Does the Garage Have to Be Empty for a Garage Floor Coating Installation?

January 3, 2025

Planning a garage floor coating installation can bring up a lot of questions, and one of the most common is: “Does the garage need to be completely empty?” The short answer is yes, but don’t worry—clearing your garage doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Spray ’n Coat Painting, our goal is to deliver exceptional results, and we firmly believe that "planning is the key to success." That’s why we offer guidance and support, including coordinating storage solutions and movers, to make the process stress-free. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a seamless project and a flawless floor coating.


Why the Garage Needs to Be Empty


An empty garage is essential for ensuring the highest quality results. Here’s why:


  • Surface Preparation: Proper preparation is the foundation of a durable coating. Our process includes diamond grinding to remove dirt, oil, and surface imperfections while creating the perfect texture for the coating to adhere. If items are left in the garage, it’s impossible to prepare every inch of the concrete properly.
  • Unobstructed Application: An empty garage ensures our team can work efficiently, applying the coating evenly without interruptions or having to work around obstacles. This helps achieve a smooth, professional finish.
  • Protecting Your Belongings: Coating applications involve specialized equipment and materials that can create dust and splatter. Clearing the garage prevents accidental damage to your possessions.
  • Full Coverage: Leaving items in place can lead to incomplete coating coverage, impacting the durability and aesthetics of your garage floor.


How to Handle Larger Items


While most items can be temporarily moved to another space, certain large or immovable objects like refrigerators, safes, and water softeners require special consideration. Here’s how to manage them:


Refrigerators and Freezers:

  • Option 1: Relocate Temporarily: Move your fridge to a covered outdoor area or another room in the house. Be sure to plug it in to keep its contents cold.
  • Option 2: Plan for Empty Space: If relocating isn’t possible, let us know in advance. We can apply the coating around the base, ensuring seamless coverage while accommodating the appliance.


Safes:

  • Assess Mobility: If the safe can be moved, relocate it temporarily to ensure complete coating application.
  • Leave in Place: For extremely heavy or bolted safes, we’ll work around them and ensure the surrounding area is properly prepped and coated.


Water Softeners or Water Heaters:

  • Temporarily Disconnect: If it’s feasible, these units can be disconnected and moved. Always consult a professional for safe handling.
  • Work Around: If disconnection isn’t an option, we’ll carefully coat around these fixtures to maintain the integrity of the surrounding floor.


Coordinating Storage and Movers


At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we aim to make preparation as convenient as possible. Through our partnership with Storage Cubbies, we can help you coordinate a storage pod for temporary belongings. Need assistance with heavy lifting? We can also coordinate professional movers to handle large or bulky items, ensuring your garage is completely cleared without added stress.


Tips for Garage Prep


Clearing your garage might feel daunting, but these tips can make the process easier:


  • Start Early: Begin decluttering a few days in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Use a Storage Pod: Portable storage units from our partners at Storage Cubbies are a convenient way to temporarily store your belongings.
  • Enlist Help: Friends, family, or professional movers can assist with heavy lifting or handle all the lifting if needed.
  • Label and Organize: Use this opportunity to organize your items so they’re easy to return after the coating is complete.


Why Proper Prep Matters


At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we’re committed to delivering garage floor coatings that not only look incredible but also stand the test of time. Proper preparation, including an empty workspace, is key to achieving:


  • Maximum Adhesion: A clean, obstruction-free surface ensures the coating bonds perfectly to the concrete.
  • Long-Term Durability: A flawless application prevents peeling, chipping, or cracking over time.
  • Seamless Aesthetics: An empty garage allows for smooth, consistent coverage without interruptions.


High-Quality Floor Coatings in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa


Whether you’re upgrading your garage with polyurea, polyaspartic, or professional-grade epoxy coatings, our team has the expertise to handle your project from start to finish. Serving the Boise-Metro area and the greater Treasure Valley, Spray ’n Coat Painting provides top-tier floor coatings backed by expert prep work and attention to detail.


Ready to Transform Your Garage?


Contact Spray ’n Coat Painting today to schedule your free on-site estimate. Let us help you create a durable, stunning garage floor that enhances both the look and function of your space.

August 4, 2025
Spray ’n Coat Painting recently completed a wood door refinishing project for a homeowner in Middleton, Idaho. Over time, their beautiful solid wood front door had faded and weathered from sun exposure—something we see often across the Treasure Valley. But rather than replace the door, the homeowner reached out to us to restore its appearance and match the interior wood tones for a cohesive look inside and out. Here’s What We Did We began by carefully sanding the front door and surrounding trim to remove the worn finish and prepare the surface for new stain. Before proceeding with the full application, we tested a sample stain on a small section of the door to make sure it matched the interior tones. Once approved by the homeowner, we applied stain across the entire door surface while keeping the door in place. After allowing proper dry time, we returned to apply two coats of a UV-stable clear finish. This protective layer will help preserve the color, protect against sun damage, and keep the door looking beautiful for years to come. Why Staining Is Better Than Replacing Many homeowners assume a worn or faded door needs to be replaced—but most solid wood doors just need the right restoration process. Staining not only revives the wood’s natural beauty, but also allows you to better control color tone and finish. It’s a more sustainable and cost-effective way to maintain curb appeal and protect your home’s entryway. Our UV-stable clear coats are especially important in areas like Middleton, where intense sunlight can break down traditional sealants and finishes over time.
August 4, 2025
Spray ’n Coat Painting recently had the pleasure of working with Tamara Michel to refresh the interior of her beautiful family home in Eagle, Idaho. Like many of our customers, Tamara was referred by a friend who had recently completed a project with us—and we were honored to help her bring a new sense of light and warmth into her home. Her walls were previously painted in a creamy yellow that had started to feel outdated and overly warm, especially alongside her natural wood cabinetry. After reviewing color options, Tamara chose one of our most recommended interior shades— Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) —to brighten and modernize the space while still complementing the home’s existing features. Here’s What We Did: We painted the walls throughout the main level using Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in a satin/eggshell finish , a choice that helped reflect natural light while maintaining a soft, elegant look. This project included the: Living room Kitchen and dining area Hallways Stairway Powder bath Laundry room Master bedroom, bathroom, and water closet Each room was carefully prepped and painted to create a clean, cohesive result that enhanced the natural beauty of the space without overwhelming it. Why Alabaster Was the Perfect Fit Alabaster is one of those rare paint colors that manages to be both warm and neutral at the same time. Named Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year in 2016, it has remained a best-seller thanks to its versatility and timeless appeal. In Tamara’s case, Alabaster helped tone down the yellow hues in her natural wood cabinetry , something that the previous wall color had unintentionally amplified. The new wall color created a beautiful contrast that softened the overall look of the space while still feeling warm and welcoming.
August 4, 2025
Commercial Interior Office Repaint for Datablaze
August 4, 2025
A commercial floor coating upgrade for one of Idaho’s most iconic performance venues
August 4, 2025
Exterior repairs and MultiSpec refinishing for The Sundance Company in Meridian
peeling epoxy floor coating
June 12, 2025
Learn why commercial epoxy floors peel and how to prevent costly failures. Discover key causes like moisture vapor pressure and poor prep—and how Spray 'n Coat Painting ensures long-lasting results.
photo of the Caldwell, Idaho airport terminal showing a grind and seal concrete floor
June 2, 2025
Compare grind and seal systems vs. polished concrete. Learn which floor coating works best for your commercial space in Boise, Nampa, or Meridian.
May 30, 2025
At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we often get called in to finish what others couldn’t quite get right—and that was the case with this 2,000 sq. ft. concrete floor coating project at the Caldwell Airport terminal. The building, now home to a private charter company, needed a durable and clean finish to make the space more welcoming for employees and travelers. Project Background This terminal originally had carpet in several areas, and after it was removed, thick glue residue was left behind across the concrete floors. Our customer had hired another contractor to handle the coating work, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary equipment and experience for the job. That’s when we stepped in to get things done right. Our Process To give the customer the clean, sealed finish he was hoping for, our crew tackled the job in several key steps: Joint Filler Replacement: We started by removing the old joint filler and refilling the seams. Heavy Grinding & Surface Prep: Using professional grinding equipment, we stripped away all glue residue and opened up the pores of the concrete to ensure a strong bond. Matte Polyurethane Coating: We applied a commercial-grade polyurethane sealer in a matte finish. This not only improved the look of the space but also provided a stain-resistant, slip-resistant surface that can stand up to heavy foot traffic. Why It Matters For a commercial space like this—where first impressions matter and safety is non-negotiable—the right prep and coating system makes all the difference. The finished floor is now sealed, low-maintenance, and ready to take on day-to-day traffic from both staff and customers.
By Katherine Collins May 19, 2025
What is right for your project – wood stain vs. varnish? Discover the best uses for each in our guide, perfect for Boise, Meridian, and Nampa homeowners.
By Katherine Collins May 19, 2025
Discover the best wood stain colors for your surfaces. Find the perfect stain to transform your Boise, Meridian, or Nampa home.
More Posts