How to Choose the Right Color and Finish for Your Coated Floor

A high-quality concrete floor coating does more than just protect your surface; it transforms the entire look and feel of your space. Whether it’s a garage, a commercial showroom, or a patio, the color and finish you select play a major role in the final result. With so many options available, making the right choice can seem difficult.

Here are a few tips that will help you select the perfect color and finish for a floor you will appreciate for years to come.

Consider the Purpose of Your Space

A busy commercial space has different needs than a residential garage or a back patio. For a high-traffic area like a commercial showroom or workshop, you might prefer a multi-toned flake blend that helps conceal dirt and scuffs between cleanings. These decorative flakes add texture and visual depth, maintaining a professional appearance even under heavy use.

For residential garages, the choice can be more personal—some homeowners prefer a clean, solid color while others want a showroom-style flake floor. Patios and outdoor spaces often benefit from lighter colors that absorb less heat from the sun.

The Impact of Color and Light

Color has a significant effect on the perception of a room. Light colors like tan, beige, or light gray can make a small or dark space, such as a garage without windows, feel larger and brighter. They reflect more ambient and artificial light, improving visibility and creating an open, airy atmosphere.

Darker colors, including charcoal or deep blues, can provide a dramatic, modern look. They are excellent for creating contrast in a well-lit room or for hiding imperfections. It is important to remember that dark colors may absorb more heat and show dust more readily than lighter options.

Selecting the Right Finish Sheen

The finish, or topcoat, determines the floor's sheen and tactile feel. The most common choice is a high-gloss finish, which provides a brilliant, mirror-like surface. Its non-porous nature makes it incredibly easy to clean, and its high reflectivity brightens any space. This "wet look" is popular for garages and showrooms because it creates a polished, high-end appearance.

A satin or matte finish offers a more subtle, contemporary alternative. Its lower sheen minimizes glare, which is beneficial in brightly lit areas or rooms with many windows. A satin finish is also better at concealing micro-scratches that can occur over time in high-use environments. The choice between gloss and satin is primarily aesthetic—both provide the same industry-leading protection that our coating system is known for.

Complementing Your Existing Style

Your new floor should integrate seamlessly with your property's existing design. Take note of the colors in your walls, cabinetry, and home’s exterior. For a cohesive design, choose a floor color that shares a similar undertone with other elements in the space. For example, if your home features warm, natural materials like cedar siding or earth-toned stone, a floor with a beige, tan, or brown flake blend will tie everything together beautifully.

Choosing the right color and finish is a decision that impacts both the beauty and function of your floor. The polyurea and polyaspartic coating system from Deschutes Concrete Coatings offers a wide range of durable and attractive options to fit any need. Contact us today for a free consultation to see samples and discuss what would work best for your property.