When homeowners in Dayton, Centerville, and Springboro start planning a garage or basement upgrade, DIY concrete coating kits can seem like a tempting solution. The price looks affordable, the instructions appear simple, and retail brands promise “professional results in a weekend.”
But concrete coating isn’t like painting a wall. It’s a technical installation that requires surface profiling, moisture assessment, mixing precision, and high-performance products. When any of these steps are done incorrectly, the coating fails long before it should.
At Select Flooring Systems, we’ve spent more than two decades repairing the results of DIY kits gone wrong. This blog breaks down the real differences between DIY and professional concrete coatings so you can make an informed decision about your next project.
Why DIY Sounds Good at First, and Why It Often Falls Short
The appeal of DIY kits
Homeowners choose DIY options for three common reasons:
- Lower upfront cost
- Convenience
- A belief that epoxy is “just a coating”
Unfortunately, DIY epoxy formulas are fundamentally different from the industrial-grade systems used by Select Flooring Systems. Most retail kits include:
- Low-solid epoxy that wears quickly
- Limited color and flake options
- Weak UV resistance
- No protection against Ohio’s freeze–thaw cycles
This means floors often begin peeling, yellowing, or delaminating within months.
Why Surface Preparation Is the Step That Makes or Breaks a Floor
Proper surface prep is the foundation of any successful coating. Retail instructions typically call for an acid wash but this method:
- Doesn’t open the concrete pores enough for adhesion
- Can leave residue that stops epoxy from bonding
- Isn’t suitable for concrete with previous coatings, sealers, or moisture issues
Select Flooring Systems uses industrial grinders with diamond tooling to mechanically profile concrete, ensuring the coating chemically bonds to the slab.
This difference alone is responsible for the majority of DIY coating failures we repair each year.
Ohio Climate Challenges DIY Systems Aren’t Built For
Our region experiences:
- Wide temperature swings
- Heavy road salt exposure
- High humidity in the summer
- Rapid freeze–thaw cycles
DIY kits simply aren’t engineered for Midwest conditions. Polyurea and polyaspartic systems — which cure quickly, resist salt, and flex with temperature changes — are professional alternatives not available in big-box stores.
To learn more about these high-performance systems, explore:
- Epoxy Coatings & Finishes
- The Importance of Professional Surface Prep Before Applying Concrete Coatings
Why Professional Installation Saves Money in the Long Run
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that repairing a failed DIY project often costs more than hiring a professional the first time.
Common DIY issues that require complete removal include:
- Bubbling
- Hot tire pickup
- Flaking
- Moisture failure
- Poor bonding
Grinding off a failed coating can add significant repair time especially if moisture or cracks are also present.
Professional installation ensures the coating performs for years, not months.
When DIY May Be Enough and When It Isn’t
DIY might be sufficient for:
- Very small projects
- Temporary areas
- Low-traffic storage rooms
But for spaces like:
- Garages
- Basements
- Workshops
- Commercial facilities
- Outdoor concrete
…professional coatings offer dramatically better durability, safety, and longevity.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment With a System Built to Last
Your concrete is one of the most valuable surfaces in your home. The right coating doesn’t just improve appearance. It adds slip resistance, protects the slab, and increases long-term property value.
If you’re considering a floor upgrade, we’re here to help you choose the right system for your space.
Request a quote online or call 937-323-5667 to speak with our team.
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