Concrete Paint

Before starting to paint concrete floor with an oil based paint, always allow new concrete to cure for at least 12 weeks. Clean the concrete surface using a TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution. A degreaser will also be required if oil is present on the concrete floor.

Rinse thoroughly with water and allow drying for two days in good conditions. Most concrete is already rough; however, smooth concrete will need to be etched to increase the paints ability to adhere to the surface.

Paint concrete floor process

• Grab a plastic bucket and slowly mix 1 gallon of your favorite concrete etcher (like Behr or Rust-Oleum) in 1 gallon of clean, warm water. Stir while pouring until it’s all well mixed. Protective gloves, rubber boots, breathing mask and eye-wear is recommended whenever etching concrete. Poor the solution into a plastic watering can.
• Now, evenly pour the solution over the concrete floor and then scrub with a very stiff bristle brush or broom. The reaction will be visible with bubbling and foaming. Allow the solution to etch with the concrete for 20 seconds, or after bubbling stops. Do not leave for more than 2 minutes, or allow drying.
• If the etching solution does not foam, a clear coating or surface contamination may be present. This must be removed by mechanical means before etching. If you are unsure how to do this, check with a paint concrete floor specialist.
• Remove all loose residues. This is best done by water blasting or with a stiff bristle broom. Any scrubbing must be followed by through rinsing with a strong water jet from a gardener’s hose before the surface dries.
• Ensure etching has slightly roughened the surface and created porosity. It should feel like rough sandpaper equivalent to 120-180 (medium grit) grade sandpaper. If not, repeat the etching process. Using an adhesive tape, check for loose residues. If cement chips or loose material is present, repeat the cleaning process. Leave the concrete floor to dry for 2 days all throughout before applying concrete paint.
• To start paint concrete floor, stir the concrete paint thoroughly with a broad flat stirrer in a circular motion for at least 5 minutes before use. Stir at regular intervals during application. Poor the concrete paint into a paint pot, then add 10% turpentine to dilute the first coat. For best results, paint early in the day, when concrete surfaces are cool.


Paint concrete floor - double lined

• Using a stiff bristle brush, apply the first coat by brushing any extension joints and cutting in around edges. Use a quality paint roller and work on completing small panels, one at a time. Leave to dry overnight, the recommended time being 16 hours. After that, apply the second coat using the same method as for the first one. Drying time will be slower in cold or humid conditions.

Wrap the roller and brush in a plastic bag. This will stop them from drying out between coats.

Paint concrete floor is not hard if you properly follow instructions. To ensure the concrete paint is fully cured, allow 5 days in good weather condition for painted surface to dry, before subjecting it to heavy traffic. Clean up your tools with turpentine, away from drains.

This entry is filed under Concrete Paint.