Paint for concrete floors: types and properties, selection rules and painting technology

Selecting the appropriate paint for concrete floors can change your space’s appearance and longevity. The correct coating not only improves the look of a garage, basement, or industrial floor but also adds a layer of protection against wear and tear. There are numerous paint kinds that are suitable for different environments and each has special advantages.

Making the appropriate decision requires an understanding of the characteristics of concrete floor paints. While some paints offer resistance to chemicals or extreme temperatures, others are made to withstand heavy foot traffic and stains. Understanding these characteristics will enable you to choose a paint that will satisfy your unique requirements and guarantee durable results.

Think about things like the type of floor, anticipated traffic, and desired finish when choosing paint for concrete floors. Additionally, getting a smooth, long-lasting surface depends on applying the material correctly. This entails properly priming the floor and painting in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This post will discuss the different kinds of paints that are available for concrete floors, their characteristics, and the necessary procedures for a painting job well done. With the correct knowledge, you can polish your concrete surfaces to improve their appearance and functionality.

Why you need to paint concrete?

Concrete has a porous structure but a strong surface. As a result, the material is more susceptible to the deep penetration of pollutants such as water, chemicals, and dust. An exposed concrete surface quickly becomes untidy during operation.

The structure of the concrete is destroyed when water seeps into the pores and expands and contracts in response to changes in the surrounding temperature. If a decorative coating is not applied, concrete is not damage resistant. Deep fissures later show up on the screed. Painting concrete aids in averting such issues.

Without extra coating, the floor deteriorates more quickly the lower the grade of cement used to build it. After hardening, a screed like this needs to be painted. It will be shielded from abrasion and delamination as a result. By adding a decorative layer, concrete’s pores are blocked and its antistatic qualities are strengthened. Adding a paint and varnish coating prolongs the screed’s useful life.

The durability and appearance of painted concrete floors can be significantly improved by selecting the appropriate paint type and being aware of its properties. This post will walk you through the different kinds of concrete floor paints that are available, along with their unique benefits and characteristics. You’ll discover how to choose the ideal paint for your requirements, accounting for elements such as environmental conditions and foot traffic. We’ll also go over the critical procedures for properly priming and painting your concrete floor to produce a durable and appealing finish.

Features and characteristics of paint and varnish compositions

There are two main categories into which all floor paints fall. Water-based dyes are included in the first. Applying paint using them yields a long-lasting layer that can withstand elevated humidity levels, making it suitable for treating floors in bathrooms and kitchens. The inability of water-soluble compounds to withstand frost is a drawback.

Paints made using organic solvents fall into the second category. They are better than water-soluble enamels in a few specific areas. They can withstand the cold. Furthermore, you can buy coloring pigment and create compositions of any color using two components.

Types of paint for concrete

To decorate concrete floors, a wide variety of paints and varnishes can be used. While some of them are limited to painting indoor surfaces, others can be used to cover a balcony’s cement floor.

Acrylic

Concrete becomes more durable when acrylic paint creates a film that closes the pores in the material. The surface should be coated multiple times in areas where it is subjected to high mechanical stress.

Applying it with a brush, spray gun, or roller is possible. It takes 12 to 14 hours for drying.

Acrylic-silicone

Because silicone resins and acrylic copolymers are included in the composition of this enamel, it has a higher wear resistance. This substance sticks to the surface nicely. Such a coating lowers electrostatics, stops dust from appearing, and stops pathogenic microflora from growing. When coating reinforced concrete structures, the material is applied in multiple layers. For each of them to dry, you must wait three hours.

Epoxy

Epoxy paint with two components. Prior to applying the mixture to the floor, some of its components are combined. This paint produces a long-lasting layer.

It is suitable for floors in gazebos and on balconies because it is resistant to moisture and the effects of other environmental factors. Several layers of the material are applied. They must all be allowed to dry for twelve hours.

Alkyd-urethane

An abrasion- and scratch-resistant glossy surface is provided by alkyd-urethane paint. In one to two hours, the painted surface dries. Up to 15 years is the coating’s service life.

Vinyl

The consumption of this kind of paint is minimal. A decorative coating can be created with just one layer. In just 1.5–2 hours, the paint dries. Because it is non-toxic, residential spaces can use this material. Approximately seven years is the coating’s service life.

Rubber

Paint for rubber dries quickly. Such a coating is capable of withstanding temperatures between -50 °C and +60 °C. A strong film that can tolerate strong mechanical loads forms after drying. Concrete is shielded from cracking by this coating. Since pigments are sold separately, you can purchase paint in any color. The finished coating repels dust and moisture and does not release any harmful substances into the atmosphere. This facilitates floor maintenance.

Polyurethane

Before being used, two components of polyurethane paint are combined and smoothed out.

Both indoor and outdoor floor coverings can be made with it. Paint takes around two weeks to dry. Such a coating has a high degree of damage resistance.

Which is better to choose?

Several considerations are made when selecting paint. Among them are:

• residential or non-residential premises;
• temperature changes;
• possible impacts on the floor.

Selecting compositions from well-known brands is ideal. Because their manufacturers value the company’s reputation, they keep an eye on the products’ quality. Results from Tex floor paint are good. Paints with a water base are used to coat floors in homes. Paint made of acrylic is OK. Epoxy and acrylic compositions are advised for technical rooms with high loads on the floors.

Calculation of paint consumption

The type, color, and quality of the concrete coating all affect how much material is used. The consumption is 210–215 g per 1 m² on average.

Concrete coloring technology

The base is primed before the decorative material is applied. Once everything has been thoroughly prepared, you can start painting.

Floor preparation

Concrete must be allowed to dry for three months at temperatures as high as 20°C after it has been poured. You must affix a plastic film to the floor in order to determine its level of preparation for painting.

Painting should be delayed if, within 24 hours, condensation forms underneath.

Following drying, the coating’s levelness is evaluated and sanded as needed. When a concrete floor is used for an extended period of time, it needs to be repaired and the grease needs to be removed from the surface using a solvent. Sandblasting the base improves paint adhesion to concrete.

Primer work

Primer is the next step in the painting preparation process. A primer that can pierce through thick layers of concrete is what you should use.

It can be applied using a spray, a wide brush, or a foam roller. The ideal working temperature is between +5..+40°C. It is advised to apply this composition to concrete twice.

Painting

Paint can be applied to the floor using a brush, roller, or spray gun. A spray gun is more convenient to use. For skirting boards, corners, etc., a brush should be used. It is best to use a wide roller if you intend to apply enamel. To distribute the material evenly, the strokes should be made in different directions. Several layers are frequently needed. Every one of them needs to dry completely before applying the next.

Drying the surface

Naturally occurring drying is ideal. Attempting to expedite this process is not advised. The drying temperature range for paint and enamel is +18–+20 °C. A 70% air humidity level is advised. The characteristics of the paint and varnish material determine how long they take to dry. It can go anywhere from a few hours to fourteen days. It is preferable to allow the coating to dry for three to five days in order for it to solidify, even if you are using a fast-drying paint.

The durability and aesthetic appeal of your space can be significantly improved by selecting the appropriate paint for concrete floors. Knowing the various kinds of concrete paints that are available, like acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy, will help you choose the one that is best for your requirements. Every variety has distinct qualities that meet different needs, ranging from high traffic zones to damp surroundings.

For a finish to last, proper application and preparation are essential. Paint will adhere more readily and work better over time if the floor is dry, clean, and free of any contaminants or previous coatings. Complying with the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding mixing, application methods, and drying durations will additionally enhance the appearance of a finished product.

In the end, taking the time to comprehend your options and adhere to the correct application techniques will result in a beautifully polished concrete floor that can withstand the rigors of your surroundings. Your concrete floors can look fantastic and last for many years if you choose the correct paint and application methods.

Video on the topic

Paint for concrete.Two-component paints for concrete. Polyurethane and epoxy paints for concrete.

Paint for concrete floors bentonite – resistant to abrasion

Rubber paint – characteristics, application, rules of use