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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What Is an Industrial Coating?

By Aaron Cote • December 22, 2025

When most people think of paint, they picture color and style. But in the world of industrial painting , coatings do much more than decorate—they protect . Industrial coatings are specialized finishes engineered to shield surfaces from moisture, corrosion, chemicals, and everyday wear. From warehouses and factories to parking garages and commercial floors, these coatings create durable, functional surfaces that stand the test of time. If you own or manage a business property in Boise, understanding what industrial coatings are —and when to use them—can save you thousands in maintenance and repair costs. The Purpose of Industrial Coatings Unlike regular paint, which focuses on appearance, industrial coatings are performance-driven. They’re formulated to protect concrete, metal, and other building materials in demanding environments. These coatings create a tough, protective film that resists impact, abrasion, chemicals, and weather. In essence, industrial coatings are your property’s first line of defense. They prevent rust on metal beams, seal moisture out of concrete floors , and extend the lifespan of surfaces that endure heavy use. Whether used on warehouse floors, machinery, or exterior walls, they deliver both function and longevity . Common Types of Industrial Coatings Different coatings serve different purposes. Here are some of the most widely used types in Boise commercial and industrial spaces: Epoxy Coatings: Known for strength and adhesion, epoxy coatings are ideal for concrete floors, garages, and warehouses. They resist chemicals, oils, and abrasions while providing a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Polyurethane Coatings: Flexible and UV-resistant, polyurethane coatings are often applied over epoxy for added protection. They work well for exteriors exposed to sunlight and temperature changes. Acrylic Coatings: Acrylics are fast-drying and suitable for both interior painting and exterior applications . They’re often used where aesthetic appeal and moderate protection are both desired. Zinc-Rich Coatings: Used primarily on steel and metal structures, these coatings provide superior corrosion resistance. The zinc acts as a sacrificial barrier, protecting the metal underneath. Elastomeric Coatings: Perfect for roofs, walls, and stucco surfaces, elastomeric coatings stretch and contract with the material underneath, sealing out moisture while maintaining flexibility. Each coating type serves a specific need, and professional painters choose products based on the surface, exposure, and environment. Key Benefits of Industrial Coatings Industrial coatings offer a long list of benefits beyond aesthetics. For Boise business owners, the investment pays off through better protection, lower maintenance, and improved safety. Durability: Coatings create a hard, resilient layer that withstands heavy machinery, traffic, and cleaning. Corrosion Resistance: Metal structures are especially vulnerable to rust and oxidation. Coatings form a barrier against water and oxygen, extending their lifespan. Chemical Protection: Industrial facilities that use solvents, oils, or acids rely on coatings to prevent surface damage and contamination. Easy Maintenance: Coated surfaces are easier to clean and maintain. Dust, dirt, and spills can be wiped away without damaging the finish. Safety and Compliance: Many coatings improve traction, reduce slip hazards, and meet OSHA safety standards—critical for warehouses and production areas. Cost Efficiency: By extending the life of existing structures and surfaces, industrial coatings reduce repair and replacement costs over time. Where Industrial Coatings Are Used Industrial coatings are found everywhere—from large commercial buildings to small workshops. Here are some of the most common applications around Boise: Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Floor coatings protect against forklifts, pallet jacks, and constant movement. Manufacturing Facilities: Coatings safeguard machinery, tanks, and production areas from chemicals and abrasion. Parking Garages: Concrete sealers and waterproof coatings prevent cracks, stains, and salt damage. Retail and Office Buildings: Exterior coatings preserve appearance and protect against weather. Healthcare and Food Service: Hygienic, nonporous coatings maintain cleanliness and meet strict sanitation standards. Agricultural and Industrial Equipment: Protective coatings prevent rust and wear on exposed metal surfaces. Wherever durability and cleanliness matter, industrial coatings deliver. Industrial Coatings vs. Regular Paint While industrial coatings and standard paint may look similar on the surface, their composition and performance are very different.