What You Don’t Know Could Cost You—In Time, Money, and Durability

Concrete coatings are one of the best ways to protect, enhance, and extend the life of your flooring—whether it’s in a garage, basement, commercial facility, or outdoor patio. But not all coatings (or installations) are created equal. And unfortunately, too many homeowners and business owners find that out the hard way.

Choosing the right concrete floor coating isn't just about color or finish—it's about knowing what materials, preparation methods, and installation processes will give you lasting results. If you're considering a coating for your floors, here are the top mistakes to avoid so you don’t waste money on a solution that underperforms or fails altogether.

Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Price Alone

While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option—especially when DIY kits or bargain contractors promise quick results—cutting corners on cost often means sacrificing quality. Lower-priced coatings are usually lower in solids content, less durable, and more likely to fail under normal wear and tear.

What you save upfront, you’ll likely spend later on repairs, reapplications, or complete floor replacement. In high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like garages and basements, this mistake becomes even more costly.

What to do instead: Focus on value, not just price. Look for coatings that offer a strong warranty, are installed by professionals, and are suited to your specific use case—like polyurea for high-traffic areas or polyaspartic for outdoor UV protection.

Mistake #2: Assuming All Coatings Are the Same

Not all coatings are created equal. Epoxy, polyurea, and polyaspartic may look similar on the surface, but each has different strengths, cure times, and durability levels. Choosing the wrong one can result in coatings that peel, discolor, or fail to bond properly with the concrete.

What to do instead: Work with a knowledgeable installer who can evaluate your space and recommend the best product for your needs. For example, polyurea is more flexible and durable in changing temperatures, while epoxy is more cost-effective in low-impact spaces.

Mistake #3: Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

One of the most common—and costly—mistakes is failing to properly prepare the concrete surface before application. Coatings need a clean, porous, and properly profiled surface in order to adhere correctly. If the surface is dirty, too smooth, or coated in oil, dust, or paint, the coating can fail within months.

What to do instead: Ensure that your contractor includes surface preparation in the job—this should involve mechanical grinding, thorough cleaning, and crack repair. Surface prep isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of a successful installation.

Mistake #4: Using DIY Kits for Large or High-Stakes Projects

DIY kits are often marketed as a quick weekend project, but they rarely offer professional-grade results. Most contain low-solids epoxy with limited color and finish options, and they don’t include industrial equipment for grinding or applying the coating evenly.

While DIY may seem appealing for a small, low-use area, it’s a risky move in garages, basements, or any space where durability and longevity matter. Inconsistent application, poor adhesion, and a lack of warranty can turn a DIY coating into a money pit.

What to do instead: For spaces that need to perform—like vehicle storage, workshops, or finished basements—hire a professional installer who uses commercial-grade products and proven methods.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Environmental Factors

Coatings don’t exist in a vacuum—they react to temperature, humidity, UV exposure, and even the moisture content in your concrete slab. Installing the wrong type of coating, or applying it in the wrong conditions, can lead to bubbling, peeling, or yellowing.

What to do instead: Make sure your installer tests moisture levels, knows how to handle local climate conditions (especially in Southwest Michigan), and selects a coating with the right cure rate and environmental tolerance.

Mistake #6: Overlooking Long-Term Maintenance Needs

Some people assume once the coating is down, their floors are set for life. But even the most durable coatings need basic care—like regular cleaning, avoiding abrasive scrubbing, and resealing if the coating wears down in high-traffic areas.

What to do instead: Ask your installer for maintenance guidelines, and follow a simple care routine to keep your floor looking great for years. Fortunately, coated floors are easy to maintain—just don’t ignore them entirely.

Avoid the Mistakes—Get the Results

When done right, concrete coatings are one of the best ways to improve the durability, safety, and style of your space. But the success of your project depends on more than just the product—it depends on the process.

At Superior Concrete Coatings, we take the guesswork out of the equation. Our team uses top-tier materials, thorough surface prep, and years of experience to deliver long-lasting, beautiful floors that are built to perform.

📞 Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation.