Because of its high durability, concrete is one of the most reliable materials used on many surface areas, like floors. But without the right color, the concrete floor will be unattractive–it lacks beauty. If such is the case, most homeowners turn to concrete floor paint. The good thing is that concrete is versatile and is open to improvements.
Read more below to learn about concrete floor paint and tips on using it:
Why you should paint your concrete floor?
Applying concrete floor paint provides several advantages:
- A new coat can bring life to the concrete floor.
- It can protect the surface from damages and hide the concrete’s discoloration and other signs of deterioration.
- A fresh coat can help with easy cleaning.
Tips on concrete floor paint
Painting a concrete floor is more meticulous than other surfaces at home because of its texture and moisture that prevent the paint from adhering. It may also require your time and effort to paint over concrete, but the good thing is that it is a straightforward task with the following tips:
Clean the surface before painting
Like painting any other surface area, you have to clean first because the paint will not adhere well to dirty or greasy areas.
Start by scrubbing the concrete with a stiff brush. A vacuum with a brush attachment at the end can also help out. Make sure to remove all dirt, dry all damp areas completely, and remove any grease residue.
If you find any cracks, fill them in with a sealer for a smooth paint finish. If there are holes, go for a quick-setting cement to cover them. But you have to make sure that the cement solution dries fully before applying primer and paint.
If there are old pain residues on the floor, you have to remove them as well. You can use a wire brush to scrape off the old paint or wipe it with a degreasing solution. Remember to always wear protective gear like goggles and gloves when using any degreasing product.
Conduct a Moisture test
Moisture prevents the primer and paints from sticking to the concrete properly, so it would help if you do a moisture test first before painting.
To do this, you need to use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Cut in a square and tape it to the whole surface for 24 hours. If there is any condensation, then it means that moisture is still present in the concrete. Give it time to dry, and then test again until the area is fully dry.
Cleaning the workspace
Let the paint dry for at least four hours. Then you can remove the painter’s tape.
You can use a putty knife or anything similar and run it on the line between the floor and the surface you’ve covered to prevent the paint from peeling.
Clean your paintbrush or roller immediately with hot water and dish soap, so you can reuse them on your next painting project.
Tips When Priming and Painting
- Before painting, protect the areas from paint splatters with painter’s tape or anything similar.
- Priming before painting is essential to ensure that the concrete floor paint will adhere. Go for a primer specifically made for concrete. Ensure to read the label and check if there are particular directions that need to comply to get a better result.
- Masonry paint, elastomeric paint, or coating is one of the best choices for concrete floor paint. They can expand with materials like stone, brick, plaster, cement, and concrete and withstand harsh environments. Which makes it performs better than regular paint.
- To ensure you don’t waste paint, work with a small container and pour the right amount of what you think you need for the whole floor. Then start at the edge or corner of the floor and paint across toward the door. This is to prevent you from cornering yourself.
- If you’re using roller paint, make sure to stir the paint in the bucket first. Start at the farthest edge or corner of the room and make your way into the door. Don’t put too much paint on the tray to prevent any spill. Roll forward and backward. Once you’re finished with a row, refill the roller and repaint. Remember that the roller may leave unwanted lines, so roll back to eliminate.
Concrete painting by professionals
Concrete painting may be a daunting task and can be time-consuming– from choosing the right concrete floor paint to actually applying the paint. For homeowners keen on DIY, this kind of project is a piece of cake. But for those who find it challenging, professionals like El Gato Painting can come to help out.
For four decades, El Gato Painting has been one of the leading service providers of the painting and restoration industry. They have been conducting world-class services in the San Francisco Bay Area to homeowners at an affordable price.Let El Gato Painting help out! You may learn all about concrete floor paint, how to use the right colors, and more. Contact El Gato Painting today for quality paint and other professional services.
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