Do-it-yourself painting of the concrete floor in the garage: the choice of paint, preparatory measures and instructions for painting. How to paint a cement floor What paint to paint a concrete floor on the street

Concrete floors are distinguished by durability and endurance, so they are often arranged in industrial premises and production workshops. In addition, the concrete floor is used in the construction of private workshops and garages. However, he also has a weak point - the top layer. If it is damaged, the functional and aesthetic properties of the surface are at risk. And moisture, sudden changes in temperature, chemicals, as well as intense operating loads can damage the top layer, as a result of which the concrete begins to dust. To protect the coating and decorate it today, the simplest and most cheap option- painting the concrete floor with special paints.

Overview of concrete floor paints

For painting concrete floors, acrylic, epoxy, urethane-alkyd, acrylic-silicone paints can be used.

Acrylic paints resistant to contact With moisture and exposure to high temperatures. They are glossy, semi-matte and matte. They can be dissolved with plain water or special thinners. The surface covered acrylic paint ready for use in two days. It must be taken into account, however, that these paints are not applied to old epoxy or polyurethane coatings.

Acrylic-silicone paints are also applied in two layers with an interval between applications of about 3 hours. It is during this time that the surface of the floor dries completely. Such paints are diluted with water - up to 20-30%. This type of paint has two significant drawbacks: the first is a low degree of abrasion and the second is a limited color range.

Urethane Alkyd Paints are more opaque than acrylic compounds, but the floor is painted, as a rule, also in two layers. This type of paint is the most resistant to abrasion, and this ensures a long service life. Their dilution with white spirit is allowed - up to 10-15%. The surface painted with such compositions will only be glossy, but the palette of colors offered is very rich.

Epoxy paints consist of two components that are mixed immediately before application. Mixing is done using a special mixer. As a base, a primer layer is first applied to the floor - paint diluted with water by 20%. After that, another 1-2 coats of paint are applied. After a day, you can already walk on the concrete floor, but the complete hardening of the paint will occur only after 7 days. This paint has a fairly high resistance to abrasion, but the color range is small (only a few colors).

Preparing the surface of the concrete floor

The durability of a painted concrete floor and its operational properties largely depend on how well the surface has been treated. Preliminary preparation of a concrete floor for painting includes three procedures:

• dedusting;
• hardening;
• primer.

Before carrying out any work, it is necessary to inspect the concrete floor to make sure that there are no stains of bitumen, paints and varnishes, fuels and lubricants, etc. on it. If there are traces of these liquids, they must be removed with detergents.

Dedusting

Practice shows that all concrete floors, regardless of the technology used, are dusty to one degree or another. Therefore, in order to minimize dust emission, the surface layer of the concrete coating is treated before painting.

Sanding the concrete floor will improve the adhesion of the paint to the substrate.

It is first necessary to remove debris, sweep the floor, process and seal holes, potholes and other irregularities with putty. Further produced. This will improve the adhesion of the paint layer to the substrate.

Removing dust with an industrial vacuum cleaner

The dust formed as a result of grinding is removed with an industrial vacuum cleaner.

hardening

The next procedure for surface preparation is hardening, which is the strengthening of the concrete floor with special compounds - the so-called toppings. These are impregnations from a mixture of quartz, cement, and dyes. which will protect the floor from the formation of dust, as well as from abrasive and abrasion. Toppings also have a decorative function: they give an unattractive concrete base a grainy, glossy or smooth texture.

Hardened concrete floor surface

Due to their composition, toppings clog the pores of concrete, preventing its destruction and providing an increase in the strength of the coating for at least five years.

Primer

Surface priming is carried out in order to increase adhesion of colorful material with concrete base. The primer for a concrete floor at the same time impregnates a floor and removes dust from its surface.

Universal primers for concrete are also used in enclosed spaces, and on open surfaces where atmospheric exposure is possible. Data primers are an acrylic paint material that dries quickly and protects the concrete coating from the harmful effects of water, gasoline, salt solutions, mineral oils.

Painting tools

High-quality application of paint material is ensured by the use of special tools. Only with their help can you create a durable and durable coating. Do not ignore personal protective equipment.

To carry out painting work, you must have:

• paint brush;
• inker;
• byugel - a handle for the roller;
• protective glasses;
• respirator;
• masking tape;
• protective gloves.

Concrete Floor Painting Instructions

Painting is carried out at a concrete coating temperature of at least 5 ° C, and indoors - at least 10 ° Celsius. Relative humidity should not exceed 80%. The main task of concrete floor paint is to protect and dedust the base. Depending on its composition, the paint has various properties, such as resistance to chemicals and mechanical stress, frost resistance, and a pleasant appearance.

Epoxy painted concrete floor

After a good surface preparation using the above methods, you can start painting the floor:

• Stir thoroughly before use.
• check the temperature in the room;
• apply with a roller or brush 1-2 layers, with a sprayer - two or three layers (drying each previous layer - at least 20 hours).

Concrete floor paint has a high hiding power and already the first layer will completely cover the concrete surface, forming a uniform and even coating. Usually paint consumption is from 80 to 100 ml/m2 for each layer.

Applying the first coat of paint

After 2-3 hours, the paint no longer sticks, after 8 hours it is already possible to walk on it, but complete drying will occur after 96 hours - only then the floor will be ready for mechanical stress.

Important! When working with impregnations, primers, varnishes, paints for concrete floors in the room, it is necessary to provide through ventilation.

In conclusion, we can say with confidence that, having understood the variety of paints for concrete floors, and made right choice, you can qualitatively protect the concrete floor, extend its service life, and save money on its repair in the coming years.

A concrete floor in a private garage is the most reliable and inexpensive coating that requires only the installation of a screed. However, it should be borne in mind that such a surface is subjected to constant mechanical stress and interaction with aggressive substances. In addition, cement dust is constantly formed on such a surface. The easiest way to solve this problem is to paint the base, but what kind of floor paint is odorless and quick-drying fit better Total?

What are the requirements for garage paint

To determine how to dedust the surface, it is necessary to consider the following requirements. The coloring composition should be:

• wear-resistant;
• fire resistant;
• weatherproof;
• quick-drying;
• chemically stable;
• washable.

There is no universal product for painting a cement floor that meets absolutely all of these requirements equally, so the composition is selected based on the conditions of use of the room.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to use oil, alkyd or organofluorine paint to paint the concrete floor in the garage. Such materials change their chemical composition in contact with fuels and lubricants and petroleum products.

Consider all the options for painting materials that are most often used for dust removal floor covering.

Epoxy paint

Epoxy paints for concrete are most often two-component compositions that are mixed with each other and water (no more than 20%) using a drill immediately before applying the material. Such a substance forms a high-strength and durable coating on the surface, resistant to external influences.

Of the advantages of such paints, it is worth highlighting:

• waterproofing properties;
• high resistance to aggressive chemicals (alkalis, fuels and lubricants, acids and salt solutions);
• abrasion resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• fade resistance;

Among the minuses, one can note the rather high cost of the material. In addition, it will be very difficult to change the color of the surface later.

Epoxy paint for concrete is suitable for garages, hangars, car repair shops, parking lots, workshops and more. It can be used for both internal and external processing. Paint consumption will be about 0.1-0.2 l / m 2, and the hardening time will vary from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the manufacturer. Epoxy concrete floor paint is applied in several layers. You can walk on the surface in a day.

One-component epoxy quick-drying paints are also on sale. Before using such materials, it is imperative to prime the floor.

These paints are based on organic and inorganic polymers and acrylic resins, which form a strong film on concrete that prevents mechanical damage and chemical attack.

Acrylic paints for concrete floors have a lot of advantages:

• ease of application (when painting, you can use a roller, brush or spray);
• environmental friendliness;
• drying speed;
• immunity to moisture;
• resistance to abrasion, low temperatures and chemicals;
• a large selection of colors and types of paint (glossy, matte or semi-gloss);
• the absence of an unpleasant odor.

The only drawback of this paint is its high cost.

Such compositions dry for 12-14 hours (you can walk on the floor after 48 hours), and the consumption paintwork material is 0.1-0.2 l / m 2.

Some manufacturers claim that acrylic paint for a concrete floor in a garage can be applied in one layer, but according to practice, it is better to play it safe and apply several layers of material.

Acrylic paints are great for finishing floors in garages, basements and balconies.

Such enamel for concrete for the floor can be two-component or one-component (for a garage it is better to give preference to the first type). Such compositions are used for both external and internal decoration.

The advantages of such an LCP include:

• high stability in extreme temperature conditions (the composition tolerates temperatures from -60 to +80 degrees);
• profitability;
• mechanical strength;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to chemicals and fuels and lubricants;
• low cost.

Among the shortcomings, one can single out the “capriciousness” of the paint, which can be applied only if the temperature in the room is not lower than +5 degrees, and the humidity is not more than 75%. Otherwise, the composition will not "grab".

Healthy! There are compounds on sale that can be applied in severe frosts (up to -30 degrees), but their cost will be more than 400 rubles per 1 liter.

Also, the disadvantages of polyurethane compositions include too long drying of the paintwork. The first layer of paint sets for a day, and after covering the floor with a second layer, you will have to wait another 14 days, only after that it will be possible to walk on the floor.

The consumption of such floor paint for concrete is up to 0.2 l / m 2. Such compositions are used for painting floors in garages, gyms, swimming pools, parking lots and car washes.

When determining how to paint a concrete floor in a garage, you can purchase rubber paint, which has recently appeared on the construction markets, but has already gained popularity among consumers. The main advantage of this composition is that it hardens in half an hour at a temperature not lower than +20 degrees. However, this does not mean that it is possible to paint the floor only at positive temperatures. Paint of this type can be safely applied even on a frosty day (up to -30 degrees), the only difference will be in the drying speed of the paintwork.

Rubber paint for concrete floors in its properties and composition resembles a polyurethane coloring material. Due to this, such a coating can be safely operated at temperatures from -50 to +60 degrees in unheated rooms.

Another advantage of this composition is its long service life (10 years). Material consumption does not exceed 400 g/m 2 . Paint is also applied in two layers with a brush or roller.

Of the shortcomings, only the rather high cost of the coloring composition can be distinguished. If you want the cheapest way to paint a concrete floor in a garage, you can use it as a protective coating epoxy or polyurethane primer.

Primer for concrete floor

Usually, before painting, a rough coat of primer is applied to the surface, designed to better "seize" the paint and varnish material and the concrete surface. However, some primers can be fully used as independent dedusting materials. In the case of a garage, where the aesthetic component does not play the most important role, this solution becomes the most profitable.

Not every primer is suitable for such purposes; only two types of compounds can be used for the floor in the garage.

Polyurethane primer has the following advantages:

• fills voids in concrete, making the surface more durable and even;
• has high adhesion;
• easy to apply;
• is a quick-drying material;
• is resistant to aggressive chemicals and machine oil.

You can also use an epoxy primer that:

• forms on concrete floor a durable glossy film that does not fill, but closes the pores of the cement screed;
• differs in water impermeability and resistance to aggressive chemicals;
• does not wear out and retains color for a long time.

As for the manufacturers of paintwork, there are a number of compositions that experts recommend using.

Review of the best paints

Experienced specialists prefer the following brands of paints for concrete:

• Teping P 1155 This solvent based epoxy has the highest abrasion resistance. It is recommended to use the paint at humidity: less than 5% of the room, no more than 90% of air and a temperature of 10 to 27 degrees (it is best to work at a temperature of 22 degrees). The composition of R 1155 can withstand fairly strong loads (up to 220 kg / cm 2), is resistant to moisture, detergents and combustibles. lubricants. Paint consumption will be 20 kg per 37 m 2 if the paintwork is applied in two layers. The paint costs 8,000 rubles (for a set of base and hardener).
• Temafloor A two-component epoxy mortar from the well-known manufacturer Tikkurila does not contain solvents. LKP of this brand is suitable for painting both new and old concrete floors, as well as surfaces that have already been coated with coloring components. The composition can withstand temperatures up to +70 degrees, suitable for external and internal processing. To obtain a flexible paint film on the floor, it is also recommended to purchase the Temafloor Flex hardener. Material consumption is 1 liter per 6-8 m 2 , depending on the number of applied layers. The price of Temafloor 150 will be about 750 rubles per liter.
• Polymerstone-1. This polyurethane enamel is applied to the surface at a humidity of no more than 4% and a temperature of at least 5 degrees. The composition itself, after drying, can withstand from -50 to +100 degrees. The resulting paintwork is characterized by increased strength and resistance to moisture and chemically aggressive substances. Material consumption is 0.4 kg per 1 m 2. The price of paint is about 3,400 rubles per 7 kg.

It is also worth paying attention to the following compositions:

Having chosen how to paint the floor in the garage, it remains only to apply the selected composition to the surface according to the instructions on the package and wait until the screed is completely dry.

After you have applied the coloring composition, you must wait for it to fully set. For the best solidification, it is necessary that the humidity in the room is 70-80% and the air temperature is about +18 degrees or more.

The drying time of the painted floor depends not only on the composition of the paint, but on the conditions under which it was applied. If you painted a fresh concrete screed, then you need to dry the surface for 1-2 days longer than indicated on the package.

In custody

Today, a variety of odorless and quick-drying concrete floor paints are on sale. When choosing a coloring composition, try to give preference to well-known manufacturers and apply paint according to the instructions. Thanks to the exact sequence of application of paintwork layers, the floor in the garage will last more than 10 years before the next “upgrade”.

Preparing for painting

It is best to take a special paint designed for exterior surfaces. Many manufacturers produce such products, which, as a rule, have a rich color palette. She possesses high strength and elasticity, which allows products to withstand sudden changes in temperature without being damaged or cracking over time.

How to paint a concrete floor - options for painting concrete floors

When choosing a paint, you should pay attention to the temperature range of its application, under which the painted concrete will be in good condition for a long time. The dullness or glossiness of the paint will have a big impact on the appearance of the painted product. The composition of paints for outdoor work must necessarily include components that prevent the appearance of destructive fungus and mold.

In order for the painting to be of high quality and durable, it is important to treat the surface well before applying the paint. First, you should thoroughly clean the surface of dust and dirt, and then remove the remnants of the old paint if the concrete has already been painted before. Holes can be sealed with cement plaster. A glossy surface must be roughened; sandblasting is suitable for this purpose. The fragile top layer can be removed using the same sandblast or brush. If steel reinforcement is visible on the surface, it will need to be cleaned of rust.

Sequencing

• roller;
• brush;

Do-it-yourself concrete painting: how to paint a concrete pavement and other structures, videos and photos

Repair is a delicate matter, requiring both physical and material costs. But this does not apply to utility and utility rooms (garages), where you can meet a small budget and do all the work in a short period of time, for example, paint concrete walls and gender.

At first glance, the work is quite simple and does not require any building skills from you, but it would still be useful to study all the features of this process.

Cracks and potholes cannot be hidden even with three coats of paint

Concrete is a versatile surface

Concrete is the one construction material, which is almost always the basis of the design, requiring further finishing work.

Depending on what and where concrete has to serve, it is covered with:

• Tiles or porcelain tiles.
• Granite.
• polymers.
• Finishing from panels (plastic or wood).
• Enamels and paints.

Interesting! Modern finishers often use toppings. This method of finishing concrete consists in grinding concrete that has not yet completely hardened with the simultaneous application and rubbing of special additives. This technique is practiced in the construction of industrial floors.

But today we’ll talk about why and how to paint concrete, so that repairs do not create a gap in the budget, and the work is done with high quality and for long-term operation of the surface.

Often, “bare” concrete is painted in industrial and industrial premises.

Why paint concrete

When painting concrete, we intend to perform several tasks that increase the comfort of a person’s stay in a room with painted walls:

1. Dust the concrete surface.
2. Protect from:

• Mechanical damage.
• wear.
• Exposure to chemicals.
• Aggressive impact of atmospheric precipitation and temperature difference in the case when concrete has to work in the open air.

1. Maximize service life.
2. Make the surface of concrete more aesthetic.
3. Improve its performance.

Important! Many of the above factors depend on the quality of the applied finishing material, so when buying cheap paint, be sure that it will not last long.

How to paint concrete

When choosing paint for concrete, first of all, you should consider:

• Under what conditions will concrete work (street walls, residential premises, production surfaces).
• What do you expect from appearance concrete product or structure.
• The price for the material that you are willing to pay to achieve the goal.

Consider, using a simple example, what is common in matters of how to paint a concrete monument and how to paint concrete pavement. Both surfaces will be exposed to the adverse effects of the atmosphere.

So the paint should be:

• Frost-resistant and resistant to temperature changes.
• Water repellent.
• Contain antibacterial additives.

The difference will be only the requirements for the appearance of the painting object.

Painting concrete on the street

Another thing is if concrete is painted from the inside of the premises.

For your information! In rooms where “clean” concrete floors are practiced, such as trading floors, warehouses, industrial freezers, hangars, polymer coatings are used for finishing.

If you are going to paint the old paintwork, be prepared for the fact that you will have to apply not two, but at least three or four layers

How to paint a concrete floor

Painting on concrete of non-industrial floors is practiced in garages and workshops. As is known from practice, the concrete floor bothers with the fact that it is dusty, and it is not easy to remove possible stains from oil products and other things from it.

Therefore, the question of whether to paint the concrete floor or not to paint should no longer be. Let's figure out how to paint concrete floors with your own hands. The whole process is carried out in three stages.

Advice! Do not neglect the first two stages of work. A properly prepared concrete floor surface for finishing coating with enamels or paints will last much longer, be aesthetically more attractive and will have higher operational and technical characteristics.

Preparatory stage

In the process of preparing the floor surface for subsequent manipulations, it is necessary to perform according to the situation:

• Removal of debris, dirt, remnants of the old coating.
• Repair (sealing potholes, filling cracks).
• Floor grinding in any way available to you (grinders, manually with brushes, scrapers).

Sanding with a machine is an expensive but very effective method.

• Dusting with a vacuum cleaner, damp cloth.

Floor preparation will make its surface smooth, increase adhesion and reduce the consumption of expensive materials (enamels, paints, polymers).

Floor primer

The next stage can also be attributed to the preparation of the concrete floor surface for painting.

Priming the floor at times will increase all the qualities acquired at the first stage:

• Maximum adhesion(the ability to adhere and penetrate each other of the subsequent layer with the previous one).
• Economical consumption of finishing materials.

In addition, it will enhance the water-repellent effect.

Concrete floor painting

Tools and fixtures for painting the floor will need the most common:

• Rollers.
• Nozzles for rollers.
• Long handle for roller.

Long handle makes work easier

• Brushes for processing hard-to-reach places.
• Personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, respirators, goggles).
• Masking tape and film for protecting vertical surfaces.

Advice! Each paint must have instructions on the features of use, compatibility with certain solvents and primers. Strict adherence to it will provide the highest quality and safest result.

The paint is applied to the prepared floor in one or two coats (possibly more as desired or coating requirement). Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has completely dried.

The photo shows a special scraper that can evenly distribute the paint over the surface.

Conclusion

What I would like to say in conclusion: firstly, “fresh” concrete should be painted only after it has gained full strength and is completely dry (drying time depends on the ambient temperature). Secondly, when choosing a paint, give preference to vapor-permeable compositions.

That's all, good luck with the repair! In the presented video in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Painting concrete on the street

A material such as concrete has a porous structure, which is dangerous for prolonged exposure to moisture. When freezing, water that gets into the pores has a destructive effect on them. This is especially true for products from this material located on the street, which, in addition to moisture, is also threatened by weathering. To preserve the material under open sky, from destruction, as well as to give it an attractive appearance, it is necessary to process the material. It is best to paint with paint specially designed for this purpose. It should be noted that this material is painted no earlier than a year after the installation of a new product.

Used to protect against environmental influences special kind paints.

Preparing for painting

In order to properly paint concrete, you need to conduct a thorough preparation for this procedure, which includes the preparation of the necessary tools, the choice of paint and surface treatment.

The paint is characterized by high strength, elasticity and a rich color palette.

In order for the painting to be of high quality and durable, it is important to treat the surface well before applying the paint. First, you should thoroughly clean the surface of dust and dirt, and then remove the remnants of the old paint if the concrete has already been painted before. Holes can be sealed with cement plaster. A glossy surface must be roughened; sandblasting is suitable for this purpose. The fragile top layer can be removed using the same sandblast or brush.

If steel reinforcement is visible on the surface, it will need to be cleaned of rust.

The last stage of preparation will be the primer of the surface. It is necessary to apply a primer for outdoor work on top with a roller and hold it for a day until it dries completely. After that, the product can be painted.

Sequencing

For coloring you will need tools:

• roller;
• brush;
• paint tray (preferably with a ribbed surface).

Mix the paint thoroughly, pour it into the bath and dip the roller into it, rolling it over the ribbed surface of the bath in order to evenly distribute the paint over it. Repeating this simple procedure, you need to apply the first coat of paint. The next day, a second layer is applied, coloring occurs in the same way. Hard-to-reach places can be painted with a brush.

Sometimes the product has an uneven, patterned surface. good example serve as a fence. It will be very difficult to paint it with a roller. The best way out of this situation would be a spray gun with paint. However, this procedure should not be carried out in windy conditions.

In order for the product to be of high quality painted and the brightness to last for a long time, certain conditions must be observed. Painting should not be done in wet, damp weather, as excessively bright sunlight may adversely affect the quality of the painting. The temperature at which it is best to paint the product should not be below 5 °C. If you paint concrete in compliance with all the rules and conditions of painting, the color of the painted product can maintain durability and brightness for up to 5 years.

Painting concrete on the street

A material such as concrete has a porous structure, which is dangerous for prolonged exposure to moisture. When freezing, water that gets into the pores has a destructive effect on them. This is especially true for products made of this material located on the street, which, in addition to moisture, are also threatened by weathering. To preserve the material in the open air from destruction, as well as to give it an attractive appearance, it is necessary to process the material. It is best to paint with paint specially designed for this purpose. It should be noted that this material is painted no earlier than a year after the installation of a new product.

To protect against environmental influences, a special type of paint is used.

Preparing for painting

In order to properly paint concrete, you need to conduct a thorough preparation for this procedure, which includes the preparation of the necessary tools, the choice of paint and surface treatment.

It is best to take a special paint designed for exterior surfaces. Many manufacturers produce such products, which, as a rule, have a rich color palette. It has high strength and elasticity, which allows products to withstand sudden changes in temperature without being damaged or cracking over time. When choosing a paint, you should pay attention to the temperature range of its application, under which the painted concrete will be in good condition for a long time. The dullness or glossiness of the paint will have a big impact on the appearance of the painted product. The composition of paints for outdoor work must necessarily include components that prevent the appearance of destructive fungus and mold.

The paint is characterized by high strength, elasticity and a rich color palette.

In order for the painting to be of high quality and durable, it is important to treat the surface well before applying the paint.

Painting a concrete floor: how to do it right?

First, you should thoroughly clean the surface of dust and dirt, and then remove the remnants of the old paint if the concrete has already been painted before. Holes can be sealed with cement plaster. A glossy surface must be roughened; sandblasting is suitable for this purpose. The fragile top layer can be removed using the same sandblast or brush. If steel reinforcement is visible on the surface, it will need to be cleaned of rust.

The last stage of preparation will be the primer of the surface. It is necessary to apply a primer for outdoor work on top with a roller and hold it for a day until it dries completely. After that, the product can be painted.

Sequencing

For coloring you will need tools:

• roller;
• brush;
• paint tray (preferably with a ribbed surface).

Mix the paint thoroughly, pour it into the bath and dip the roller into it, rolling it over the ribbed surface of the bath in order to evenly distribute the paint over it. Repeating this simple procedure, you need to apply the first coat of paint. The next day, a second layer is applied, coloring occurs in the same way. Hard-to-reach places can be painted with a brush.

Sometimes the product has an uneven, patterned surface. A good example is a fence. It will be very difficult to paint it with a roller. The best way out of this situation would be a spray gun with paint. However, this procedure should not be carried out in windy conditions.

In order for the product to be of high quality painted and the brightness to last for a long time, certain conditions must be observed. Painting should not be done in wet, damp weather, as excessively bright sunlight may adversely affect the quality of the painting. The temperature at which it is best to paint the product should not be below 5 °C. If you paint concrete in compliance with all the rules and conditions of painting, the color of the painted product can maintain durability and brightness for up to 5 years.

Why does the concrete floor begin to dust
Floor dedusting methods
Preparing the concrete pavement for processing
The process of strengthening the concrete base
Applying primer to concrete
Painting of concrete surfaces

At objects where floors are subjected to increased loads, a concrete surface is often equipped, which is characterized by sufficient strength, durability and affordable cost.

In addition to the advantages, such a floor covering has a significant drawback - it is very dusty. Is there a way to get rid of this problem?

Why does the concrete floor begin to dust

Despite the fact that the concrete coating is considered reliable, defects appear on it over time - chips, cracks, depressions, the top layer peels off, as in the photo. Dust must not be allowed, as it poses a health hazard to employees. To cope with the problem, concrete floors are processed.

As already mentioned, the surface of such a floor is subjected to many influences (mechanical and chemical), as a result of which it begins to collapse and cement dust accumulates on it. The screed is dusty - what to do?

There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

• laying technology was not observed;
• the composition is incorrectly selected for the solution;
• the components of the mixture were not of high quality.

But even in the case when the concrete floor is equipped without violations, but its reinforcement has not been performed and it has not been subjected to special treatment, the surface will begin to wear out and at the same time lose its original strength.

There are other reasons why dusting a concrete floor is required. For example, when preparing concrete mortar cement may not have had time to react with water and, as a result, it is present in the porous structure in a dry form. Therefore, dust from it begins to fall into the surrounding space.

If the concrete is of poor quality, then it begins to collapse. Corrosive phenomena also lead to the formation of dust. For example, their cause may be the occurrence of a reaction of carbon dioxide with lime, which is part of concrete, and then microcalcite appears, which is small dust particles.

Floor dedusting methods

Of course, the question is: “What can be done to prevent the concrete floor from dusting?” relevant for those who have chosen this type of flooring. Today, specially designed coloring compositions, primers and impregnations are on sale.

Regardless of the method chosen, how to cover the concrete floor so as not to dust, after processing the surface becomes:

• more durable;
• having anti-slip characteristics;
• antistatic;
• durable;
• aesthetic;
• hygienic;
• without defects.

Today, property owners, thanks to a wide choice various means, there are no problems with how to process the concrete floor so that it does not dust. On sale there are various compositions - epoxy, alkyd, acrylic and polyurethane.

In order to harden the concrete surface, a topping-dry mixture is used. In addition, home craftsmen often treat the concrete floor in the back rooms with a composition of PVA glue, diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 or 1:7.

Preparing the concrete pavement for processing

In preparation:

1. First of all, it is necessary to remove all debris from the floor covering, clean it from oily stains and the exfoliated surface layer.
2. Cracks and depressions that have appeared on the surface are repaired and polished in order to level the base and increase the degree of adhesion with respect to impregnating compounds and paints (in more detail: "How and how to grind a concrete floor - instructions for doing the work yourself").
3. After completing this process, it is imperative to remove cement dust with a grinder. To do this, use an industrial vacuum cleaner. But with a small amount of work, you can use a broom and a damp cloth.

The process of strengthening the concrete base

The first method, than to process the screed so that it does not dust and becomes stronger, involves the use of topping for the top layer. The dry mixture contains cement, to which corundum or quartz, various plasticizers, and sometimes metal particles are added.

Impurities give the concrete floor:

• increased resistance to mechanical stress;
• additional wear resistance;
• hygiene;
• insulating characteristics;
• no reaction to chemicals.

With the help of special distribution devices, a certain amount of the mixture is evenly scattered on the concrete surface. The topping is sprinkled with water to get it a little wet, and then smoothed down with a paddle machine. After that, the pores of the concrete are closed, and the floor covering acquires, in addition to strength, also an attractive appearance. Thanks to this technology, the problem of how to process a concrete floor is solved.

To give the surface a decorative quality, you can add dyes to the topping various shades. The amount of the consumable mixture depends on the loads that are planned to be exerted on the floor. By the way, the topping is intended for processing a new concrete coating so that they become one.

The second option is used when it is necessary to resolve the issue: how to impregnate the concrete floor from dust if it has already been exploited.

V this case liquid formulations are used for processing, which are manufactured:

• Organic based. Molecules of polyurethane, acrylic or epoxy compounds are able to penetrate concrete, due to its porous structure, after which the floor becomes waterproof and immune to chemicals;
• On an inorganic basis. Fluates penetrate into the very thickness of the base, where they interact with the soluble components of the concrete mixture and thereby strengthen it. These compounds are able to strengthen the floor so much that they are used to create a runway.

Any impregnation for the concrete floor from dust, having penetrated into the structure of the floor covering, blocks the pores and clogs the cracks. As a result, the surface is dedusted and after that it becomes resistant to various types damage. See also: "Which floors are better for a car wash - types and features."

Applying primer to concrete

They are primed to enhance adhesion between concrete and paint. Compositions for deep penetration simultaneously perform a number of functions: dedusting, priming, impregnating.

Primers protect concrete floors from:

• detergents;
• salt solutions;
• various oils.

The primer is applied 1-2 times with a brush, it is possible with a roller, and for large areas an airbrush is used.

The polyurethane composition can be used as the only surface protection, or applied before the final painting. The best option can be considered the creation of a top coat using polyurethane enamel, since both materials consist of identical components. They are applied at 12 hour intervals.

Epoxy primer is used as the only coating, or together with epoxy paint.

Painting of concrete surfaces

One of the options for solving the problem of whether the concrete floor is dusting what to do is painting it. As a result, the treated surface should acquire antistatic and anti-slip qualities. On the packages of coloring compositions there should be a mark that they are intended for concrete surfaces (for more details: "Painting a concrete floor - what and how best to do it").

Most often used:

1. Epoxy paints. After their application, the coating acquires a presentable appearance, does not turn yellow during operation, and does not react to chemically aggressive substances. The paints have good adhesion to the concrete base. After their application, a strong protective layer. The composition is used if the concrete floor is not completely dry. The disadvantage of epoxy paints is the need to mix them before starting work. After a while, the unused composition becomes unusable and can no longer be used. See also: "Painted floor - how and how to paint with your own hands."
2. Alkyd paints. The surface is primed. The compositions are sold completely ready for application.
3. Polyurethane enamels .

   Painting concrete floors

   They are produced one- and two-component, both for external and for internal works. These enamels are environmentally friendly, and the floor after their application becomes perfectly smooth surface. True, they dry for about two weeks.

4. Acrylic paints. They include water, polymers and resin. The paint forms a film on the surface of the base, which will provide protection against negative impacts. It is applied in one layer.

High-quality repair of a dusty floor covering is more profitable than its complete replacement.

Concrete floor protection
Selection of paint for concrete
Epoxy paint
acrylic paint
Polyurethane enamel
Polyurethane primer
Epoxy primer
Concrete floor painting
Foundation preparation
Concrete floor priming
floor painting
Floor drying

Like any concrete base, they prefer to leave the floor unpainted, however, even such a durable material as concrete wears out over time, chips and other mechanical damage occur on it. That is why painting the concrete floor is so necessary, it will serve not only as a protective layer, but also ennoble the room. This is what our article will be devoted to.

Concrete floor protection

Concrete floors are still very popular in industrial and commercial buildings. In addition, they are quite common in home workshops, cellars, garages, various outbuildings, sheds and pantries. Even though this very durable material is able to withstand huge loads in not the most favorable conditions He still needs protection though.

Concrete has high porosity and low tensile strength, which leads to its destruction. upper layers under influence external factors. If low-quality concrete was laid from low-grade raw materials, then quite often characteristic dust appears during the wear process.

To protect the concrete base, special compounds are often used. They not only give the surface a decorative color, but also protect it from destruction due to the influence of aggressive environments and inevitable wear. In addition, such a surface does not slip, becomes hygienic, antistatic, more even.

How to paint concrete on the street or the arrangement of colored concrete paths in the country

Selection of paint for concrete

The floor screed should be painted with alkyd or epoxy paints - they do not slip, are antistatic and are not afraid of chemicals. Epoxy paints must be prepared and mixed before use, after which you can start painting. Alkyd substances do not need preparation. The only thing that needs to be done in this case is to prime the base, but for epoxy paints, a primer is not needed.

Before painting the concrete floor, it must be primed. Such compositions are widely used and allow you to restore the floor even in a state of disrepair. Tinting impregnating mixtures make concrete bright, giving color. Polymers are able to hide all the irregularities, and thanks to special putties, the surface comes out truly monolithic. Decorativeness of the base can be given with the help of glitters, flocks, which do not lose their appearance under the action of sunlight very long time.

The color of the concrete floor depends on the characteristics of the room. If it settles down manufacturing facility, where mechanical damage is not excluded, then you will need to create a floor with enhanced reliability. In this case, wear-resistant paints are the best fit.

If you do not know how to paint a cement floor of small thickness, then it is best in this case to choose a varnish for concrete floors or polyurethane enamel. For painting concrete floors in garages and landscape structures, mixtures for industrial premises containing solvents and epoxy enamels are used (for more details: "Painting a concrete floor in a garage: nuances and tips").

To cover concrete floors in residential areas, water-based mixtures are needed. For finishing balconies and corridors, it is better to pay attention to two-component polyurethane elastomers. Polyurethane dyes will be needed if it is necessary for the work surface to be moisture resistant. It is worth considering each of the types of dyes for concrete bases separately.

Epoxy paint

This type of paint is quite durable, besides, it lasts a long time, while maintaining presentability. It is very resistant to aggressive external influences, such as chemicals - acids, alkalis, fuels and lubricants, and so on. Epoxy paint is not afraid of moisture and heavy loads, it has good adhesion to concrete.

This material does not acquire yellowness and does not wear out even in production areas. It is suitable for use on open areas. The pluses can also be attributed to the fact that it can cover not quite hardened concrete.

The disadvantages include the fact that before use, you need to mix its two components.

acrylic paint

Acrylic paint is an aqueous mixture that includes acrylic resin and various polymers. Such paint protects concrete from destruction, forming a protective polymer layer after application.

The result is a very reliable, moisture-repellent and durable protection, making it suitable for floors in garages, basements, balconies and stairwells. See also: "How to make a concrete floor in the basement of the garage with your own hands."

It is easy to operate with such paint, a simple brush, roller or spray is suitable. There can be several layers, each of which dries from 12 to 14 hours.

Polyurethane enamel

Often such enamels are two-component, in any case they have high protective qualities. They can be used for interior and exterior finishing work. The main advantages of polyurethane enamels are their harmlessness, efficiency, resistance to external influences, high adhesion, chemical and wear resistance.

It should be ensured that when applying the enamel, the air temperature does not fall below 5 ° C, and the relative humidity is not more than 75%. Before use, the first component is first mixed well, then the second is added to it. To obtain the best quality of painting, the enamel should be applied in two layers with an interval of 24 hours.

Polyurethane enamel for concrete floors has a major drawback - it dries for a very long time - from 2 days to 2 weeks. This difference in time is explained by the fact that after 2 days the paint no longer sticks, and it is allowed to walk on it, after a week the coating acquires maximum mechanical resistance, and after 2 weeks - chemical resistance.

Polyurethane primer

If for some reason you do not have the right paint to protect the concrete floor, you can treat it with a polyurethane primer. It will act as the only protective layer. But if you are still going to paint the floor, then a primer will be required for pre-treatment of the surface (more: "How to treat a concrete floor from dust - simple options").

Polyurethane primer fills all the pores of the concrete, thereby providing better adhesion of the finishing layer to the base. She is not afraid of gasoline, detergents, chemicals, various oils, fats and weather precipitation.

If after priming it is planned to paint with polyurethane enamel, this can be done only after 12 hours. The primer is good because it is easy to use and also reduces the amount of topcoat applied.

Epoxy primer

This type of primer is also suitable for use as an independent protective layer. Among the advantages are: moisture resistance, acceptable chemical and wear resistance. The substrate must be sanded and dust-free before application.

Concrete floor painting

The purpose of the varieties of compositions is already known. In any case, the principle of applying paint remains, by and large, unchanged. First, the base is prepared - it is cleaned of debris and dust, after which all flaws are puttied, and a primer is carried out. After these events, it is already possible to paint. It should be noted that concrete floors are usually covered in several approaches, applying 2-4 layers.

Foundation preparation

How long the floor will last depends primarily on the quality of the preparatory stage. Make sure that all debris, remnants of old paint, dirt, bitumen, stains from varnishes and all kinds of fuel and lubricant mixtures are removed from the base. Removing these traces is easy. detergents, until the water on the floor no longer collects in separate drops.

All crumbs of concrete should be removed from the floor, after which you can start puttying all the cavities, and then grinding with any special grinding machines (read: "What and how to grind the concrete floor - instructions for doing the work yourself"). These measures will improve the adhesion of the finish layer to the floor. It is best to remove dust with a vacuum cleaner, at worst - with a simple mop.

Toppings are used as a strengthening impregnation. They are dry mixes, which include quartz, cement, plasticizers, dyes and other additives. Strengthening mixtures can be used as a decorative floor treatment, making it smooth and glossy.

Toppings close the pores of concrete, preventing it from penetrating into its upper layers. harmful substances. Thus, the maximum strength of concrete and its performance are ensured. At the same time, the cost of caring for such a floor is significantly reduced. Such a mixture can be applied a week after the installation of the base, as a result, the surface is dedusted up to 5 years.

Concrete floor priming

In order for the adhesion of the paint to the concrete base to be of the highest quality, it should be opened with a primer. There are many types of this product on the market, used both indoors and outdoors. These include acrylic quick-drying compounds that are resistant to oils, gasoline, salt solutions, chemicals, minerals and water.

For priming, foam rollers are best suited, which do an excellent job of distributing the composition over a concrete base. The primer is applied as follows: the composition is thoroughly mixed, in special cases it is diluted with 3% water. It is desirable to add to the primer quartz sand so that the floor is not so slippery - no more than 10% of the mass of the primer.

To cover with a primer, 1-2 layers are enough, while the floor must be dry. Work is recommended to be carried out at an air temperature of 5-40 ° C and 85 percent humidity.

floor painting

At this point, you should already have decided for yourself what paint to paint the concrete floor with. Next, you should decide whether it is better to paint with a brush, spray gun or roller. It all depends on the type of paint. It is better to apply paint and varnish mixtures with a sprayer in 1 layer, which is equal to 3 layers applied in a different way. This method is considered very simple, low-cost, and it does not take much time.

Using a spray gun means covering only the main part of the floor in the room with paint - other hard-to-reach places will need to be painted with a simple brush to painting works. The thickness of the layer after painting is usually 0.2 mm.

Enamels and acrylic paints are applied to the concrete base with a roller. It is better if it is wide with a short pile - both ordinary facade and velor varieties will do. They will make it possible to distribute the paint over the surface evenly and quickly. To simplify your work, it is worth attaching rollers to long handles. For coloring corners, narrow small brushes are suitable.

It is possible to open a concrete floor when its temperature does not fall below 5 ° C, and the room is warmed up to at least 10 ° C, while the relative humidity should not exceed 80%. Water-based polyurethane paint does not stink or emit volatile combustible substances during the finishing process. Containers and tools after work are easily washed with water.

Wet and fresh concrete can be painted, but only if 5 days have passed after pouring. Painting consists in applying strokes to the surface in random directions, after which the paint is evenly rubbed over it. Try not to make the layers thick, they take a long time to dry and do not look as good as thin ones.

If the layer is still thick, give it enough time to dry. Only after you are sure that the layer is completely dry can you start applying the next one. The second layer should not be applied earlier than a day later.

Floor drying

After the floor is painted, you need to wait until the floor is completely dry. This stage should take place at a relative humidity of 70-80% and an ambient temperature of 18-20 °C. It is allowed to subject the base to mechanical stress only after 72 hours. If the drying conditions were not so ideal, then this time may increase somewhat - and, conversely, under more favorable conditions, the period may be slightly reduced.

The duration of drying also depends on the conditions that accompanied the process of painting the base. For example, if staining was carried out on fresh concrete, then drying will be significantly longer. If they were followed normal conditions, then the complete polymerization of the base occurs about a week later, after which the coating acquires the maximum possible mechanical and chemical resistance indicators. Therefore, it is in your interest to allow the substrate to dry as long as possible, thanks to which it will last as long as possible.

Now everyone knows how to paint a concrete floor, what tools are needed for this, and how long it takes to give the base maximum performance characteristics. As a result, the top layers of the concrete floor will not turn into dust and absorb moisture.

It is very important to select the right coloring materials, try not to save money, primer if it is strongly recommended. Do not buy materials from unverified manufacturers, moreover, if they are suspiciously cheap. At the same time, it is important to follow all the technological steps for painting, accuracy and experience, and then the concrete floor will be used as long as possible.

The concrete floor is quite reliable and durable. Rarely it is painted to improve its appearance: more often it is done to protect the surface. The reason for this is mechanical and climatic influences. It is important to choose the right paint for painting concrete and follow the painting technology.

Features and Specifications

The top layer of a concrete floor is particularly exposed to the environment. Clean concrete eventually begins to exfoliate, crumble, create a lot of dust. The decorative properties of the surface suffer greatly, and at the same time your health is undermined. Concrete coloring improves the resistance of the floor to moisture and load, prevents the destruction of the top layer.

The paint must be selected special, the requirements include:

• resistance to mechanical stress;
• durability of operation;
• resistance to temperature extremes, moisture and climatic conditions;
• good tenacity with porous concrete surface;
• decorative qualities.

The paint improves the key qualities of the concrete floor. It can be designed for outdoor and indoor use. The difference lies in resistance to various adverse factors. Everything colorants manufactured in accordance with established standards. GOST lists substances that form a protective coating.

Types of paint

Initially, professionals isolated only suspensions for epoxy resins for painting concrete surfaces. It was believed that these tools are better suited than others. Today, there are many more options on the construction market. Today, manufacturers offer various compositions with their own characteristics and disadvantages. Let's take a look at a few of the best.

Acrylic

The paint is based on acrylic resins, organic, inorganic pigments. Acrylates and polyacrylates with various additional components form a protective film. Complex essential components provide quick drying and resistance to high humidity. Experts recommend using acrylic paint in garages, basements, and balconies. The composition is well suited for coloring small room. The variety is resistant to non-aggressive chemicals and short-term exposure to moisture.

rich color palette Available in matte and glossy finishes. The solvent for acrylic paint is water. Apply it in 2 layers, it dries for 48 hours. It is applied to a small surface with a roller or brush; for large rooms, special sprayers are used. The composition is environmentally friendly.

Acrylic silicone

Wear-resistant enamel contains acrylic copolymers and silicone-based resins. The two-component material combines the advantages of acrylic and silicone varieties. The composition helps to prevent the development of microorganisms harmful to health. Acrylic resins have high tenacity and adhere well to concrete.

Silicone resins contain silicon and provide strength to the paint. Enamel is electrostatic, prevents the accumulation of dust. The only drawback of acrylic-silicone enamel is a meager palette of colors.

Wear-resistant enamel is applied in 2 or more layers. Wait at least 3 hours between each subsequent coat.

Epoxy

This paint is two-component. A feature of the material is the need to mix before applying the two components until the structure is completely homogeneous. Despite the small number of colors in the palette, the coating is quite resistant to mechanical stress and stands out long term services. Paint is usually used in industrial facilities and in open areas.

Epoxy enamel is resistant to moisture. The composition does not deteriorate from exposure to aggressive chemicals. Good tenacity with concrete and the invariance of decorative properties over time makes the paint attractive to the consumer. Apply the composition of at least 2 layers with an interval of 12 hours.

Alkyd-urethane

This paint is more often used for interior decoration. Enamel has a glossy surface, which is not erased or scratched during operation. The paint dries in just a couple of hours. Manufacturers indicate an impressive service life - up to 15 years.

Vinyl

This paint will last you about 7 years. It is enough to apply the composition in one layer and wait for complete drying for 2 hours. The expense of the funds is quite small, so the coverage will cost a small amount. The material is particularly environmentally friendly and is used in residential areas.

Rubber

The paint is different unique properties. The surface dries in just a few minutes. Manufacturers guarantee that the coating will please you for at least 10 years. WITH rubber materials Can work in hot and cold. This paint easily transfers temperature regime from -50 to +60 degrees Celsius.

After drying, a polymer film is formed. The strength of the layer allows the surface to withstand systematic mechanical impacts of varying intensity. Rubber paint will protect the concrete from cracks and breaks. Adding pigments to the composition allows you to create a wide color palette.

Rubber compound does not pose a health hazard. The main components are water and acrylate dispersion. It is the last element that creates a protective film that prevents color fading during operation. The painted surface is able to repel dust and moisture, the concrete has access to oxygen.

Polyurethane

Before using this paint, you need to mix the two components until completely homogeneous. Wear-resistant material is suitable for indoor and outdoor finishing work. The paint dries for a long time (within 2 weeks). The coating is odorless, so during the drying period it will not cause unnecessary trouble.

At the first stage of drying, moisture comes out of the mixture, after which the hardening stage begins. In the second half of drying polyurethane paint acquires high resistance to mechanical stress. Self-leveling floor is used as a finishing coating on concrete screeds. Paint is used in residential and industrial premises. The floor of this material has proven itself in auto repair shops, garages and technical rooms. The popularity is due to the high resistance to mechanical, chemical and climatic influences.

Which one to choose?

Floor painting is a responsible business. When choosing a paint material, the following factors should be considered:

• type of premises (residential, technical);
• the temperature range at which the paint can be applied;
• the nature of the impact on the floor (for example, chemical, climatic, impact);
• intensity of various impacts (constant or periodic, low or high).

• In an apartment or residential building, it is recommended to use water-based formulations. Acrylic paint is a good option.
• In utility rooms, acrylic or epoxy compounds are used. The exact choice depends on the intensity of the load.
• Commercial premises are characterized by intensive loads. Opt for epoxy paint, which should be applied in 2 coats.
• In the bath, bathroom and rooms with high humidity, use epoxy or polyurethane compounds. Apply paint in 2 coats.
• It is better to paint the floor screed with alkyd or epoxy paint. They are ideal for dust removal, do not slip, do not deteriorate from chemical influences of varying intensity.
• Acrylic-silicone enamel can be used on the landing. It will protect the floor from dust, the entrance will look more well-groomed. You can also apply alkyd-urethane enamels they have a fairly long lifespan.

A means for finishing work on concrete must be chosen very carefully.

Remember to improve decorative properties floors can be done with glitter (sequins) or flock. The main guidelines when choosing should be resistance to external influences and service life.

Flow calculation

The following factors affect the consumption of paint:

• hiding power;
• color.

The standard indicator for concrete is 210-250 g of paint per 1 square meter. Approximately this is the consumption of paint when covering the floor with one layer. The average indicator cannot be the same for everyone. As a rule, manufacturers indicate on the packaging how much composition is needed to cover 1 sq. m floor.

The hiding power of the paint is indicated on the packaging. Keep in mind that the manufacturer indicates the indicator in ideal conditions. In reality, the paint will take more.

Great importance has the quality of preparing concrete for painting. Do the procedure as carefully and efficiently as possible, this will save paint.

Training

The process of preparing the concrete surface must be carried out with special care. The quality of further staining depends on this. After laying the concrete, at least 3 months should pass, the room temperature at this time should not be higher than 20 degrees. If you don't have that much time, wait at least 30 days. Before applying the paint, the moisture content of the concrete should not exceed 5%.

You can find out the moisture level of the concrete floor using a special device or polyethylene film. Lay her on small plot concrete and tape the edges. Wait 24 hours, remove the film and evaluate the condensate. Its very presence suggests that the floor is not yet ready for painting. For forced drying, you can use a heater.

If the concrete has been in operation for a long time, and you decide to paint it, then you need to evaluate general state coatings. Check the floor for chips, cracks and greasy spots. Treat mechanical damage with a special repair solution, remove grease with a solvent.

All dust must be removed from the dried concrete. For better tenacity, the concrete floor is sandblasted.

Work technology

Repair is carried out in four stages. It is important to follow all the recommendations correctly. Strict adherence to the instructions guarantees high-quality coverage and will help to avoid unnecessary expenses. You can paint concrete like this:

Floor preparation

The removal of dust and grease has already been done, but the preparation does not end there. Often an old concrete floor needs sanding. Surface evenness is the key to success. Treat the floor with impregnation to repel dust. So in the future, dust will not interfere with repair work.

Priming work

It is recommended to prime the concrete before painting. Choose a tool in accordance with the selected paint. For proper cooking and applying the primer, read the instructions. A foam roller will help evenly prime the entire floor. Many experts add quartz sand to the primer at the rate of 0.1 of the total mass; after treatment with such a mixture, the floor does not slip.

The primer is applied to concrete in 1-2 layers. As the main tool, you can use a roller, brush or spray. When carrying out work humidity in the room should be no more than 85%, and the temperature in the range from +5 to +40.

The primer is preferable to choose deep penetration.

Coloring

The choice of paint depends solely on your preferences. Tools can be as follows: sprayer, rollers, brushes. Sprayer consumption helps save you time and paint. However, applications hand tool cannot be avoided, for example, a brush must be used when processing corners and hard-to-reach areas.

For painting with acrylic paint or the considered enamels, it is preferable to use a wide roller with a small pile. Such a tool makes it possible to apply a uniform layer for a fairly a short time. For greater comfort, a long handle is added to the roller. Hard-to-reach areas are treated with a brush.

Prepare the coloring composition according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply strokes to the concrete in different directions. Spread the paint evenly over the base.

Do not apply too thick a layer, it is better to make a few thin ones. Apply each next layer after the previous one has completely dried.

No flooring can be transformed, as painting can. Painting a concrete floor can completely change a room beyond recognition. But not everyone knows how to paint a concrete floor. Therefore, I dedicate this article to this issue.

How to paint concrete

Before you start painting

Before you start painting, you should know that the method suggested in this article is only suitable for non-weathered indoor floors. If you need to paint the concrete floor in the garage, then you should also consult a specialist, or entrust this work to professionals.

The second point you should consider. If the base is not properly prepared before painting, the paint can quickly peel off and peel off. In any case, before painting the concrete floor, you must read the paint manufacturer's instructions and strictly follow all recommendations.

This is especially important if the instructions require the paint to be used at certain temperatures. Sometimes it is even necessary to mix the paint for a certain amount of time and even apply it in one way or another.

It is likely that some products will have strong fumes which, if inhaled, can be dangerous to humans. Concrete painting should always be done in a well-ventilated area using personal protective equipment.

Painting begins with acid etching

Floor preparation

Before starting the process, a thorough cleaning of the floors from dust and debris is necessary. In addition, gaps and cracks must be puttied. The cracks are filled with concrete mix and leveled with a spatula. Let the concrete floor dry thoroughly before painting.

If painting will be carried out on a previously painted surface, it is additionally necessary to remove loose and exfoliated areas of paint. If the concrete floor is new, acid etching will be required. The etching process will increase the adhesion of the paint to the concrete.

To check the need for acid etching, it is enough to pour a little water on the surface of the concrete. If water is easily absorbed, then acid etching should be done. Although if the floor is glossy or has glue on it, then it may not absorb water, but it is better to do etching.

After acid etching, the concrete floor should be rinsed thoroughly with water to remove acid residue. If your household has household ammonia, use it along with water. Ammonia is an excellent acid neutralizer.

• To remove any fat from the floors, a degreaser is used.
• Remaining adhesive can be poured with solvent to soften and then scraped off with a plastic brush.
• To smooth out unevenness, use a block with sandpaper grain size 60 microns. After each sanding make sure that all dust and debris is removed.

How and what to paint

To find out how to paint a concrete floor, it is best to contact the store consultant, giving him the exact specifications of the concrete. It is equally important to consider in which room you will be painting, what is the traffic in the room, whether you need additional anti-slip additives for paint, etc.

The consultant will also guide you, tell you if you need soil and, if necessary, which soil is better to buy. He will choose the best to paint the concrete floor.

From myself, I’ll add that the painting of concrete floors is carried out with polyurethane enamels and epoxy paints. Epoxy paints are more durable, they are ideal for industrial premises. Polyurethane enamels are more attractive and economical. Both of them have their own unique application technology.

When starting to paint the floors, masking tape is glued to the bottom edge of the plinth to prevent the primer and paint from getting on it. Painting floors begins with a primer base. This will increase the adhesion of the paint to the floor.

First, one layer of paint is applied, then after it has completely dried, another is applied. Some brands of paints for concrete are self-priming and therefore do not require prior application of a primer (primers).

Floor painting always starts from the corner opposite the entrance. Spread the paint over the entire surface of the floor using a paint roller. On the edges and corners, the paint is applied with a brush. If you could not find the color that you wanted, then if you wish, the paint can be tinted with any tinting color scheme. A store consultant will also help you in choosing it.

Ideally, the paint should dry for at least 7 days. And if you want to paint the surface of the floors with additional patterns and patterns, you also need to wait for the paint to dry completely.

Painting floors - how to paint

Concrete floor needs sealing

An additional protective layer must be applied to the painted surface to prevent scratches. This layer will not only protect the paint, but also make the floor glossy. For these purposes, varnishes and hardening impregnations are used. To make the floor durable, you will need to apply at least two protective layers to the paint. Before applying each next layer, thorough drying of the previous one is required.

Important Notes:

• After using the sealant, it will not be easy to fix something. Therefore, make sure that the sealing is done only after the painting is done completely and efficiently.
• If you want to paint a concrete floor in a damp room or at low ambient temperatures, then the paint will take longer to dry.
• Painted concrete floors are prone to scratching up to 30 days after the painting process is completed. At the very least, try not to bring furniture into the room for at least 15 days. If necessary, use rubber or felt pads under the furniture to protect the flooring.