If you’re considering a new way to refresh your outdoor concrete surfaces or your garage floors, you may have come across BEHR Granite Grip. It’s a coating designed to give your floors a decorative granite look while offering durability.
But is it worth your investment?
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the product and go over the pros, cons, and maintenance tips to help you make a well-informed decision. By the end, you’ll know where you can purchase it and whether it’s the right product for your project.
My Experience Using BEHR Granite Grip
When I first saw the BEHR Granite Grip sample, I was pretty impressed. It looked like the perfect solution for revitalizing my garage floor. I had some hairline cracks and was attracted to its multi-speckled granite-like finish.
It felt like the ideal way to hide imperfections while giving my floor a decorative yet functional coating.
- The Application Process
I followed the instructions on the can as carefully as possible.
The recommendation was to use a 1/4-inch adhesive roller, and I did just that. Initially, I thought things were going well.
The product seemed thick, which I expected, as it’s supposed to fill in cracks and deliver a textured finish.
However, things quickly turned south. Even after spreading the product evenly, the coverage was far less than I expected. After just one coat, I barely managed to cover about 30 square feet in my basement laundry room, which has a relatively smooth surface.
For perspective, my basement is large, and it would have cost me a small fortune to cover the entire area at this rate. I couldn’t justify the cost, especially with the uneven finish I got from the first coat.
- Uneven Finish
Speaking of that uneven finish—this was the part that bothered me the most. No matter how carefully I applied it, the texture looked inconsistent, and as it dried, the unevenness became more apparent.
I tried adding a second coat, thinking that might even things out, but it didn’t help. By the time I added a third coat, I realized I was making the surface too thick. At this point, I worried about the coating cracking or peeling later on.
- Slippery When Wet
Another major issue I encountered was how slippery BEHR Granite Grip became when wet. I initially used it on my front porch, and the first time it rained, I found myself sliding around like I was on ice.
I certainly didn’t expect this from a product designed for outdoor use! This was a dealbreaker for me, as safety is a huge concern, especially in high-traffic areas.
Pros of BEHR Granite Grip
Even though my experience was frustrating, there are a few upsides to BEHR Granite Grip that may be appealing to some:
- Decorative Finish: The idea behind the multi-speckled granite finish is fantastic. When applied properly, it can give a space a decorative and modern appearance. If you’re going for a granite-like look and don’t mind spending extra time and effort, the final result can be quite appealing.
- Fills Hairline Cracks: One of the major selling points of BEHR Granite Grip is its ability to fill small cracks. While it didn’t meet my expectations in other areas, I noticed that it did cover up minor hairline cracks effectively. This might make it a good option for those who have weathered concrete and want to hide some imperfections.
- Versatile Use: BEHR Granite Grip can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including concrete, masonry, and even unpolished stone and brick. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose coating, this product could work for you, especially on porches, driveways, or even pool decks. Just be aware of its limitations when wet.
Cons of BEHR Granite Grip
Now, let’s talk about the areas where BEHR Granite Grip fell short:
- Poor Coverage: The biggest con for me was the lack of coverage. Even after applying multiple coats, it still wasn’t enough to create the smooth, even surface I had hoped for. This was disappointing, as I ended up using much more product than I originally planned.
- Uneven Texture: The inconsistent texture of the product made my floors look unprofessional, no matter how carefully I applied it. If you’re aiming for a clean, polished look, BEHR Granite Grip might not give you the result you want.
- Slippery Surface: Safety is a priority, and BEHR Granite Grip’s slippery surface when wet is a serious downside. After putting it down on my porch, I quickly realized that I didn’t feel safe walking on it after a light drizzle, let alone inviting guests over.
- Costly: If you’re covering a large area, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Between poor coverage and needing multiple coats, you’ll likely need far more product than you anticipate, making this a pricey option for larger projects.
- Long Drying Time: The drying time was much longer than stated on the can. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project, this can really delay your plans, and it was a significant inconvenience for me.
Maintenance Tips For BEHR Granite Grip
If you’ve already used BEHR Granite Grip or are determined to give it a try, here are some tips to help maintain it for the long run:
- Clean Regularly: Since the surface can become slippery and dirt accumulates over time, regular cleaning is a must. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to clean the surface.
- Apply a Sealer: Given its issues with slipperiness, adding a non-slip sealer over BEHR Granite Grip could help prevent accidents. There are clear sealers designed for this purpose that won’t change the overall look of your floor but will make it safer to walk on.
- Repair Cracks Early: If you notice any cracks starting to form in the coating, patch them up as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and causing larger issues.
- Avoid Dragging Heavy Items: The textured surface can become damaged if heavy items are dragged across it. If you need to move furniture or appliances, be sure to lift them rather than slide them across the floor.
Comparison With Other Brands
I know BEHR Granite Grip might sound promising initially, but how does it stack up against other options? There are a few alternatives you might want to consider before deciding:
- Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield
Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield is a heavy-duty option known for its durability and resistance to hot tire pickup, making it a go-to for garages and driveways. While BEHR Granite Grip offers a decorative, textured finish, Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield provides a smooth, high-gloss look that is easier to apply.
It requires fewer coats to achieve a solid coverage and is generally more durable over time. However, if you’re after that speckled, granite-like appearance, BEHR Granite Grip is more visually appealing.
That said, Rust-Oleum is less likely to cause the frustration of uneven texture or coverage issues that I experienced with Granite Grip.
- Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer
Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer is a great option for those dealing with damaged or heavily worn concrete. It’s designed to repair surfaces while providing a smooth finish, unlike BEHR Granite Grip’s textured, decorative look.
Quikrete also tends to be more economical in terms of coverage, as it spreads more evenly across larger areas without the need for multiple coats. If your priority is strength and coverage rather than aesthetics, Quikrete might serve you better.
However, if you’re aiming to add some style to your concrete surfaces, BEHR Granite Grip may be more aligned with your goals—just keep the coverage issues in mind.
- Seal-Krete Epoxy-Seal
Seal-Krete Epoxy-Seal is another alternative worth mentioning.
This water-based epoxy provides a highly durable, protective coating that’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Like Rust-Oleum, it’s smooth and consistent, making it easier to apply than BEHR Granite Grip.
One of its major advantages is its resistance to heavy foot traffic and hot tire pickup, which is a plus for garage and driveway applications.
If you’re not too concerned about having a decorative speckled look and would rather prioritize performance and ease of use, Seal-Krete Epoxy-Seal could be a better option. It’s also more budget-friendly than Granite Grip, which can quickly add up in cost due to its poor coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
BEHR Granite Grip is primarily used for coating and rejuvenating worn-out horizontal surfaces like garage floors, driveways, porches, and pool decks. It creates a multi-speckled, granite-like appearance while offering some protection from dirt, grease, and household stains.
Though the can might state a shorter drying time, in my experience, it took much longer. Depending on the thickness of your application, it may take 24 to 48 hours to fully dry. Be sure to account for this extended time, especially if you’re working on an outdoor area.
Yes, unfortunately, BEHR Granite Grip can become extremely slippery when wet. This is a significant downside, especially if you’re applying it in high-traffic areas or places prone to moisture like porches or pool decks.
Yes, applying a non-slip sealer over Granite Grip is actually recommended if you want to reduce the slipperiness. Look for a clear sealer that’s designed for concrete surfaces to add a layer of safety without compromising the look.
Wrapping Up
In the end, I can’t recommend BEHR Granite Grip based on my experience. Between the poor coverage, uneven texture, and the slipperiness, it just doesn’t live up to the promises on the label.
While the granite-like finish might be tempting for some, there are other products on the market that offer better performance, easier application, and more reliable results. If you’re looking for a reliable floor coating, you might want to explore alternatives like Rust-Oleum EpoxyShield or Seal-Krete Epoxy-Seal.
You can find BEHR Granite Grip at Home Depot, but make sure you know what you’re getting into before committing to this product!