5 Questions for Epoxy Contractors

Hiring an epoxy flooring contractor is a significant investment. The difference between a floor that lasts 15 years and one that peels in 18 months often comes down to the contractor you choose. Before you sign a contract or put down a deposit, ask these five critical questions.

1. What Surface Preparation Method Do You Use?

Surface preparation is the single most important factor in how well an epoxy coating adheres and how long it lasts. The best contractors use diamond grinding or shot blasting to create a proper profile on the concrete. This mechanical preparation opens the pores of the concrete so the epoxy can bond at a molecular level.

Be cautious of contractors who only acid-etch the floor. While acid etching can work on small, clean, new concrete, it's generally not sufficient for garage floors that have been exposed to oils, tire marks, and wear. The coating may look fine initially but can start peeling within a year.

What you want to hear: "We diamond grind every floor before coating. It's the only way to guarantee proper adhesion." If a contractor says acid etching is sufficient for your stained, older garage floor, that's a red flag.

2. What Coating System Will You Use?

Not all epoxy is created equal. Ask the contractor to specify exactly which products they'll use, including the manufacturer and product names. A quality installation typically includes:

• A primer or penetrating sealer applied directly to the prepped concrete
• A 100% solids or high-solids epoxy base coat (not a water-based epoxy)
• Decorative flakes or metallic pigments (if desired)
• A clear polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat for UV protection and durability

Water-based epoxy kits from hardware stores use a much lower solids content, which means a thinner film and shorter lifespan. Professional-grade 100% solids epoxy provides a much thicker, more durable coating. Ask about the total dry film thickness, a quality system should be at least 10–15 mils thick.

3. How Long Have You Been Installing Epoxy Floors?

Experience matters in this trade. Epoxy application has a learning curve, and even small mistakes during mixing, application, or timing can ruin a floor. Look for contractors with at least 3–5 years of dedicated experience in epoxy flooring (not just general concrete work or painting).

Ask to see photos of completed projects similar to yours. A reputable contractor will have a portfolio of residential or commercial work they're proud to show. If possible, ask for references from past customers, particularly projects that are at least a year old so you can see how the coating is holding up.

4. What Does Your Warranty Cover?

A warranty shows that the contractor stands behind their work. But not all warranties are equal. Ask for specifics:

• How many years does the warranty cover?
• Does it cover both materials and labor?
• What would void the warranty (e.g., specific chemicals, power washing)?
• Is peeling, bubbling, or delamination covered?
• Is hot-tire pickup covered?

Most quality contractors offer a 2–5 year warranty on labor and materials, with some offering longer coverage on specific coating systems. Be wary of contractors who offer no written warranty at all, or who promise "lifetime" coverage without clear written terms.

5. Can You Provide a Detailed Written Estimate?

A professional contractor should provide a written estimate that breaks down the work clearly. The estimate should include:

• Total project cost with no hidden fees
• Surface preparation method and scope
• Specific products and coating system to be used
• Number of coats and expected dry film thickness
• Cure time before foot traffic and vehicle traffic
• Warranty terms in writing
• Expected project timeline

Vague verbal quotes or single-line estimates should raise concern. If a contractor can't or won't put the details in writing, it's usually better to move on.

A good rule of thumb: if a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low bids often mean the contractor is cutting corners on prep work, using lower-quality materials, or planning fewer coats.

Finding the Right Contractor

Taking the time to ask these questions upfront can save you thousands of dollars and years of frustration. A qualified contractor will welcome your questions, it shows you're an informed customer, and honest contractors prefer working with informed customers.

Need help finding experienced epoxy flooring contractors in your area? Request free quotes from local contractors and compare your options. You can also browse our service pages to learn more about different types of epoxy flooring.