What Are Some Tips for Painting Concrete?

If you have concrete floors, whether inside or outside your home, you might not like the boring, neutral colour. Believe it or not, you can paint the concrete just about any colour you like. This can allow you to benefit from the hard, sturdy surface while also having the look you want. Here are some tips for painting concrete floors.

Start with a Clean Surface

It is important that you start with a completely clean and dry surface. If the floor is outside or in a garage, it might take a little more cleaning than an interior concrete floor. You need to remove all dirt, grime, and oil from the surface. Start by sweeping the floor thoroughly, then wash it with soap and water and wait for it to dry. If the concrete is outdoors, you can use a high-pressure washer to clean it, which is a great way to remove grease, oil, and tough stains. If the concrete is indoors, you will need to use soap and a mop to clean it. A stiff brush can help remove some stains as well.

Prepare the Surface

Once the concrete floor is clean and dry, you need to further prepare it for painting by making any minor repairs, such as filling cracks and holes. You can fill them by using concrete caulk, which comes in a handy caulking gun. Follow the instructions on the package to fill the cracks. Concrete primer is a good way to fill the pores after you have filled the cracks and holes. Make sure you apply this type of primer the day before you intend to paint the floor since it takes several hours to dry completely. If your concrete has significant damage, you might want to call a concrete contractor like Ellcon before getting started with the painting.

Use Masonry Paint

The best paint to use on concrete is masonry paint. Don't try to use regular interior or exterior paint, as it will quickly crack. You may also find that it starts to peel before too long. (If your concrete floor is already painted, you should remove that paint first. Otherwise, you will need more layers of paint just to cover the colour.) Masonry paint will go on thick and smooth, providing an additional layer of protection in addition to the colour you are trying to achieve. You will need to use a texture roller and thick masonry brush to apply the paint. Wait for each coat to dry before continuing.

Also make sure you seal the floor after you are done painting it. Let the paint dry completely before you apply the sealant.