Preparing your concrete floor before painting it is essential.
Because your floors are subject to more wear and tear than any other interior surface in your home, painting a concrete floor is often a sensible option. If you have a concrete floor in your home, painting it can provide your floor with an instant face-lift and will give you a low-maintenance flooring at a relatively inexpensive price. One of the most important things to remember before painting a concrete floor is it will require extra preparation in order to achieve optimum results.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Get rid of gravel, dust and other debris by thoroughly sweeping your floor. Once your floor is clear of large debris, use the sandpaper to sand out any little knots or bumps. You will want the floor to be even when you begin painting.
2. Fill in and fix any holes or indentations in the floor using concrete or resin filler. Having a smooth surface will make painting it easier and the end result will be much more attractive. Ensure your filler is completely dry before doing moving on.
3. Clean the floor using hot soapy water. This will clear away grime, ground-in dirt and any stains that were lurking on your floor. Let the floor dry for about 24 hours before continuing, as painting on wet concrete may cause the paint to lift and peel, says the Michigan State University Extension.
4. Prepare your tools, ensuring you have everything you need to complete the task. You will need to purchase a concrete-bonding primer and paint suitable for the purpose of the floor. For example, latex paint is not suitable for high-traffic flooring. If your concrete floor is going to be used regularly then you should opt for epoxy paint or similar, according to the dummies.com website.
Painting
5. Start by using a primer. Cut into the corners of the room using a small paintbrush, starting at the opposite end to the room's entrance. Continue to paint primer around the entire perimeter of the room. This will ensure a clean edge as well as preventing roller marks on your walls. Leave the primer to dry for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Repeat the process with a second coat.
6. Pour your paint into a roller tray. If you are using more than one container of paint, mix it all together before you start to ensure an even distribution of color. Once your paint is prepared, cut into the corners with a clean paintbrush and paint around the room's perimeter.
7. Use a roller to paint the entire concrete floor, remembering to move any painting equipment as you go. You may find using an extension pole on your roller makes the job easier and quicker. Once finished, leave it to dry for as long as the paint manufacturer recommends, then add a second coat.
8. Make sure you let your flooring dry thoroughly -- at least three days -- before walking on it and up to seven days before adding furniture, recommends the Apartment Therapy website. This should help reduce marks and scratches on your paint's surface.
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