The good news is that with the concrete floor paint, you can change the colour of the concrete. If you want to quickly update your garage, patio, or basement, painting the concrete floor can be a great do-it-yourself project. Concrete painting is simpler than you may imagine, and it’s a terrific project for adding a little unexpected flair to drab, grey concrete or cement surfaces.
When painting concrete floors, there are a few important factors to consider, such as the type of paint you choose and the final appearance you desire. The next section goes over the most important things you need to know about painting concrete floors in your home.
Painting or staining concrete to update it
Both paint and stain provide a quicker—and much more affordable—alternative to completely replacing the slab when updating a concrete surface (for example, a gallon of concrete paint will cost you around €50 versus about €600 or so for a new 10 foot × 10 foot slab).
So how do you choose between painting and staining concrete floors? What matters most is how you want to look in the end. Acid-based stains penetrate the concrete’s surface, providing longer-lasting coverage. Concrete is naturally porous, so if you don’t cover the top with a solid layer, you might see some streaks and unevenness.
Concrete can be stained, but painting it results in a more even, richly coloured finish. Durability is one area where it merely falls short. You should be prepared to deal with chips and peels over time and the necessity for touch-ups now and then, especially if you drive on the surface or subject it to a lot of foot traffic.
Both concrete paint and concrete stain, in the end, have benefits and drawbacks. However, painting will most likely be your best option if you’re looking for the most striking result.
Selecting the Right Concrete Floor Paint Type
The next step is to select the best kind of paint for the project if you’ve opted to use it.
Acrylic Latex or Epoxy are your two choices for concrete paint.
- Acrylic Latex, is water based concrete paint which is easy to use. Most people feel fairly at ease using concrete paint. This is because it applies similarly to any other regular acrylic paint you may use at home.
- Epoxy concrete paint is weather resistant, significantly more durable, and produces a more expensive-looking surface. This is why it is the most favoured option among professionals. That said, it is more difficult to work with than acrylic latex paint. This is because you must first mix the epoxy compound before you can begin painting. Despite this, working with epoxy is still simple enough for do-it-yourselves.
So how do you paint a concrete floor, thats a good question. To begin it is necessary to clean and prepare the surface, choose a suitable paint, and apply it using a roller or brush. Here is a quick overview of the process:
- Clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or oil. A degreaser or TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution can be used to remove stubborn stains.
- Repair any cracks or holes in the concrete using a concrete patching compound. Allow the compound to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a concrete etcher or acid wash to roughen the surface and create a better bond for the paint. Rinse the floor thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely.
- Apply a concrete sealer or primer to the surface to help the paint adhere better. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.
- Choose a paint that is suitable for concrete surfaces and has good durability. Epoxy or urethane paints are commonly used for concrete floors.
- Apply the paint using a roller or brush, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat, if necessary.
