Frequently Asked Questions

You can, but most people who go that route end up calling a professional to fix it within a year or two. DIY kits use thin, low-solids materials that don’t bond deeply to the concrete, and they typically rely on acid etching for surface prep, which leaves behind residue that causes the coating to bubble and peel. Professional installation uses diamond grinding equipment to properly profile the surface, high-performance materials formulated for durability, and a multi-layer process that creates a real bond. The difference in longevity between a DIY kit and a professionally installed system is significant, and the cost of fixing a failed DIY floor often exceeds what the professional job would have cost in the first place.

The cost depends on several factors including the size of the space, the condition of the existing concrete, the coating system chosen, and any decorative finish options like flakes or metallics. Most residential garage floors fall somewhere in a range that makes the investment very reasonable when you consider the longevity and low maintenance of the finished product. The best way to get an accurate number is a free on-site consultation where we can assess your specific surface and give you a clear, itemized quote with no surprises. We never give vague estimates and we never add fees after the fact.

Most residential garage floors are completed in one to two days. Day one typically covers surface preparation and the base coat application. Day two covers the topcoat layers and any finish work. Larger spaces or surfaces that require significant repair work may take a bit longer. We give every customer a clear timeline before we start so you can plan around the project without any guesswork.

Light foot traffic is generally fine within 24 hours. You should wait at least 72 hours before driving a vehicle on the surface to allow for a full cure. Rushing this step can compromise the bond and the finish, so we always provide specific cure instructions based on the coating system used and the conditions on installation day. We won’t leave your property without making sure you know exactly when your floor is ready for full use.

This is one of the most common causes of failure in lower-grade coating systems, and it’s worth understanding. When tires heat up from highway driving and then sit on a coating that isn’t formulated to handle that thermal stress, the rubber can bond slightly to the surface and pull the coating off when the vehicle backs out. This is called hot tire pickup and it’s a real problem with thin, low-quality systems. The professional-grade coating systems we use are specifically engineered to resist hot tire pickup. Proper surface preparation also plays a critical role in preventing this type of failure.

Standard epoxy can yellow with UV exposure, which is why we apply UV-stable topcoat systems on all of our installations, especially for garage floors where sunlight comes through doors and windows and for any outdoor surface. Our coating systems are selected specifically to resist fading, yellowing, and UV breakdown over time. When the right product is used and applied correctly, your floor should hold its color and sheen for many years.

It’s one of the most important reasons to coat your concrete in the first place. Summer temperatures across West Texas and eastern New Mexico regularly push past 100 degrees, and unprotected concrete absorbs that heat, expands, and develops surface cracks over time. A professional concrete coating acts as a barrier that reduces thermal stress on the slab and protects the surface from UV damage that breaks down bare concrete season after season. In this climate, a coating isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s a genuinely protective investment.

Not when the coating is properly installed. Amarillo sees more significant freeze-thaw cycles during winter than Lubbock or Clovis due to its higher elevation. Unprotected concrete is especially vulnerable because water seeps into the pores, freezes, expands, and causes cracking and surface flaking over time. A quality concrete coating seals the surface and prevents moisture from penetrating, which dramatically reduces freeze-thaw damage. Our coating systems are chosen to handle the temperature swings this region sees throughout the year.

It contributes to wear over time. The combination of high winds, airborne dust, and sand particles common across the Llano Estacado acts like a slow-moving abrasive on unprotected concrete, gradually wearing down the surface and opening up small cracks where moisture and staining can take hold. A concrete coating creates a hard, sealed surface that stands up to abrasion far better than bare concrete and is significantly easier to clean after a dust storm rolls through.

Very common in this region, and it has a lot to do with the expansive clay soils found throughout much of West Texas. As moisture levels in the soil change with the seasons, the ground shifts slightly and that movement transfers stress to the concrete slab above it. Surface cracks and shrinkage cracks are extremely common and in most cases can be repaired as part of our concrete refurbishing process before a coating is applied. We assess every crack we find and address it properly before any coating goes down.

Caliche is extremely common throughout eastern New Mexico and West Texas, and it does affect concrete performance. Caliche soil layers can restrict drainage and cause moisture to pool beneath slabs, which leads to pressure that pushes up against the concrete from underneath. Over time this contributes to cracking, lifting, and surface deterioration. While a concrete coating doesn’t solve drainage issues in the soil itself, it protects the surface of the slab and helps us identify any moisture-related concerns during the prep process before your coating is applied.

Yes, and it’s one of the most common situations we work with. Our concrete refurbishing process repairs cracks, removes staining, and addresses surface damage before any coating goes down. Applying a coating over damaged or unprepared concrete without addressing what’s underneath is one of the biggest shortcuts in this industry and the number one cause of premature coating failure. We never skip that step.

Both are professional-grade concrete coating systems, but they have some meaningful differences. Epoxy is known for its deep, high-gloss finish, excellent adhesion, and strong chemical resistance. Polyaspartic coatings cure faster, offer higher UV resistance right out of the gate, and tend to be more flexible, which makes them well-suited for outdoor surfaces and environments with significant temperature swings. In many cases the best installation uses both, with an epoxy base coat and a polyaspartic topcoat that combines the strengths of each system. We’ll recommend the right approach for your specific surface and situation.

One of the biggest benefits of a coated floor is how easy it is to maintain. Regular sweeping or dust mopping handles everyday dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, a mop with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner is all you need. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach-based cleaners, or abrasive scrubbing tools that can dull the finish over time. For garage floors, cleaning up oil or chemical spills promptly keeps the surface looking its best. Customers consistently tell us that maintaining their coated floor is one of the easiest parts of owning it.

Yes, and this is one of the most appreciated benefits for homeowners in this region. Bare concrete is porous and constantly sheds fine dust particles, a problem made worse by the dry conditions across eastern New Mexico and West Texas. A concrete coating completely seals the surface, eliminating that dusting effect and making the garage a noticeably cleaner environment. It’s one of the changes customers mention most consistently after their installation is complete.

Absolutely. We use coating systems specifically formulated for exterior concrete that handle UV exposure, temperature swings, moisture, and the kind of weather that eastern New Mexico and West Texas regularly dish out. A coated patio or pool deck is not only easier to clean and better looking, it’s significantly more protected against the surface deterioration that bare outdoor concrete develops over time. Slip-resistant finish options are also available for pool decks and other wet areas.

Yes, and commercial environments are actually where professional-grade coating systems really prove their value. We specify coating systems based on the actual demands of your facility, including traffic levels, chemical exposure, load requirements, and hygiene standards. A warehouse floor that sees forklift traffic every day has different needs than a restaurant kitchen or a retail showroom, and we match the product to the environment rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.

The most important things to look for are a clear explanation of their surface preparation process, transparent pricing, and local experience in your specific climate. Any contractor who can’t explain in detail how they prepare the surface before applying a coating is worth being cautious about. Ask to see examples of completed work. Ask how long the installation will take. Make sure you receive a written quote with clear line items before any work begins. At Elev8 Coatings, we welcome every one of those questions and are happy to walk you through our entire process before you make any decision.

A local company that works exclusively in your region understands your climate, your soil conditions, and the specific challenges that come with coating concrete in eastern New Mexico and West Texas. National franchises often use standardized processes that aren’t tailored to local conditions, and the crew showing up to your property may have little real experience with the environment they’re working in. At Elev8 Coatings, every project we take on is right here in the region we live and work in. We know what this climate does to concrete, we know what products perform best here, and we stand behind our work because our reputation in this community means everything to us.