Shopping for garage flooring in Phoenix? With so many installers, products, and buzzwords out there, it can be tough to know what’s actually important. This quick-reference cheat sheet breaks down the terms you’ll see most often—so you can compare systems confidently and avoid getting swayed by confusing marketing language.
Epoxy Coatings
A two-part material made from resin and hardener. When mixed, epoxy chemically cures into a strong, highly adhesive layer that bonds deeply to concrete. In a professional garage flooring system, a moisture-mitigating epoxy is typically used for the primer and broadcast layers because it creates the structural foundation your floor needs—especially in Phoenix’s hot, UV-heavy climate.
Moisture Mitigation
Concrete releases moisture vapor year-round, and without proper moisture mitigation, even premium coatings can bubble, peel, or delaminate. A moisture-mitigating epoxy primer forms a vapor barrier beneath the coating system. While 1-day installers often skip this step, 2-day systems include it for reliable adhesion and long-term performance on Phoenix slabs.
Concrete Paint
A thin, cosmetic product that sits on top of the concrete rather than bonding into it. It cannot handle hot tires, surface expansion from extreme heat, or long-term wear. Concrete paint is inexpensive—but it is not garage flooring and it will not stand up to Phoenix summers.
Polyaspartic
A clear protective topcoat known for its UV stability, fast cure time, and excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasion. It seals the flakes and protects the layers below it. Some companies market all-polyaspartic floors, but polyaspartic performs best when used as the topcoat in a multi-layer epoxy-based system.
Polyurethane
Another type of clear coating used in some flooring systems. While durable, polyurethane generally offers lower UV and chemical resistance compared to polyaspartic—an important consideration in a climate where garage doors stay open and sunlight is intense.
Flake/Full-Flake
Decorative vinyl flakes broadcast into the epoxy layer to create traction, depth, and visual texture. A full-flake broadcast covers the entire surface, resulting in a thicker, more uniform appearance and greater durability.
Garage Floor Coating
A professional, multi-layer system consisting of a moisture-mitigating primer, an epoxy broadcast coat, full-flake coverage, and a polyaspartic topcoat. This combination creates seamless, long-lasting garage flooring engineered for both beauty and protection.
Ready for garage flooring built to withstand Phoenix heat? GarageFloorCoating.com (Phoenix) delivers premium, long-lasting coatings tailored to Arizona’s climate. Contact us today for your free quote.