With concrete being so widely used on floors, no two paint jobs are going to be the same. But whether it's applying a coating to your garage floor at home, the workshop in your business, or adding markings to a sports playing surface, you'll want to make sure it lasts.
When it comes to painting concrete, slapping down the paint and hoping for the best rarely works. It's a unique type of surface that requires a unique approach, and preparation is key. Here are the steps you should take to make sure your concrete is ready for perfect paintwork that lasts
Make it sparkle
Your first step should be to remove any existing old paint from the concrete using a suitable product. Once this is done, use a vacuum cleaner to get the ground as dust-free as possible.
It's best to get the concrete as clean as possible before proceeding, so mix dish soap and water together and scrub or mop thoroughly. Make sure there are no stains or patches of grease left on the surface afterward.
Do some repairs
Carefully inspect the concrete for any damage. Any cracks, chips or dents could seriously impact the end result of your hard work, so repair them using a concrete repair product.
Get primed
Some people are tempted to skip this step, but that would be a mistake. Concrete is porous, which can cause problems with painting as the colour bleeds or smudges. Applying a primer gets the surface ready for painting, stopping paint from soaking deep into the pores. Use the primer according to the instructions and wait as long as it tells you to; don't rush ahead before it's ready!
Paint away
If you're painting an entire floor a solid colour, a roller helps get the job done quickly with an even finish. For lines and other markings, stencils are the best way to make the work look professional and neat.
Keep it protected
Because painting a concrete floor is hard work, you don't want to have to do it again too soon. Although paints designed for the purpose are generally hard-wearing, it's best to apply a concrete protective coating over the top of the paint, which will give it an extra level of durability. This is especially important when you've painted lines or written messages, as they can look tatty very quickly. It's also highly advisable in any room with heavy footfall or vehicle activity.
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