If you’re shopping for an epoxy garage floor, you’ll hear contractors use phrases like “industrial-grade epoxy,” “commercial epoxy,” or “professional resin.” One of the most important questions you can ask is:

Are you using a 100% solids epoxy resin system?

At DMV Epoxy Pro, we use professional-grade resins such as E2U 100% Solids Epoxy  because they cure into a thicker, stronger coating film and provide the foundation a long-lasting system needs.

If you’re considering garage epoxy floors, see our system here – Garage Epoxy Floors, or for commercial applications check out our Commercial Epoxy Floor guide.

What are the 100% Solids Epoxy Benefits?

The biggest 100% solid epoxy benefits come from the fact that there are no added water or solvent carriers that evaporate during curing. That means the coating builds to its intended thickness and cures into a dense, durable film. In simple terms: what you apply is what you get.

That matters because many lower-grade coatings are diluted with water or solvents. As those evaporate, the coating:

• Loses thickness

• Shrinks as it cures

• Can become more “paint-like” and less durable

100% Solids vs. Solvent-Based and Water-Based Epoxy

Not all “epoxy” products are the same. Here’s what separates a professional resin system from a thin coating.

100% solids epoxy

• Cures into a thicker, denser film

• Minimal shrinkage during cure

• Better build and durability for base layers

Solvent-based epoxy (varies by product)

• Solvents evaporate during cure

• More shrinkage and film loss compared to 100% solids

• Strong smell/odor is common due to solvents

Water-based epoxy (often thinner)

• Water evaporates during cure

• Typically thinner final film

• Often used as a light-duty coating compared to pro resin systems

Why 100% Solids Epoxy is the Best Epoxy for Garage Floors

Garages are hard on floors—hot tires, salt, grit, heavy tools, and temperature swings. You want a base layer that’s built to take it.

Thicker coating build more durable epoxy floor coatings

Because 100% solids epoxy doesn’t evaporate, it cures into a higher-build coating. More build leads to a more durable epoxy floor coating.

• Wear resistance

• Impact resistance

• Long-term durability

Less shrinkage means fewer weak points

As coatings shrink during cure, they can pull slightly, creating micro-weaknesses or inconsistent thickness. A 100% solids system cures with:

• Minimal shrinkage

• More consistent film thickness

• A more stable foundation for the full system

Better foundation for decorative flake systems

If you’re installing a full flake floor, the epoxy layer needs to:

• Hold flakes consistently

• Encapsulate evenly

• Support the topcoat without weak spots

A professional-grade resin base helps ensure the floor looks uniform and performs long-term. That is why we recommend only 100% solids epoxy for garage floors.

Why 100% Solids Epoxy Matters Even More as a Basecoat

In a professional coating system, the basecoat’s job is to bond to concrete and hold the system together. A quality resin basecoat:

• Anchors tightly to properly prepared concrete

• Provides the structure for the decorative layer

• Supports moisture mitigation systems where needed

At DMV Epoxy Pro, our epoxy basecoat system includes a moisture vapor barrier rated for a minimum moisture emission rate (MVER) of 9 lbs, helping reduce the risk of moisture-related failures like bubbling or delamination. Want to learn more about concrete prep and moisture control?

Common Myths About 100% Solids Epoxy

Myth: “All epoxy is basically the same”

Reality: Many products marketed as “epoxy” are closer to paint-level coatings. Resin quality, solids content, and system design make a major difference.

Myth: “A thicker coat always fixes everything”

Reality: Thickness helps—but surface preparation and moisture control are just as critical. A great resin installed over poor prep can still fail.

Myth: “If it’s shiny, it’s durable”

Reality: Gloss is not a durability metric. Longevity comes from concrete prep, resin quality, and a complete system (including a high-performance topcoat like polyaspartic).

How to Tell If You’re Getting a Professional-Grade Epoxy System

Here are a few signs you’re dealing with a true pro install—not a thin coating application:

The contractor explains a full system (not “one coat epoxy paint”)

Look for clear language about:

• Concrete grinding and surface profiling

• Crack repair

• Basecoat + broadcast + topcoat

They discuss moisture mitigation

Moisture vapor transmission is a real issue—especially in garages and basements. A professional installer will discuss:

• Moisture testing considerations

• Moisture vapor barrier options when needed

They use a durable topcoat (often polyaspartic)

For long-term protection and easier maintenance, many high-performance systems use a polyaspartic topcoat to resist:
See our guide on Why Polyaspartic for Topcoats

• Hot tire pickup

• Stains and chemicals

• Abrasion and scratches

FAQs About 100% Solids Epoxy & Benefits

Is 100% solids epoxy worth it?

Yes—especially for garages and high-traffic spaces. The thicker cured film and stronger foundation typically translate into better long-term performance.

Does 100% solids epoxy yellow?

Epoxy can yellow with UV exposure over time. That’s one reason why DMV Epoxy Pro only uses a polyaspartic topcoat, which offers better UV stability.

Is 100% solids epoxy slippery?

Any smooth coating can be slippery when wet. However the flake texture combined with a traction enhancer we add to the polyaspartic topcoat ensures good traction.  

How long does a 100% solids epoxy garage floor last?

Lifespan depends heavily on prep, moisture conditions, and system design. With our systems we stand behind our work and offer a limited lifetime warranty on all our floor coatings..

Want a Floor Coating That Actually Holds Up?

At DMV Epoxy Pro, we use professional-grade 100% solids epoxy resin systems as part of a complete coating approach—paired with:

• Proper concrete prep

• Moisture vapor barrier protection (minimum 9 lbs MVER in our basecoat system)

• A durable polyaspartic topcoat for long-term wear resistance and easy cleaning

• Proper after-care maintenance.  Learn how to care for your epoxy floor after installation.

If you’re ready to upgrade your garage or commercial floor, request a quote and we’ll recommend the best system for your slab and usage.