Applying a coat of concrete floor paint over rust stains, oil stains, and grease stains is a simple way to breathe new life into a floor that has seen better days.
Concrete floor paints are available in both solvent-based (Polyurethane) and water-based (Alkyd and Acrylic) forms. While both paint types are formulated to resist stains and resist wear, polyurethane floor paints tend to provide much better wear resistance and are typically used in industrial environments such as factories, large industrial units, and distribution centres. While the acrylic and alkyd variants of concrete floor paint are less durable, the Alkyd type is significantly more durable compared to the acrylic type. Floor paints made of acrylic and alkyd dry to a satin sheen, whereas floor paints made of polyurethane typically dry to a gloss finish.
The majority of people who plan to apply the paint to household or low-traffic areas opt for water-based concrete floor paints because of its low cost and ease of application. Water-based paints are also environmentally friendly. Even though there is a wide selection of colour options for garage floor paint, you should probably go with a lighter shade if you intend to utilise the space as a workshop. For instance, a lighter shade of grey will reflect more light than a darker shade of colour would.
Concrete floor paint can be applied with the same paintbrushes and rollers that are used for painting interior walls with water-based paints. This is in contrast to two-part epoxy floor paints, which need more expensive application methods. Without the need for additional additives, paints that are designed expressly for use on concrete floors ought to give an appropriate amount of slip resistance. Since water-based paints are easier to clean up with soap and water, they are preferred for usage in residential settings. In contrast, cleaning up solvent-based paints requires the use of solvents, such as white spirits.
It's all in the preparation.
Because it is very necessary to clean the concrete properly and fix any damage before you paint it, painting a concrete garage floor may require more in-depth preparation than painting most indoor surfaces, as most garage floors are made of concrete. Stains caused by oil and grease will prevent the paint from bonding properly with the concrete and may cause the paint to bleed through the surface.
Always make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before using any kind of paint. It is imperative that you pay close attention to the surface preparation and temperature instructions; the minimum application temperature for our floor paint is 5 degrees Celsius. The majority of failed painting jobs on garage floors are caused by improper surface preparation or temperatures that are too low to allow for a good bond to form between the paint and the surface. In addition, prolonged exposure to high humidity can be detrimental to the paint job's endurance.
Cleaning the Surface of the Garage
Use a broom and a vacuum to remove debris from the floor of the garage. This will ensure that the floor is clean. Degrease the area and scrub it with a bristle brush to remove the grease. After rinsing the degreaser off the floor, you should let it air dry. A pressure washer could be necessary for removing stubborn stains.
Carve or acid wash the concrete floor of the garage.
The surface of the concrete needs to be somewhat roughened so that the paint can adhere properly. This roughness should be comparable to that of fine sandpaper. It is necessary to create a texture that is acceptable for painting on garage floors that have been troweled to a smooth surface. This can be accomplished by creating a rougher surface. To accomplish this, you can use muriatic acid or an etching product (always be sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer very carefully). It's possible that you'll have to etch the surface twice or wash it twice in order to get the desired texture. Before proceeding to paint the concrete, it must first be properly rinsed to eliminate any residues of chemicals, and then it must be allowed to dry entirely before the next step can be taken.
Instead of utilising chemicals, you could also etch a smooth concrete surface by employing the use of a power grinder or sander. This would be an alternative method. If you are painting over an existing layer of paint, you will also need to complete this step. Before painting the sanded surface, you should give it a thorough cleaning with a vacuum and a moist mopsop. This will remove any dust.
Putting Paint Down on the Garage Floor
Determine whether or not you need to use a primer or sealer prior to applying the first coat of paint. You should do this before applying the first layer.
In most cases, you will need to apply this coating if the floor in question has never been painted in the past or if there is exposed concrete on the surface.
Floor primers and sealers are utilised to guarantee that the paint will fully adhere to the concrete, thereby reducing the likelihood of the paint flaking or peeling, which occurs when the paint does not fully bond with the concrete. Floor primers and sealers are also utilised to protect the paint from the elements. Because the primer/sealer is allowed to sink into the concrete to a greater depth, it serves as an anchor for the floor paint to attach to.
You are ready to move on to the floor paint once you have applied one layer of the floor primer/sealer and allowed it to completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Brushing works better than rolling does when it comes to working the paint into the surface, therefore it is recommended that you use a paintbrush instead of a roller. However, if the area is vast, medium pile rollers will perform just as well. After applying the paint with a brush in an even layer that is still quite thin, wait for it to completely dry.
When applying the second coat of paint, you can use the maximum strength of the paint. However, we still recommend applying this coat using a roller to ensure that the paint dries quickly and thoroughly. You can apply the paint using either a brush or a roller. It is possible that a third coat will be required in certain circumstances, particularly if the concrete has a very heavy texture. Use some dish soap and water to clean the tools.
