ArmorPoxy Commercial Kits: True 100% Solids

By Mark Williams | Exterior Remodeling Expert

I see a lot of garage floor disasters. Every spring, homeowners go to their local big-box hardware store, buy a $100 "epoxy paint" kit, roll it onto their garage floor over a weekend, and are thrilled.

Six months later, their hot car tires physically melt the cheap paint, peeling it up in massive, ugly chunks. As a contractor, I get the frantic phone call to come fix it.

If you want an epoxy floor that rivals professional installations, you cannot use water-based epoxy. You need a 100% Solids Epoxy. ArmorPoxy is one of the very few direct-to-consumer suppliers of true, commercial-grade floor coatings, offering systems that are significantly superior to standard retail kits.

What does "100% Solids" Mean?

When you buy cheap epoxy, it is often 50% solids and 50% water (or solvents). When you roll it onto the floor, the water evaporates as it dries. This means the coating shrinks, leaving a very thin layer (often just 3-4 mils thick) that is easily scratched, gouged by dropped tools, and vulnerable to hot-tire pickup.

ArmorPoxy is 100% solids. There is no water to evaporate. If you roll it on at a thickness of 15 mils, it cures at exactly 15 mils.

• Self-Leveling: Because it is so thick, it acts like liquid glass. It flows into minor cracks, divots, and imperfections in the concrete, completely hiding them.
• Extreme Durability: This is the exact same chemical formulation used in airplane hangars, forklift aisles, and commercial kitchens. It is virtually indestructible under normal residential use.

The ArmorPoxy ArmorGarage System

Their most popular kit for homeowners is the ArmorGarage system. I recommend this specific kit to DIYers because it includes everything you need for a professional-grade finish:

1. Prep: An acid etching solution to prep the concrete (though I strongly advise mechanical grinding if you can rent the equipment).
2. Base Coat: The thick, 100% solids epoxy base coat.
3. Flakes: Color flakes to hide dirt and add crucial traction.
4. Topcoat: A military-grade urethane clear coat, which provides UV protection and immense chemical resistance.

Pros and Cons from the Field

My Experience (Pros)

• Commercial Grade: True 100% solids epoxy provides extreme durability and thickness that no big-box kit can touch.
• Complete System: Kits include everything from prep materials to the final topcoat.
• Self-Leveling Properties: Hides minor concrete imperfections much better than thin water-based paints.
• Excellent Support: ArmorPoxy offers great technical phone support if you get stuck mid-project.

My Experience (Cons)

• Difficult Application: 100% solids epoxy is very thick (like spreading warm honey) and physically demanding to roll out.
• Short Pot Life: Once mixed, you must work extremely fast. It can harden in the bucket in as little as 15-20 minutes on a hot day.
• Long Cure Time: It typically takes 3-5 days before you can safely park a car on it, unlike professional polyaspartic systems which cure in a day.
• Prep is Still Crucial: Even with a great product, if you don't prep the concrete perfectly, it will fail.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

ArmorPoxy is more expensive than big-box store kits, but significantly cheaper than hiring a professional.

• Standard 2-Car Garage (approx 400-500 sq ft): A complete ArmorGarage kit typically costs between $600 and $800.
• Tools and Rentals: If you choose to rent a concrete grinder (which I highly recommend over acid etching), expect to add $100 to $150 to your project budget.
• Professional Installation Comparison: Having my crew professionally install a similar 100% solids system would cost between $2,000 and $3,500 depending on concrete prep.

Installation Challenges & Tips

While ArmorPoxy provides excellent instructions, installing 100% solids epoxy is significantly harder than painting a wall. Here are my rules for success:

• Thickness: It takes some physical effort to roll it out evenly. Use high-quality, lint-free rollers on a heavy-duty pole.
• Pot Life: Once you mix the two parts together, a chemical reaction starts generating heat. Crucial Tip: Pour the mixed epoxy onto the floor immediately in a ribbon. If you leave it in the bucket, the concentrated heat will cause it to flash-cure into a solid block in 15 minutes.
• Temperature: Never apply in direct sunlight or when the concrete is extremely hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use acid etch instead of a grinder? ArmorPoxy kits come with acid etch, and it can work on bare, unsealed concrete. However, for a true commercial bond, renting a walk-behind diamond grinder to open the concrete pores is vastly superior and prevents peeling down the road.

Does it suffer from Hot Tire Pickup? No. Because it is a 100% solids epoxy (especially when top-coated with their urethane), it creates a chemical bond with the concrete that is stronger than the concrete itself. Hot tires will not lift it.

Is it slippery when wet? The epoxy itself is very smooth and can be slippery. However, ArmorPoxy kits usually include an anti-slip additive (like aluminum oxide) that you mix into the topcoat to provide aggressive traction.