Epoxy vs Polished Concrete: Melbourne Garage Guide
Two popular garage finishes, very different results. If you are deciding between epoxy and polished concrete for your Melbourne garage, here is what you need to know.
What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete mechanically grinds and hones the existing concrete slab to a glossy finish. No coating is applied. The look is the raw concrete itself. The finish ranges from a matte grind to a high-gloss mirror polish, depending on the grit sequence used. Polished concrete is porous unless a densifier or sealer is applied, which means oil and liquid spills will absorb into the slab.
What Is Epoxy?
Epoxy applies a resin-based coating system over prepared concrete. It adds colour, texture, chemical resistance and a sealed, impermeable surface. The coating system typically includes a primer, one or two colour coats, and a UV-stable polyurethane topcoat. The result is a non-porous surface that repels oil, petrol, and cleaning chemicals.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Polished Concrete | Epoxy |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $60-90 per sqm | $70-100 per sqm |
| Appearance | Raw, industrial | Glossy, coloured, textured |
| Chemical resistance | None (absorbs oil) | High (repels oil, petrol, coolant) |
| Slip resistance | Low when wet | Adjustable with aggregate |
| Repairability | Difficult | Localised repair possible |
| UV stability | Good | Excellent with PU topcoat |
Slip Resistance Standards
In Australia, slip resistance for internal wet areas is governed by AS 4586. Polished concrete typically rates R9 to R10 when dry but can drop significantly when wet or contaminated with oil. Epoxy systems can be specified with broadcast anti-slip aggregate to achieve R11 or higher, which is why they are the preferred choice for workshop floors and commercial environments. Standards Australia publishes the current test method and classification system for floor surface slip resistance.
The Garage Question
Garages present a specific problem for polished concrete: oil. A single oil leak from a parked car will leave a permanent stain on an unsealed polished concrete floor. No amount of cleaning removes oil that has absorbed into a porous slab. Polished concrete in a garage requires a penetrating sealer applied regularly to maintain stain resistance - a maintenance step most homeowners stop doing after a year.
Epoxy is non-porous from day one. Oil, petrol, brake fluid, and coolant sit on the surface and wipe off with a rag. That is why the vast majority of Melbourne garages, workshops, and automotive businesses choose epoxy over polished concrete for their floor.
Which Is Right for Your Garage?
Choose polished concrete if: you want an industrial showroom look, never park a leaking or dripping car, are willing to apply a penetrating sealer annually, and do not use the space as a workshop.
Choose epoxy if: you use your garage as a workshop, store chemicals, park vehicles that may drip oil, want colour and finish options, or need a surface that is easy to keep clean with minimal maintenance.
Most Melbourne homeowners choose epoxy for garages and polished concrete for showrooms or retail spaces without vehicle traffic. Call 0413 476 530 to discuss your space.