Concrete is a common material used for floors. It’s known for its durability and is usually found in basements, garages, and patios. When left in the original color, these areas can be dull, grey and cold. If you are renovating, you can add style by painting a concrete floor.
A great list of tools and materials you will need when painting a concrete floor is referenced below. If you’ve completed any painting jobs around your house, it’s possible that you have most of these items.
| Protective eyewear Extension pole for paint roller Chemical resistant gloves Push broom Concrete degreaser solution Wire brush Wet/dry vacuum | Pump sprayer Caulking gun Masonry crack filler Putty knife Masonry primer Pole scraper Epoxy paint for masonry | Paintbrush Extra roller covers Painters tape Plastic wrap 100 grit sandpaper |
Before painting a concrete floor, you will want to assess the condition of the concrete. It is important to prepare and clean the surface thoroughly prior to paint. Any lumps or cracks will be visible after painting. To get rid of any gunk on the concrete, you can start with a pole scraper. A pole scraper will save time and backaches and make it much easier to scrape the floor.
A concrete degreaser can be used to to further to clean the floor following the instructions of the product. Make sure to wear protective clothes, protective eyewear, and chemical resistant gloves. Next, use a wire brush and push broom to scrub any remaining spots. When using any liquid, an indoor concrete floor will take longer to dry than an outdoor one. Before painting a concrete floor, it’s best to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any excess liquid and then let it dry thoroughly.
If you need to fill any cracks, scrape away any crumbling concrete with the wire brush, and vacuum away the debris. A masonry crack filler can then be used to fill in the crack with a caulking gun. Smooth away the excess filler with a putty knife. After the filler dries, sand it with the 100 grit sandpaper to a smooth finish.
A very important step before painting a concrete floor, is to make sure the concrete is completely dry. Use a good primer that is compatible with epoxy paint and concrete. Epoxy paint is the best choice for painting a concrete floor. Before starting with the primer, use painters tape to mask baseboards or any areas around the floor that need to be protected. Use the paint brush to cut the primer in around the edges, then roll the rest of the floor with primer. Wait for the primer to be completely dry before you begin painting a concrete floor. The epoxy comes in two parts you will need to mix, just follow the instructions on the label. When painting the epoxy, use the same technique as used with the primer. After the epoxy is applied, let it dry for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Making the decision about painting a concrete floor is really an easy one. Whether you hire a professional painter, or do it yourself you will be happy you did!
