
The Complete Guide to Garage Floor Coating in Des Moines: What Every Iowa Homeowner Needs to Know
The Complete Guide to Garage Floor Coating in Des Moines: What Every Iowa Homeowner Needs to Know If you’ve ever walked into a neighbor’s garage and thought, “How does that floor look so good?” — you’re not alone. Garage floor coatings have become one of the most popular home improvements in the Des Moines metro, and for good reason: they protect your concrete, resist stains and chemicals, and transform an ordinary garage into a space you’re proud to show off. At Revival Concrete Coatings, we’ve completed hundreds of garage floor coating projects across central Iowa. This guide covers everything you need to know — from the different types of coatings to what separates a great installation from one you’ll regret in two years. Why Your Concrete Garage Floor Needs Protection Bare concrete is porous. That means every oil drip from your car, every road salt tracked in from Iowa winters, and every chemical spill slowly works its way into the slab — causing staining, cracking, and degradation over time. A quality garage floor coating creates a sealed, impermeable barrier that’s dramatically easier to clean and far more durable. Beyond protection, a coated floor simply looks better. Whether you’re selling your home, converting your garage to a workspace, or just tired of a dingy gray slab, the right coating makes a huge difference. Garage Floor Coating vs. Garage floor epoxy: What’s the difference? This is one of the most common questions we hear. Many homeowners use “garage floor epoxy” and “garage floor coating” interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same thing. Traditional Garage Floor Epoxy Epoxy is a two-part system — a resin and a hardener — that chemically bonds to concrete. Standard epoxy products have been popular for decades and offer good adhesion and chemical resistance. However, traditional epoxy can yellow over time with UV exposure, and cheaper DIY epoxy kits often fail within a few years in Iowa’s climate because they can’t handle the freeze-thaw cycles and temperature swings our winters deliver. Polyaspartic and Polyurea Coatings These are the professional-grade coatings that have largely replaced basic epoxy in high-quality installations. Polyaspartic and polyurea coatings cure faster, handle temperature extremes better, offer superior UV stability (no yellowing), and are more flexible — which matters a lot on concrete that expands and contracts with Iowa seasons. At Revival Concrete Coatings, we use commercial-grade polyaspartic systems that outlast traditional epoxy by years. The Bottom Line When Des Moines homeowners ask us for “garage floor epoxy,” what they usually really want is a durable, professional coating that looks great for the long haul. That’s exactly what we deliver — with a system engineered for Iowa’s climate, not a one-size-fits-all DIY product. Feature Epoxy Polyurea / Polyaspartic Cure time Slower (can take 24–72 hrs) Very fast (sometimes within hours) Flexibility Rigid, good adhesion More flexible — better for movement or temperature shifts UV / yellowing Can yellow over time if not UV-stable Better UV stability when formulated and applied properly Chemical / stain resistance Good, but more vulnerable to harsh chemicals Excellent resistance to oils, solvents, acids Cost Generally lower upfront Higher material cost Best use cases Basements, garages, indoor spaces Outdoor patios, driveways, commercial / industrial floors The Two types of Garage floor coatings (and which is right for you) Full Broadcast Chip (Flake) Systems This is the most popular choice for residential garages. Decorative vinyl flakes are broadcast into the base coat, creating a terrazzo-like appearance that hides imperfections, provides texture for slip resistance, and comes in dozens of color blends. It’s durable, easy to clean, and gives your garage a high-end showroom look. This is what you typically see in the “after” photos that make you want to redo your garage. Solid Color Coatings A single-color coating offers a clean, modern look — popular for workshops, commercial spaces, and homeowners who prefer a minimal aesthetic. A topcoat seals and protects the surface. Without decorative chips, surface imperfections in the concrete may show through more, so proper prep work is even more critical. What to expect from a professional garage floor Coating installation This is where the difference between a professional installation and a DIY kit becomes most apparent. A properly installed coating starts long before the first drop of material hits the floor. Step 1: Concrete Assessment We test moisture levels, check for existing sealers or contaminants, and inspect for cracks, spalling, or other damage. Concrete that isn’t properly prepared will cause even the best coating to delaminate and peel — this is why most DIY garage floor kits fail. Step 2: Diamond Grinding Unlike acid etching (a common DIY method), professional diamond grinding mechanically profiles the surface of the concrete, opening the pores and ensuring maximum adhesion. This step alone separates professional-grade results from home improvement store kits. Step 3: Crack and Spall Repair Any cracks, chips, or low spots are filled and feathered. This gives you a smooth, even surface to coat and prevents issues from telegraphing through the finished floor. Step 4: Coating Application The base coat, chip broadcast (if applicable), and topcoat are applied in sequence, with appropriate cure time between layers. The final topcoat provides the chemical resistance and UV stability that makes the floor last. Step 5: Quality Inspection and Walk-Through We don’t consider the job done until you’ve seen the final result and you’re satisfied. We walk you through care and maintenance so your floor stays looking great for years. How long does a garage floor coating last? A professionally installed polyaspartic or polyurea coating — properly maintained — should last 15–20+ years. DIY epoxy kits? Often 2–5 years before peeling, yellowing, or hot tire pickup (where your tires literally pull the coating off the floor on a hot summer day) begins. The warranty matters too. At Revival Concrete Coatings, we stand behind our work. Ask any contractor you’re evaluating what their warranty covers and for how long. See Our reviews How Much does a floor coating cost in des moines? Pricing for


















