How to paint a concrete floor

Perhaps, few people will doubt that the concrete floors are the most durable and durable. With proper work to fill the screed, such a floor is able to perform the functions assigned to it for decades. However, it must be said that such a coating can only be called aesthetically conditional, moreover, the upper layer will always be dusty as a result of abrasion during operation. In this regard, it is necessary to think about applying a protective layer, which, among other things, still would perform decorative functions. How to paint a concrete floor so that it is beautiful, and the coating is durable?

Note! The modern market of paints and varnishes is able to offer several options for performing the tasks. But you need to know that different colors will differ in performance, depending on their composition. Therefore, before deciding on the choice of paint, you must have certain basic knowledge regarding this issue.

Main types of paints

Coating materials used for painting concrete surfaces can be of several types.

Epoxides

As one of the possible options for how to paint a concrete floor, you can select paints based on epoxy resins. On the market this material is presented in the form of two-component coloring compositions. Before direct application, the components are mixed and the paint can be applied. This coating will have the following characteristics:

• Durability. And we are talking not only about mechanical resistance to various kinds of influences, but also maintaining an attractive appearance for quite a long time.
• Persistence Implies the resistance of the coating to the effects of chemicals, mechanical loads, ultraviolet.
• Neutrality. After polymerization of the plasticizer which is a part of paint, the uniform strong, non-toxic covering is formed.

But there are drawbacks. When applying this type of coating in enclosed spaces, adequate ventilation must be ensured, since before the components are polymerized, the composition is rather toxic. It should also be remembered that this type of paint on concrete will have extremely strong adhesion to the floor surface. This, it would seem, plus, will negatively manifest itself in the case of repainting, since the paint is very difficult to remove.

Epoxy paint is usually applied in the same way as self-leveling floors, that is, the mixture is poured onto the floor surface and is evenly distributed over its entire area. To achieve the best effect, it is recommended to apply two layers. Dries such coverage for about a day.

Polyurethane

Well suited for dyeing concrete floors paint, based on polyurethane. In some ways, this paint is similar to epoxy, as it also consists of two components, but they will differ in composition. There are several positive qualities of this flooring:

• Covering ability. This paint product can be applied directly on top of the old one.
• Coating strength. This implies chemical and mechanical stability.
• Универсальность. Paint for concrete floor данного типа может применяться для окрашивания поверхностей как внутри помещений, так и на открытых площадках.
• Aesthetics. As a result of the application of such paint, a coating is formed that has a beautiful glossy surface. In addition, the market offers a variety of color options.

Note! It is recommended to apply the paint at a temperature not lower than 5 ° C, and it dries about two weeks. 

The paint is applied in two layers, the first will serve as a primer, and the second will act as a final coating.

Acrylic

Another paintwork material used to coat a concrete floor is an acrylic paint. The various polymers entering into its structure, allocate a covering with the following positive qualities:

• Coating stability. Thanks to polymers, the coating becomes extremely resistant to mechanical damage. If you compare figuratively, it becomes like a thin layer of rubber, which allows it to recover its shape after the load.
• High drying speed.
• Protection. Concrete coated with acrylic paint will be protected from the harmful effects of moisture, abrasion and chemicals.
• The convenience of use. Due to its fluidity, the paint is quite simply applied to the surface with a conventional roller.
• Thrift. Acrylic paints for concrete have a uniform consistency and do not shine even in the case of a thin layer, which allows not to apply several layers, and thus reduce the overall consumption of material.
• Aesthetics. In the modern market of paints and varnishes, a fairly extensive color palette of acrylic paints is presented, allowing you to choose the color according to your taste preferences.

Primer

As an economical option, various primers based on epoxy resins or polyurethane can also be considered for covering a concrete floor. The primer is absorbed and not bad strengthen the upper part of the concrete floor. In the case when the concrete floor will serve as the basis for any other floor covering, this option is the most acceptable. If you additionally apply a couple of layers of primer, then this coating will be quite durable and suitable as the final.

Video

This video shows how the concrete floor is polished and painted:

Videoобзор акриловой износостойкой краски для бетонных полов ВДС-30: