Concrete floor paint: choosing a quality coating for surface protection

How to choose paint for concrete

Views. To make a durable coating on a concrete base, manufacturers use several basic formulations.

1. Epoxy paint is a two component product that must be mixed prior to application. Most often 2 coats are applied, the drying time ranges from 12 to 24 hours. The service life of the epoxy coating is limited to 8 years, but the main drawback is the scarcity of colors.
2. Acrylic paint for concrete is an aqueous suspension of polymers and resins. Acrylic successfully resists moisture and temperature extremes, it dries quickly. The consumer is offered a wide range of colors. You can apply the material on your own, 1-2 layers are enough for this.
3. Rubber (latex) paint is highly elastic. It forms a polymer film with a rich color on the concrete surface. The applied layer dries up in just 20-30 minutes, and the working temperature range is -50 ... + 60 ° C.
4. Polyurethane paints are great for budget renovations, they are suitable for painting both interior and exterior surfaces. The material has good hiding power and is resistant to chemicals. The only drawback is the long hardening time (3-4 weeks).

Appointment

When choosing paint for concrete, you should pay attention to the purpose of the material

1. Almost all formulations are suitable for interior work. However, facade paints are more expensive and harmful organic solvents may be present in outdoor products. Therefore, it is better to give preference to special paints for indoor use.
2. For outdoor use, paints with a large operating temperature limit, moisture and ultraviolet resistant, and dirt-repellent are required.

Key

When choosing paint for concrete, it is important to take into account the tonality of the material.

1. Glossy finishes look elegant, but the slightest stains and stains will be visible to the naked eye.
2. Matt surfaces are more practical and are suitable for both living quarters and dining rooms or kitchens.
3. A compromise solution can be the purchase of a semi-matt paint that combines beauty with practicality.

We have selected the 8 best concrete paints for our review. All of them are widely represented in the Russian construction market. When distributing places in the rating, the opinion of the expert community and consumer reviews were taken into account.

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Epoxy paint for concrete

This material is one of the best solutions to paint a concrete wall. Judge for yourself. Epoxy concrete paints are characterized by high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack. They can be applied directly to concrete, cementitious screeds, self-leveling compounds and other mineral substrates.

EP paints perform well in any place, including buildings, where the surface is exposed to mechanical stress caused by the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Most epoxy concrete paints are vapor-permeable, making them suitable for use in damp rooms.

Epoxy for concrete is used in various types of private garages, multi-storey car parks, industrial workshops, technical rooms and warehouses. EP paints are also available on the market, which form a non-slip coating, both outside and inside the building.

The characteristics of epoxy concrete paints depend on the type of mixture and the manufacturer. They are mainly supplied in 10 liter buckets, which is enough to paint 9-15 m2 of surfaces. Although there are also more concentrated paints, 10 liters of which is enough for painting a 20-25 m2 surface. Basically, it depends on the individual characteristics of the product, rather than the manufacturer.

Why is outdoor epoxy paint for concrete good?

Epoxy concrete exterior wall paints have slightly better protective properties. Paints of this type are not only resistant to mechanical stress, but also excellent resistance to water, bad weather conditions, dirt, dust and chemicals, as well as ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Exterior epoxy paints can be used to seal and coat terraces, epoxy balconies, and anchor concrete structures. These paints can be applied to wet and damp surfaces, and can even be applied to fresh concrete. Outdoor paints typically have a yield of 0.1 to 0.5 kg / m2.

Epoxy floor paint

Thanks to such paints, you can give the floor not only a beautiful look, but also reliably protect its surface. High resistance to damage and mechanical stress, as well as to chemicals, make two-component epoxy paints one of the most popular floor paints.

Epoxy paints are often used today to finish floors in garages, car washes, indoor parking lots, garages, technical rooms, warehouses and halls with little forklift traffic.

What is epoxy two-component paint?

These paints get their name because they are made of two components: epoxy resin and a hardener. Two-pack paints are easy to paint and also highly resistant to corrosion.

However, such paints should not be applied in rain or on damp surfaces. Before painting, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned, degreased and dried. The main area of ​​application for two-component epoxy paint is to protect metal surfaces from weather, moisture, UV radiation and corrosion.

Types of paint for concrete

There are many types of paints and varnishes that can be used to decorate a concrete floor. Some of them can only be used for painting indoor floors, while others can be used for cement floors on balconies.

Acrylic silicone

This enamel is characterized by increased wear resistance due to the inclusion of silicone resins and acrylic copolymers in its composition. This material adheres well to the surface. Such a coating prevents the development of pathogenic microflora, the appearance of dust and reduces electrostaticity. When covering reinforced concrete structures, the material is applied in several layers. For each of them to dry, you need to wait 3 hours.

Epoxy

Epoxy paint.

Two-component epoxy paint. Parts of the composition are mixed before being applied to the floor surface. This paint creates a durable finish.

It is resistant to moisture and the influence of other environmental factors, therefore it can be used for flooring in gazebos and on balconies. The material is applied in 2-3 layers. Each of them must be dried for 12 hours.

Alkyd-urethane

Alkyd urethane paint provides a glossy surface that is resistant to abrasion and scratches. The painted surface dries up in 2-3 hours. The service life of the coating reaches 15 years.

Vinyl

This type of paint has a low consumption. 1 coat is enough to create a decorative finish. The paint dries up in just 1.5-2 hours. This material is non-toxic, therefore it can be used in residential premises. The service life of the coating is about 7 years.

Rubber

Rubber paint dries quickly.The temperature range that such a coating can withstand is from -50 ° C to + 60 ° C. After drying, a strong film is formed that can withstand intense mechanical stress. This coating protects the concrete from cracking. Pigment is sold separately, allowing to obtain paint of any color. The finished coating does not emit harmful substances into the air, repels moisture and dust. This makes it easier to maintain the floor.

Polyurethane

It can be used to create outdoor and indoor flooring. The paint dries about 2 weeks. This coating is highly resistant to damage.

The essence of painting the floor in the garage

At first glance, it seems that there is no particular need to paint the durable concrete floor in the garage, since it is originally made from a reliable material. However, if we turn to the physicochemical properties of a poured concrete floor, then its coloring becomes advisable for the following reasons:

1. Concrete pavement has a porous heterogeneous structure, as it is made from a number of components that differ in their characteristics. After the screed matures, microscopic pores and cracks form in its structure, which provoke surface erosion of the hardened concrete and the formation of dust.
2. The surface layers of the screed on the garage floor are exposed to rather strong influences (for example, shock and abrasive loads), which can lead to erosive destruction in the absence of the necessary protection.
3. Unpainted concrete, with friction of any intensity, is always covered with fine cement dust, which is almost impossible to get rid of, so the person working in the room will constantly inhale it. This process will negatively affect the lungs and the respiratory system as a whole.

Well-chosen paint, combined with the correct application technology, will help paint the garage screed and give it a number of positive qualities:

• the term of wear resistance will increase;
• the service life is increased due to the reduction of erosive impact;
• lack of accumulated dust on the surface;
• increasing resistance to aggressive effects of chemical compounds;
• moisture will not penetrate into the pores of the concrete, which will give the coating moisture resistant qualities;
• the aesthetics of the appearance of the room is increased, which makes it possible to increase the productivity of a person working in the room and the quality of the results obtained;
• quick and easy cleaning of garage flooring.

How to paint a concrete floor

In order for the paint to stay on the concrete floor for a long time and have high aesthetic characteristics, it is necessary to adhere to the correct application technology. Only in this case will it be possible to achieve the desired effect.

In order for the paint to stay on the concrete floor for a long time and have high aesthetic characteristics, it is necessary to adhere to the correct application technology.

Preparing a concrete surface for floor painting

Allow the concrete floor to dry completely. This takes at least 28-30 days. After the cement laitance has emerged, the surface is cleaned with a steel brush. In this case, milling is also used.

Remove all dust and debris.

For floors that have already been used, it is necessary to degrease.

After that, it is necessary to ensure the correct level of adhesion of the concrete floor to the coloring material. For this, special primers are used.

For floors that have already been used, it is necessary to degrease.

Surface priming, repair of defects

Regardless of whether the paint will be used outdoors or indoors, the correct level of adhesion must be ensured. To do this, use a primer. White spirit, diluted in a concentration of 1: 3, can act as it.

However, other types of impregnations can also be used.Now there are substances on the market that have a certain color, for example, yellow, which makes it possible not to miss areas when priming.

Most often two coats of primer are used. After the first coat has been applied, it must be allowed to dry completely. And only after that, proceed to applying a second layer.

Most often two coats of primer are used.

Floor painting

When painting the floor, it is necessary to take into account the consumption and the quality of the surface that needs to be created. For outdoor use, it is advisable to apply the paint in several layers. This will impart greater density and strength to the surface.

The following rules are also used there:

Mix the two-component paints thoroughly. Care must be taken not to form bubbles. Therefore, most often they use special construction mixers that can be turned on at a low speed;

When painting the floor, it is necessary to take into account the consumption and the quality of the surface that needs to be created.

Taking into account the recommendations, it is possible to achieve a lasting effect and durability of the painted floor.

Painting a concrete surface

So, we have already decided what paint to paint the concrete floor with, now we should understand the basic painting technology. It can be divided into several stages. Remember that when painting the floor, it is recommended to process the surface about 2-4 times.

Preparatory work

1. Get rid of any debris, dust, dirty particles, peeling paint, bitumen, moisture, etc.

2. Putty any indentations and grooves.

3. Grind.

To remove excess dust from surfaces, use a vacuum cleaner or wipe the floor with a mop. For dedusting, special polymer compounds should be used.

To harden the concrete floor or give it a more beautiful and original appearance, toppings are used - special mixtures. This mixture should be applied one week after installing the floor.

Coating a concrete surface with a primer

For additional protection, surface hardening and adhesion, a primer is recommended. The most suitable tool for applying the primer is a paddle roller to apply it evenly.

Primer application technology:

1. Stir the priming compound properly;
2. If necessary, you can dilute the composition with a substance, the mass of which will be equal to 3% of the mass of the priming mixture.
3. To prevent the floor from slipping, quartz sand must be added to the priming mixture, the mass of which will be approximately 10% of the mass of the priming mixture.
4. A primer is applied in two layers on the cleaned surface of the concrete floor at a temperature of 5-40 ° C and a humidity of 85%.

Floor painting

Before you start painting, you should decide which tool you will be using.

When creating paintwork, use a spray bottle. Apply the product in one layer, painting a great honor of the floor. For areas that are not easy to access, use a regular brush to paint the surfaces.

Paints based on polyacrylates should be applied with paint rollers with a short hairiness. The selected roller can be either front or velor. Small, narrow brushes are used to process corners.

Painting the concrete surface is carried out under certain temperature conditions: the floor temperature should be from + 5 ° C, the air temperature in the building from + 10 ° C, and the humidity should not exceed 80 percent.

Painting a newly poured concrete surface can only be carried out five days after installation, not earlier. When applying paint, it is not necessary to apply overly thick layers, since thinner ones have a shorter drying time and a better appearance.

Thick layers should dry for a fairly long time, therefore, before applying a new one, you must make sure that the old layer is already dry. Therefore, re-treat the surface after at least one day.

Drying the surface of the concrete floor

Normal use of the floor is possible only after complete drying of the floor. Absolute drying is achieved at temperatures from +18 to +20 ° C 72 hours after final treatment.

If the drying conditions differ from the recommended ones, drying will take longer. Coating of newly poured concrete will also take longer to dry.

Selection of paint for concrete

For painting concrete floors, mainly alkyd and epoxy paints are used, which have excellent anti-slip properties and do not react with chemicals.

No less popular are soil solutions used to restore damaged floors and to improve aesthetic characteristics. To hide flaws and level surfaces, polymer paint compositions are used, in combination with putties, giving the coatings integrity, making them monolithic.

With the help of flock materials and glitter impregnation, the floor is painted in any color, its surface acquires a noble shine.

Epoxy paints

Epoxy floor paints are considered to be a reliable and highly durable coating that extends the life of the floor and gives the floor an aesthetic appearance.

Epoxy compounds are characterized by:

• excellent waterproofing characteristics;
• sufficient resistance to the aggressive action of various substances: automobile oil and fuel, salt solutions, alkalis, acids;
• the ability to perceive significant static and dynamic loads;
• good connection with the screed.

Enamel for concrete floors based on epoxy resin does not tarnish, does not give in to wear, even in rooms with heavy traffic of vehicles and people - in car repair shops, underground parking lots, hangars, garages. Due to its resistance to atmospheric precipitation, epoxy painting of concrete floors is also carried out on open-air areas.

There are two main ingredients in the paints, so they must be prepared before use.

Acrylic compounds

Acrylic paints for concrete floors - a special composition on a polyacrylate base with a polymer additive. When staining, a protective cover is formed that does not allow damage to the cement, exposure to chemically active substances and mechanical stress.

The acrylic coating is resistant to chemical attack, wear-resistant, has the required tightness, therefore acrylic paint is an ideal solution for stairs, balconies, concrete flooring in basements, garages, porches and other common areas.

Polyurethane enamel

Polyurethane enamels are intended for painting concrete floors in open areas and indoors.

The main advantages include:

• weather resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• excellent covering properties;
• highest mechanical strength and chemical resistance;
• obtaining a completely flat, mirror-like surface.

The disadvantage of such enamels is the drying time, which ranges from 2 days to 2 weeks. The wide time range is due to a gradual set of characteristics: in a couple of days after painting it is already possible to move on the floor, after 7 days the coating will fully acquire mechanical strength, and after 2 weeks - maximum chemical resistance.

Polyurethane primer

If you want to save on paint for a cement floor, it is allowed to prime it with a polyurethane primer, which is used both as a separate coating and as a floor preparation before painting.

The primer fills even small pores of concrete, strengthens, improves adhesion to polymer paint. The composition is resistant to spilled fuel, oil, detergents, significantly reduces paint consumption.

Application of a top coat over a polyurethane primer is allowed after 12 hours.

Epoxy primer

It is recommended to apply an epoxy primer before painting with epoxy paint to clog the pores and the smallest voids of the screed, to harden the surface.

Epoxy primer has a wide range of advantages, the most important of which are:

• wear resistance;
• waterproofness;
• resistance to chemical compounds;
• increased adhesion of the final coating.

The disadvantage can be called too fast hardening of the finished mixture (20-30 minutes), so you need to work with it very quickly.

Usage Tips

Two-pack epoxy paints are formulated with a combination of epoxy resins and hardeners. Interacting with each other, they enter into an exothermic reaction (in other words, they get very hot).

To combine and mix the compositions, you need to take special wooden tools, those that are used for culinary purposes are categorically unsuitable. Regardless of the area to be painted and other nuances, you need to take care of effective ventilation.

If the paint gets on the skin, it must be immediately removed with denatured alcohol or warm soapy water, the polymerized composition is practically not removed.

Always store cans of ingredients out of direct sunlight, where the air does not get warmer than 40 degrees. It is desirable to paint the plaster with compositions with high electrical insulating properties, then the risk of an emergency will be minimal.

It is not only more convenient, but also more economical to paint large areas using spray guns, this is the easiest way to limit the consumption of paintwork materials to reasonable numbers. To apply epoxy paint to the concrete surface, you need to mix it for 2-3 minutes with additives, pigment preparations, hardener specified by the manufacturer (the proportion of the entire mixture to the hardener is 10: 1.7).

Epoxy paints and their modifications with additional components can have various specific properties: some glide very little, others glow in the dark, others guarantee the highest level of protection, and others retain their beautiful texture or dry out quickly.

You can use various types of such dyes to decorate home and office furniture, containers for storing corrosive substances, camping equipment and decorative items in gardens and parks. You just need to carefully select a specific type and find out all the details about it.

It is quite simple to detect the presence of drops on the surface of the bath - you just need to illuminate it with an LED flashlight, having turned off the overhead light beforehand, and all defects will immediately become apparent. You can easily mark the deformed areas.

After sanding and leveling the surface, it must be rinsed several times with clean water, removing in advance all those contaminants that are removed by dry method.

For work, you need to take brushes only with natural bristles (at least three different sizes), tweezers or nail tongs are also useful, with which you will need to remove adhered hairs from the surface. Prepare scissors in advance so that you can shorten the loose brush and return it to its normal state.

Epoxy paint should be prepared in small portions, for 10-15 minutes of work, as it hardens very quickly. Following these simple rules, it will be easy to choose and apply epoxy paint without any problems.

For an example of using epoxy paint, see the following video.

Application technology

Before proceeding to the direct application of the coloring agent to the floor surface, several preparatory steps must be taken.More about them will be discussed in the following chapters.

Before proceeding to the direct application of the coloring agent to the floor surface, several preparatory steps must be taken.

Preparation of concrete pavement

The preparation of the concrete base itself will determine how long and how well the paint will hold. In this case, the actions differ on concrete structures that have just been built, from those that are already standing, for a long period of time.

A fresh screed can be painted five days after creation. At this time, the concrete hardens well enough, and has the necessary moisture for applying paint to it.

This process can be done with a trowel or a stiff brush. All dust should then be vacuumed.

If the painting will be carried out on an old concrete pavement, then, on the contrary, it must be thoroughly dried. Otherwise, the epoxy will begin to flake off. Determination of the moisture content of the base is carried out with a special device. If it is absent, you can glue the film to the surface, after 24 hours they look to see if it is covered with moisture, and if it is wet to the touch. If the film is dry, then you can proceed to painting, if not, you should wait until the floors are completely dry.

Next, an inspection is carried out for flaws. Those places where there are large cracks are expanded to 5 millimeters, such defects will be covered with epoxy putty. Also, the surface is cleaned and vacuumed.

The surface is leveled, all existing defects are removed from it.

Precautionary measures

The two-component formulations, which are the most popular, must be mixed for painting. During this time, they can release substances harmful to human health. Therefore, work must be carried out in protective clothing, special goggles and rubber gloves are worn, and a respirator is also required.

The room must be well ventilated. Do not use utensils that are used for food purposes. If the mixture gets on the skin, it is immediately cleaned with denatured alcohol or white vinegar, it is unacceptable for it to solidify on the skin.

The room must be well ventilated.

Consumption calculation

The consumption of paint for a self-leveling floor is indicated on the packaging, calculated per 1 square meter. Accordingly, in order to find out how much material is needed, you need to calculate the area, and also decide how many layers will be applied to the floor.

When calculating the area, all recesses and notches are taken into account, if the room is complex in structure, then it is divided into several zones, and then their areas are summed up. The average consumption, which is usually 1 mm per 1.5 kg (the exact figure is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging), is multiplied by the layer thickness and the area of ​​the room.

When calculating the area, all recesses and notches are taken into account.

Can I use a spray gun

The spray gun in many types of painting work simplifies them, and saves paint. But in the case of working with epoxy enamel, its use is impractical. After all, the enamel is distinguished by its fast hardening rate, so it can simply ruin the device itself.

Therefore, it is better to paint with a roller or brush. After painting, they can be thrown away immediately, they will become unusable.

Better to paint with a roller or brush.

Surface paint application

First, a primer mixture is applied to the surface, it serves to improve adhesion to the material. After complete drying, which takes 24 hours. Immediately before painting, the two components of the epoxy (hardener and resin) are mixed, the proportions are indicated on the package, you must strictly adhere to them. Mixing is carried out thoroughly, bringing the composition to homogeneity.

The paint should be applied with a roller or brush, the first layer will be rough. Usually, at least two layers are applied, the second can be applied in a day.

Usually, at least two layers are applied, the second can be applied in a day.