Hiring a contractor without knowing what they should be doing is the easiest way to get a bad floor. This is the exact day-by-day walkthrough of a professional epoxy floor installation in Orlando: what happens at each step, why it matters, and what to ask your contractor if they skip a step. Use this as a checklist when you're evaluating any quote.
Step 1: Free on-site quote (Day 0)
A real epoxy contractor will come to your Orlando home or business in person, measure the slab, look at slab condition (cracks, oil stains, existing coatings, moisture), and discuss finish options with you. Beware of anyone quoting blindly over the phone or by photo — they're guessing. We typically do this within 48 hours of your call and the quote is in writing within 24 hours of the visit.
Step 2: Schedule + prep (1–3 days before)
- You move out cars, shelving, freezer, bikes — we need an empty slab
- We confirm weather forecast (extreme rain delays install)
- You disconnect any utilities (extension cords, garage door opener may briefly need to be off)
Step 3: Diamond grinding (Day 1, morning — 2–3 hours)
The slab is mechanically ground with diamond-segment grinders to remove the cement laitance (the smooth top layer) and create a CSP 3–4 surface profile. The slab will look gray and dusty when this is done — that's correct. The grinder uses HEPA vacuum dust extraction so the work is nearly dust-free.
Step 4: Moisture test + crack repair (Day 1, midday)
We test slab moisture with a calcium chloride or RH probe. Cracks are widened with a saw, vacuumed, and filled with epoxy crack-fill that's sanded flush after curing. Pinholes and pop-outs are patched. The slab is then vacuumed completely clean.
Step 5: Prime coat (Day 1, afternoon — 1 hour to apply)
A thin epoxy primer is rolled across the slab. If your moisture test showed elevated vapor, this is a moisture-mitigation primer. Cures in 4–6 hours.
Step 6: Base coat + decorative layer (Day 2, morning — 2 hours)
Pigmented 100% solids epoxy is rolled on as the build coat. While it's still wet, the decorative element is added:
- Flake floor: Vinyl chip flakes are broadcast (thrown) into the wet base until refusal
- Metallic floor: Metallic pigments are hand-worked with rollers, brushes, blowtorches to create the marbled depth
- Solid color: Skip the decorative step, just second pass for full coverage
Step 7: Scrape, vacuum, prep for topcoat (Day 2, after 6–8 hour cure)
Loose flakes that didn't bond are scraped off and vacuumed. The surface is inspected for any defects to be fixed before the topcoat seals everything in.
Step 8: Polyaspartic topcoat (Day 3, morning — 1 hour to apply)
The final clear UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat is rolled on. This is what gives the floor its glass-smooth gloss and locks in the decorative layer. Anti-slip aggregate is added at this stage if your space needs it (pool deck, kitchen, etc).
Step 9: Cure (Day 3 evening – Day 5)
- Walk on it: 18–24 hours after final topcoat
- Move light items back: 36–48 hours
- Drive on it: 72 hours
- Full chemical cure: 7 days
Step 10: Final walkthrough + warranty (Day 5)
We come back to walk the finished floor with you, hand over a written 10-year warranty, and give you a care guide. Bring up any concerns now — touch-ups under warranty are easier in the first week.
Total elapsed time for an Orlando garage
- Active work days on-site: 2–3
- Time you can't use the space: 3–5 days
- Full project from quote to driving on it: typically 7–10 days
Ready to get started?
Call (407) 821-1863 for a free on-site quote. We typically schedule installs within 2–3 weeks of approval. Serving Orlando, Winter Park, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Lake Nona, Bay Hill, Kissimmee, Apopka, and surrounding Central Florida.