The Temptation of DIY
We get it. You walk into Home Depot, see a Rust-Oleum or Quikrete epoxy kit for $250-400, and think: "Why would I pay a professional $2,000+ when I can do it myself?"
It's a fair question. And we're going to give you an honest answer—even though it might convince some people to try DIY. Here's the truth:
Why DIY Kits Fail
We fix failed DIY epoxy jobs almost every week. Here are the most common reasons they fail:
1. The Product is Inferior
DIY kits are water-based epoxy with only 40-50% solids. When the water evaporates, you're left with a coating that's only 2-3 mils thick—about the thickness of a piece of paper.
Professional 100% solids epoxy goes on at 15-20+ mils—5-10x thicker. This isn't marketing; it's chemistry. More thickness = more durability = longer life.
2. Surface Prep is Inadequate
DIY kits include "etching solution" (basically diluted acid) and tell you to mop it on. This barely scratches the surface—literally.
Professionals use diamond grinders that create a proper surface profile. This mechanical preparation creates thousands of microscopic grooves for the epoxy to grip. Without it, epoxy peels like a sunburn.
3. No Moisture Testing
Concrete looks solid, but it's actually porous and often holds moisture—especially in the High Desert where our alkaline soil traps water vapor. Applying epoxy over moist concrete causes:
- Bubbling and fisheyes
- Peeling within months
- White spots (blushing)
- Complete delamination
We test every floor with a calcium chloride test or electronic meter before starting.
4. Hot Tire Pickup
This is the #1 complaint we hear from DIY customers. You park your car after driving, the tires are hot, and when you move the car... chunks of epoxy come with it.
DIY kits don't have the heat resistance of professional coatings. Our systems include polyaspartic topcoats specifically designed to resist hot tire transfer.
5. Application Errors
Professional epoxy has strict application requirements:
- Specific temperature and humidity ranges
- Precise mixing ratios and times
- Limited pot life (working time)
- Proper cure time between coats
Get any of these wrong, and the coating fails. Most DIY installers don't know these variables even exist.
The Real Cost Comparison
Let's do the math for a typical 2-car garage (450 sq ft):
- DIY Initial Cost: $300-500 + $100-200 tools = $400-700
- Professional Cost: $1,800-2,500 (everything included)
Sounds like DIY wins, right? Now factor in lifespan:
- DIY 10-Year Cost: $1,500-3,000+ (including removal and redo)
- Professional 10-Year Cost: $1,800-2,500 (still going strong)
- DIY Cost Per Year: $150-300
- Professional Cost Per Year: $90-125
When DIY Might Work
We're not saying DIY always fails. It can work if:
- You're coating a low-traffic area (shed, storage room)
- You don't park hot cars on it
- You're okay redoing it every few years
- Your concrete is new and in perfect condition
- You're renting and don't need longevity
What Professional Installation Includes
When you hire Epoxy By Shorty, here's what you get:
- ✓ Diamond grinding for proper surface profile
- ✓ Crack and spall repair before coating
- ✓ Moisture testing to ensure success
- ✓ 100% solids commercial epoxy
- ✓ UV-stable, hot-tire resistant topcoat
- ✓ Non-slip additive for safety
- ✓ Lifetime workmanship warranty
- ✓ 1-2 day installation with minimal disruption
The Bottom Line
DIY epoxy is like painting over rust—it looks good for a minute, then fails worse than before. If you want a floor that lasts, that looks professional, and that adds value to your home, professional installation pays for itself.
And if you've already done DIY and it's failing? We can fix it. The removal adds cost, but we can still give you the floor you wanted in the first place.