How Keizer Epoxy Installs an Epoxy Floor
Quick answer: Keizer Epoxy installs floors in nine steps: on-site inspection, moisture check, protection, diamond grinding, crack and joint repair, primer and base coat, a flake or metallic layer, topcoat, then cure and walkthrough. Most two-car garages take one to three days, and prep quality decides how long the floor lasts.
We publish our process so you can compare quotes on the same terms. If a bid doesn’t mention grinding, moisture, or repairs, ask why.
What are the steps to install an epoxy garage floor?
- Free on-site estimate and inspection: We measure, look for cracks, spalls, oil, old coatings, and drainage, check for moisture warning signs, and discuss how you use the space and the look you want.
- Moisture check: On suspect slabs we run a plastic-sheet test or recommend calcium chloride or in-slab RH testing, and choose a standard or moisture-mitigating primer accordingly.
- Protect and prep the space: The garage is emptied; we mask walls and openings and set up dust-extraction equipment.
- Diamond grind the concrete: Grinding removes laitance, sealers, and old paint and opens the surface so the primer bonds mechanically. Edges are ground by hand.
- Repair cracks, spalls, and joints: Cracks and pits are filled with repair material and ground flush; oil spots are degreased or treated.
- Prime and base coat: A penetrating primer or pigmented epoxy base goes down at the right thickness, with moisture-mitigating primer where needed.
- Decorative layer: Vinyl flakes are broadcast to full coverage, or metallic pigments are worked in, or a solid color is left as is.
- Scrape and topcoat: Loose flakes are scraped and vacuumed, then one or two clear polyaspartic or epoxy topcoats are applied, with anti-slip additive if requested.
- Cure and walkthrough: We confirm walk-on and drive-on times for the conditions, do a final walkthrough, and review care instructions.
How long does each phase take?
Day 1: protection, grinding, repairs, and often primer/base coat. Day 2: flake broadcast or metallic, scraping, and topcoat. Day 3 (some jobs): second topcoat, extra repair cure time, or cold-weather cure. Polyaspartic systems can compress this; winter slabs and heavy repairs can stretch it.
What do I need to do before install day?
- Empty the garage completely, including wall-mounted items near the floor
- Park outside and plan for alternate parking during cure
- Keep kids and pets out of the work area
- Tell us about any drains, floor heat, or known leaks
When can I walk and park on the floor?
Light foot traffic usually returns within about a day; vehicles typically need longer, depending on product and slab temperature. Cool, damp Willamette Valley weather slows cure. We write your times on the estimate and confirm them at the walkthrough.
Why does Keizer Epoxy grind instead of acid etching?
Grinding gives a consistent profile and removes contaminants; acid etching adds water and residue to the slab and doesn’t remove sealers. On moisture-prone Oregon concrete that difference matters. See moisture & wet climate and prep & warranty.
Where we see this most
The same process runs on every job, from farm shops to hillside garages, including projects in Brooks & Gervais, Stayton, Turner, and West Salem. We also work in Salem, Woodburn, and the rest of the Mid-Valley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to epoxy a two-car garage?
Typically one to three days on site, depending on grinding, repairs, the coating system, and temperature. Polyaspartic topcoats can shorten the schedule.
Do I need to be home during the install?
Only at the start and the walkthrough, as long as we have access to the garage and power. We'll confirm details when scheduling.
Who is Keizer Epoxy?
Keizer Epoxy is a locally focused epoxy flooring contractor based in Keizer, Oregon, serving homeowners and businesses across Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley. We are a service-area business: the fastest way to reach us is (503) 308-7757 (call or text). Learn more on our about page, or see how we work on the install process and prep & warranty pages.
Ready for a written, site-specific quote? Call Keizer Epoxy at (503) 308-7757 or use the form — estimates are free and on-site.
Call (503) 308-7757