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.

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Project Spotlight: Sealing the Deal at the Caldwell Airport Terminal

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.

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