When weighing the positive and negative aspects of garage floor epoxy, cost is often the first consideration. While the appearance of a properly applied garage floor epoxy is very enticing to most garage owners, the cost and preparation required to obtain the appearance may not be feasible for all garage owners. For a garage that will see frequent use and will have many visitors, epoxy may be a preferred option. Epoxy finishes provide ease of cleaning and maintenance, but once the finish is applied, changing colors or designs can be a labor-intensive and costly endeavor.

One of the most enticing factors of garage floor epoxy is the bright and professional appearance it gives to an average garage floor. Some of the positive aspects of garage floor epoxy include a smooth and even surface that is easily swept and resistant to oil and most fluids and the availability of a plethora of colors and designs. Advancements in the manufacture and application methods of garage floor epoxy have made it relatively easy to apply by the average home handyman in a minimum amount of time with average hand tools.

Preparation of the existing garage floor can sometimes be a drawback to applying garage floor epoxy for many people. The floor must be clean and free of any grease, oil and solvents prior to the application of the epoxy paint. This often results in the added expense of purchasing acids and other chemicals to ensure proper adhesion of the epoxy. This expense is also accompanied by the labor required to clean the concrete floor, which can take several attempts to get it to the proper level of clean. The use of these chemical cleaners can also involve the uncomfortable wearing of protective clothing, protective eye wear and breathing apparatus.

While the epoxy paint is very durable, it is not permanent. Over time or in the event of a heavy item being dropped onto the floor surface, chips can occur. The chips can start out as a small annoyance, as wheeled carts and tool box wheels catch as they are rolled over the damaged spot in the floor. Eventually, these small chips can lead to a large area peeling up off of the floor. In this scenario, the floor must be repaired, which can require extensive and difficult removal of the garage floor epoxy.

One lesser-known aspect of the garage floor epoxy is the added brightness of the garage. The epoxy often helps to reflect light up off of the floor, thereby creating better visibility within the garage. A drawback is that the garage floor epoxy can become slippery when spotted with oil, creating a dangerous condition.