are going to find. However, don’t expect the same durability as true epoxy. It has some hot tire resistance, but you should expect some peeling over time. Considering the ease of application, this is still an excellent choice for preserving and beautifying concrete.
Pros
- Roller or sprayer application
Cons
- Needs ample time to dry – at least a week
- Peels over time
- Acid etching required
Keep Your Workshop Cool in Summer: Read our garage fans guide.
Epoxy-Coat Epoxy Floor Coating Kit
Best Epoxy Kit
Key Specifications
- Non-shrinking formula
- 2.5x thick layers in one coat
- Includes texture flakes
- 500 sq.-ft. of coverage per kit
- 12-hour dry time
- Lifetime guarantee
If you want a DIY professional quality garage floor, you have to invest in a full epoxy coat kit. These kits use true epoxy, not paint that goes on thick in one coat. There are many types of kits out there, but none can stand up to the Epoxy-Coat Epoxy Floor Kit in our tests.
This kit contains 100% solid cycloaliphatic epoxy. Like all true epoxy floors, this one takes a lot of preparation and skill to get it looking as good as professional-grade. But this kit makes it as easy as possible by providing you everything you need to transform your floor.
The kit comes with brushes, rollers, gloves, etch, squeegee, decorative flakes, and textured silicone if you want a coarse finish. The only thing you will need is a roller frame with an extension handle and any extra supplies that might make prepping the surface easier for you.
Each kit covers an area of about 400 square feet. The product goes on thick, which gives it extra durability and lasting power. It would take about two-and-a-half coats of paint to match what you get with one coat of epoxy.
Once down and dry, this Epoxy-Coat epoxy stands up to chemical spills, oil leaks, impact, weather, and heat. You won’t see any hot tire pick up here. We recommend ordering the additional clear topcoat to protect your work and add some extra shine.
Epoxy flooring is expensive, and this kit is no exception. But considering the relative ease of application, what all is included, and the beautiful, durable final product, we think the Epoxy-Coat kit is well worth the investment.
Pros
- Thick consistency for a more durable finish
- Withstands heat, chemical spills and impact weather
- Kit comes with brushes, gloves, decorative flakes, textured silicone, etch, and squeegee
Cons
- Takes a lot of preparation and skill
- Expensive
- Need to buy a roller frame with an extension handle
Is Your Garage Too Cold In Winter? Learn about garage heaters
RUST-OLEUM 225359 Epoxy Shield
Best Budget Option
Key Specifications
- Proven 5x stronger than standard floor paint
- “Burst pouch” technology allows for easy mixing
- Glossy finish
- Requires only one coat
- Includes epoxy formula, concentrated concrete cleaner, and concrete etch
- Ready for light traffic in 12+ hours
If you are working with a low budget but still want to get a floor paint that will last, you should invest in the RUST-OLEUM 225359 Epoxy Shield.
This 1-part epoxy acrylic paint offers the ease of application you get with other acrylic paints but with added durability. It is not quite as tough or as high quality as our best 1-part epoxy pick, but it is about half the price.
Coverage will vary depending on the porousness of your concrete floors, but in general, you’ll need one gallon per 150 square feet. At least two coats are recommended. Adding a clear topcoat will help extend the life of this paint and is also highly recommended. But you do not need any primer.
As with any other acrylic floor paint, you should apply it with a roller, which, unfortunately, is not included. You will want to give the paint ample time to dry before using your garage again.
Don’t expect this budget paint to stand up to the same abuse as others on this list. It is somewhat hot car tire resistant but will peel over time or be exposed to very hot rubber. Using multiple coats, adding the clear topcoat, and extensively prepping the surface will help extend the product’s life.
Considering the cost, the look of the final product, and how easy it is to clean up after, Rust-Oleum Epoxy Shield is well worth looking into, especially if you are redoing your garage on a budget.
Pros
- Doesn’t require any primer
- Easy to clean up
Cons
- Need at least two coats
- No roller included
- Peels over time
Keep Your Tools Tidy: Check out our guide on the best tool storage ideas.
Garage Floor Paint Buying Guide
There are a wide variety of options available to you when it comes to painting your garage floor. Each type of garage floor paint has a little something different to offer, and all require some garage floor preparation, have different safety considerations, and different longevity ratings.
We have created this handy buyer’s guide to help you get a better idea of what might work best for your particular project, budget, and timeframe.
Types Of Garage Floor Paint
There is a growling list of paint types to choose from when it comes to painting your garage floor. Here, we’ll look at the three most common:
- Latex
- Acrylic
- Epoxy
And some newer choices you may want to consider.
Garage Floor Latex Paints
Latex paints are the cheapest option available. These garage floor paints cover well and are easy to apply but require more coats and do not last as long as other options. Most are low-sheen and non-slip while still offering an easy-clean surface.
You won’t get a showroom-quality finish from latex paint, but they still provide a massive improvement over bare concrete. These types of paint provide some resistance to staining and hot tire pick up but will likely need to be redone frequently to keep your floors looking new.
Garage Floor Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are just as easy to apply as latex paints but will cost you a little more and do not cover as well. They will require more coats to get an even finish. Moreover, many acrylic paints have a high-sheen finish that does not provide any slip protection unless you add texture.
These paints are easy to maintain and clean, except for coarse, non-slip finishes. They offer slightly better durability than latex but will break down over time. Adding a clear topcoat can help extend the life of your acrylic paint and is recommended with most products.
Garage Floor 1-Part Epoxy Paint
One-part epoxy paint is commonly confused with epoxy garage floor coating, but the two are pretty different. This type is a true paint in that the base is made of acrylic or latex or a mix of both. A small amount of epoxy is added to this base to help increase its durability and help it adhere to the garage floor surface better.
One-part epoxy paints are more expensive than other paints but cheaper than true epoxy. It is also easier to apply, though more care may need to be taken in preparing the surface. These paints come in various finishes, but you can also add more texture to reduce slippage. Epoxy paints are easier to care for than traditional paint and will stand up better to hot car tires and chemicals but will not last nearly as long as a true epoxy coating.
Garage Floor Epoxy Coating
True epoxy is not paint at all but rather an epoxide resin mixed with a polyamine hardener. This thick liquid adheres strongly to concrete surfaces and hardens into an incredibly durable, heat, and stain-resistant product. Epoxy goes on thicker than paint and only requires one coat to protect your garage floor for years.
Like garage floor acrylic paint, epoxy coating has a glossy finish that does not provide enough traction to prevent slippage. Thus, you’ll also need to add texture for slip protection.
While epoxy easily lasts longer than other products, it also costs more and takes more time and effort to apply. The surface must be well-prepped, and a certain amount of skill is needed to get an even, professional-looking floor. For DIY-ers, your best bet is to get a complete epoxy garage floor kit that comes with everything you need and step-by-step instructions, such as this one from Epoxy-Coat.
Garage Floor Epoxy Blends
Epoxy blends are becoming more popular as homeowners become increasingly interested in completing their garage floor makeovers. Unlike 1-part epoxy paints, these floor coverings are applied like true epoxy but contain secondary ingredients to increase durability and ease of application and surface preparation. They have a glossy finish but can have texture added to reduce slippage.
One of the most celebrated epoxy blends is Polycuramine by Rust-Oleum. This product is highly durable and more affordable than most straight epoxy kits. It is also marketed as being 20 times more durable. Epoxy blends are an excellent choice for protecting your floor if you want a product that will last for decades.
Garage Floor Polyurethane Finish
Polyurethane is a polymer, not a paint, and another great choice in the realm of garage floor coatings. This product is thinner than epoxy and may need multiple coats to provide the finish and durability you desire. However, even with just one coat, it can offer better scratch, impact, and chemical resistance. It is also less reactive with UV than epoxy and will not yellow with time.
These products require about the same amount of work to apply as epoxy but require much more work for surface prep unless your floor is new. Polyurethane does not bond well with concrete and goes on thinner, which means a well-prepared, even surface is a must-have for lasting results. Most products have a gloss finish, but you’ll be able to find some with a satin finish. You can apply additional texture to both options.
Beware of Hot Tire Pick Up
Some cheaply made garage floor paints are prone to warp and dissolve when heat and pressure are directly applied. This is very likely to occur when a warm vehicle tire rests upon it after a long-distance drive on hot asphalt.
The result is a wheel-sized patch of torn-off paint, which in turn sticks to your tire. This result is undesirable in all regards, so be sure to check that the concrete paint you are purchasing ensures against hot tire pick up.
Garage Floors: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint to use on a garage floor?
In terms of true paints, the best paint for finishing your garage floor is a 1-part epoxy product. These provide more durability than the best acrylic or latex paints. However, the best overall floor finishing products are not paints at all but floor coatings. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings are excellent, but epoxy mixes are typically the most durable and the easiest coatings to apply.
What type of paint is best for concrete floors?
Concrete comes in a variety of textures, finishes, and conditions. If you have a brand new concrete floor, then polyurethane is an excellent option for protecting it from all types of abuse and giving your garage a professional feel. For older, stained concrete, 1-part epoxy paint, like this budget option from RUST-OLEUM, will help restore it without the need for extensive prep.
If your concrete is in serious need of some love, an epoxy kit or epoxy blend is the only choice. These thick coatings will fill in gaps and cracks and turn your worn concrete into showroom-quality flooring.
Should I paint my garage floor?
Painting your garage floor updates the look of your garage while protecting your concrete from damage. Floor paints and coatings can protect from chemical staining, impact, and other types of damage. The best floor finishing products will last for years and come in various colors, textures, and patterns to turn your garage from dingy to beautiful in less than a day.
Is There An Alternative Floor Covering For My Garage?
There are indeed a few different options other than floor paint or coatings. The 3 most popular choices are ceramic floor tiles, vinyl tile, or carpet tiles. All three of these materials are durable and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Ceramic tile is a great option because it is water-resistant and can stand up to heavy foot traffic. Vinyl tile is also a good choice as it is easy to clean and resists staining. Carpet tiles are the most affordable option but may not be as durable as the other two choices.
Before putting it on the market, the previous owner of my home painted the garage floor dark green, I’m assuming to cover stains and other imperfections in the concrete. I really didn’t care–the floor is structurally still in good shape. However, the green paint looked weird, especially as it wore off. I recently repainted the floor using gray Rustoleum concrete and garage floor paint, just to get rid of that green. Why they didn’t use gray (the color of concrete) in the first place I’ll never know.
I did look into DIY epoxy coating kits but decided they were beyond my skill set. Besides, I want my garage to be a place where I don’t have to worry about keeping the floor nice.