Everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint can instantly update a space, but have you ever considered painting your concrete flooring? If not, you could be missing out on a cool update that can not only transform the floor but also add durability and longer-lasting protection. Here are a few tips if you want to try out this quick and easy DIY project.
Gather Your Supplies
Before beginning any home project, it’s important to have all of your supplies ready to go. This can significantly cut down on the time you’ll spend looking for what you need after every step. Here’s what you’ll need to paint concrete floors:
- Paint rollers
- Paint brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Concrete degreaser
- Chisel or paint scraper
- Push broom
- Hose
- Primer
- Epoxy paint
- Sealant
1. Prepare
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While you can simply slap a coat of paint onto your concrete floors, the results will look better and last longer if you take time to prepare. Start by scraping up any dried-on gunk, such as paint spills, glue or chunks of concrete. Then clean the concrete thoroughly with a degreaser. Your paint will adhere to the floor better once it is clean and free of any residue. Lastly, fill in any cracks that have developed over the years using concrete filler and a caulk gun, making sure to sand off any overflow for the smoothest possible surface. Afterward, let the concrete dry thoroughly; otherwise, nothing will stick.
2. Prime
Once the floors are completely dry, you’re ready to prime. Priming may seem like an unnecessary step, but it also helps the paint stick to the concrete and improves brightness and durability. Using a paintbrush, paint all of the edges along the walls and around any posts, pillars or stairs. Once you have the sides cut in, use the paint roller to lay down the primer over the entire floor. You’ll probably only need one coat of primer, but let it dry before determining whether or not a second coat is necessary.
3. Paint
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The best type of paint for concrete flooring is epoxy paint, especially if the project is your garage floor. It holds up to traffic much better than latex paint, and you’ll get better results. When your primer is dry, follow the same routine to put down the epoxy paint: do the edges first, then follow up with the rest of the floor. Aim for two coats of paint, just to make sure you don’t leave any areas too thin.