Calculate exactly how much epoxy, primer, and top coat you need to coat a garage floor or concrete surface. Get results in gallons, number of kits, and estimated cost based on your floor area. Free to use — no signup required.
Wondering what it costs to hire a pro? See our 2026 epoxy floor cost breakdown. New to epoxy? See our complete garage floor epoxy guide for step-by-step instructions.
Epoxy coverage by type (per gallon, per coat, on good condition concrete).
| Coating Type | Coverage (sq ft/gal) | Coats | Pot Life | Cure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Epoxy | 200 – 300 | 1 – 2 | 2 hours | 24 – 72 hrs |
| Solvent-Based Epoxy | 150 – 250 | 1 – 2 | 1.5 hours | 24 – 48 hrs |
| 100% Solids Epoxy | 80 – 120 | 1 – 2 | 30 min | 12 – 24 hrs |
| Polyaspartic | 200 – 300 | 1 | 15 min | 4 – 6 hrs |
A standard 2-car garage (20×20 feet = 400 sq ft) with water-based epoxy, light decorative flakes, and a top coat needs approximately 2 gallons of base coat, 40 lbs of flakes (2 boxes), and 3 gallons of top coat. With surface prep materials and supplies, total DIY cost runs about $200–$350. A comparable professional installation would cost $1,200–$4,800.
| Material | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Water-based epoxy (per gallon) | $30 – $50 |
| Solvent-based epoxy (per gallon) | $40 – $55 |
| 100% solids epoxy (per gallon) | $45 – $150 |
| Polyaspartic coating (per gallon) | $60 – $120 |
| Decorative flakes (25 lb box) | $40 – $80 |
| DIY epoxy kit (1-car garage) | $50 – $150 |
| DIY epoxy kit (2-car garage) | $100 – $300 |
| Concrete etching solution (gallon) | $10 – $15 |
| Professional install (per sq ft) | $3 – $12 |
For a standard 20×20 foot (400 sq ft) 2-car garage, you'll need about 2 gallons of water-based epoxy for one coat, or 4 gallons of 100% solids epoxy. Add 3 gallons of clear top coat if you're using one. Floor condition matters — porous concrete absorbs more product.
100% solids epoxy is the most durable and longest-lasting (10–20 years), but it's the hardest to apply due to a very short pot life. Water-based epoxy is the easiest for DIY (2+ hour pot life) but may need recoating every 3–5 years. Polyaspartic coatings cure in hours, not days, but must be applied quickly.
A clear top coat is strongly recommended. It protects the base coat from UV yellowing, adds chemical and abrasion resistance, and locks in decorative flakes. Without a top coat, your epoxy will wear faster and flakes may come loose over time.
Clean the floor thoroughly, repair any cracks or divots, then acid etch or mechanically grind the surface to create a profile for the epoxy to bond to. The moisture test is critical — tape a plastic sheet to the floor for 24 hours. If moisture appears underneath, you need a moisture barrier primer before coating.
Water-based epoxy typically lasts 2–5 years. Solvent-based lasts 5–10 years. 100% solids epoxy and polyaspartic coatings can last 10–20 years with proper prep and a top coat. The biggest factor in longevity is surface preparation — poorly prepped floors cause 90% of epoxy failures.
DIY epoxy coating a 2-car garage costs $200–$400 in materials. Professional installation runs $1,200–$6,000 for the same space, but includes diamond grinding, professional-grade materials, and a warranty. DIY is significantly cheaper but requires a full weekend of work and careful surface prep.
Typical Results
💡 Acid-etch or grind the concrete before applying — epoxy won't bond to smooth or contaminated concrete.
Common Mistakes