Correct painting of the concrete floor with your own hand

The concrete base is considered to be the strongest and most durable. However, even such a surface wears out over time, various damages appear on it. Painting a concrete floor with paint allows you to extend the service life of the base, to reduce the degree of its wear. To achieve a positive effect, it is necessary to choose the right composition, as well as observe the technology of its application.

Characteristics of concrete floor paint

The concrete surface is characterized by high strength and porous structure. Because of this, dirt, dust, and liquid can penetrate into the depth of the layer. Over time, the unprotected base becomes untidy. If the room is not heated, the water entering the pores narrows and expands with changes in temperature. At the same time, the structure of concrete is damaged, it is covered with deep cracks.

If you paint cement floors, the pores will be blocked, so neither liquid nor dirt will be able to get inside. In addition, the finish enhances the antistatic properties of the substrate. To work with such a floor, water-based compositions or with the addition of organic solvents are used. The first option is best used in a heated room, since water-soluble paint is unstable to negative temperatures.

The substance must have the following properties:

• resistance to mechanical stress, temperature extremes, exposure to chemicals;
• good adhesion to the substrate;
• sufficient level of viscosity;
• good decorative qualities.

When choosing a composition, you need to take into account its purpose: for indoor or outdoor work.

Varieties of paint

It is possible to classify paintwork materials for concrete according to the binding component and purpose. Some formulations are used only in residential premises, others on balconies and loggias.

Acrylic

Acrylic paint for concrete is based on resins and polymers. The composition creates a matte, semi-matte or glossy surface. The protective film makes the floor resistant to chemical and mechanical influences, prevents the destruction of the top layer of concrete. The composition does not have an unpleasant odor. It can be applied with a roller, spray gun or paint brush. It dries quickly.

Acrylic paint is resistant to negative temperatures, so it can be used in technical rooms that are not heated. There are options for indoor and outdoor use. After applying the acrylic compound, the concrete base becomes moisture resistant. The color of the paint does not fade for a long time. Another advantage of this product is its good decorative ability.

Acrylic silicone

Enamel containing acrylic copolymers and silicone resins provides high resistance to wear of the substrate. It is characterized by good adhesion to the surface. Fungus and mold do not develop on such a coating. Electrostaticity is reduced on the floor surface, so dust does not accumulate on it. It is necessary to apply such paint in several layers. Each of them dries for about 3 hours.

Epoxy

Epoxies are two-component and must be properly prepared before application.A mixer is used to mix the ingredients. This coating is characterized by high strength, resistance to moisture, temperature extremes. You can use the paint on the balcony, open veranda, in the gazebo. Apply the composition in 2-3 layers. It takes at least 12 hours to listen to each of them.

The advantage of the paint is its resistance to abrasion and chemical agents. It has a high level of adhesion. The color gamut of epoxy compounds is small, but the shade does not lose its saturation for a long time.

Alkyd-urethane

If you need a glossy surface, you can use an alkyd-urethane paint. The surface is abrasion resistant and rarely scratches. The applied layer dries up in 3 hours. This coating is versatile.

The alkyd resin provides good adhesion to the concrete base. Due to the polymerization of the layer under the influence of oxygen, the coating becomes smooth and elastic. Its service life is about 15 years. The disadvantage of the paint is its pungent odor during application.

Vinyl

The advantages of vinyl composition are environmental friendliness, low consumption. To obtain an even coating, just one coat of paint is sufficient. It dries up in 2 hours. The paint does not lose its decorative and protective properties for about 7 years of operation.

Rubber

The rubber paint forms a durable protective film that can withstand high mechanical stress. It can be used in the temperature range from -50 to +60 ° C. The coating protects the base from cracking, repels dust and moisture. The rubber paint creates an elastic layer and is vapor permeable. The coating does not peel off during operation.

The rubber compound has a strong unpleasant odor, therefore, a protective mask must be used during operation. After drying, the substance becomes completely safe. It should be applied several times in a thin layer.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane paint contains 2 components, which are mixed immediately before application. Apply it in several layers. It takes 2 weeks for the coating to dry completely. The advantage of the material is mechanical strength, resistance to chemicals, decorative appeal. The room temperature during operation should not be lower than +5 ° С.

Selection rules

Before you paint the concrete floors in an apartment, you need to choose the right composition. For this, the following factors are taken into account:

• purpose: for residential or non-residential rooms, for indoor or outdoor use;
• temperature range in which the base will be used;
• manufacturer;
• the degree of load on the floor;
• protective properties of the material;
• decorativeness and functionality of the coating.

Environmental safety of paint is equally important. You should not buy formulations that have almost expired.

Calculation of paint consumption

Material consumption depends on the total floor area and the tools used for application. The following parameters are also taken into account:

1. Opacity - the ability to cover the old layer of a different shade. In this case, the number of applied layers and their thickness are important.
2. The quality of the preparation of the base.
3. The shade of the floor and the color of the selected paint.

Average material consumption per 1 m² is about 220-250 g. The indicator for each type of paint can be seen on the can.

Preparatory work

Before painting cement floors outdoors or indoors, you need to prepare the base. The durability of the coating depends on this. The preparation process includes the following stages:

1. Removing dust and debris, sealing chips and holes with putty. At this stage, the base is polished. You can remove dust with a construction vacuum cleaner.
2. Application of strengthening compounds containing plasticizers, cement, quartz sand.Such processing allows you to achieve the required texture of the floor, to reduce its porosity.
3. Priming the surface to increase the adhesion of the paint to the concrete.

To improve adhesion, universal formulations are used. You can also use specialized impregnations.

Required tools and materials

In addition to paint for a cement floor, the following tools and materials will be required for work:

• roller, brush or spray gun;
• masking tape;
• paint tray;
• sander, sandpaper;
• primer.

It is necessary to work in protective clothing, gloves and a mask. To prepare the base, a repair compound or a specialized putty is required.

Do-it-yourself concrete floor painting process

You can paint the concrete floor in the house with your own hands. The process provides for the following sequence of works:

• the paint is diluted according to the instructions, mixed, poured into a tray;
• the roller is rolled over the container and the composition is applied in a thin layer to the base (you need to make sure that there are no gaps);
• the work is repeated in a day.

If a spray gun is used for work, it must be held at a right angle to the surface at a distance of 25 cm. It must be moved smoothly, without sudden jerks.