Concrete floor paint: choosing a quality coating for surface protection

Concrete floor paint protects the surface from wear and damage that may occur during operation. Even with a narrow purpose, the assortment of formulations on the market can confuse the buyer. This article will help you understand the features of protective coatings for concrete surfaces, as well as choose the best paint option for interior and exterior work.

Painting the concrete floor will protect it from damage and rapid wear

How to cover concrete floors and why you might need it

Concrete is widely used in construction. This material is suitable not only for creating foundations and walls, but also for making floors. Concrete is used in residential, warehouse, industrial and technical premises.

Concrete paints are available for interior decoration or exterior

Subject to technology compliance, the base is strong and durable. However, this material is not without its drawbacks. Without a protective layer, its surface is subject to abrasion, as well as the destructive effects of negative factors. Therefore, the question inevitably arises of how to paint the concrete in order to extend its service life. When choosing a protective composition, the operating conditions should be taken into account first.

Depending on the conditions in which the treated surface will be used, paints are divided:

• for coatings for interior work;
• compositions for outdoor decoration.

Each group of dyes has its own characteristics and characteristics that allow the use of these materials in certain conditions.

Specificity of paints for concrete floor in a garage

Concrete subfloors are one of the safest and most inexpensive coating options, so screed is often used to create garage floors. However, do not forget that such a surface is constantly exposed to mechanical stress, as well as to aggressive substances. In addition, during operation, cement dust accumulates on it.

Alkyd, oil and organofluorine compounds are not suitable for painting the garage.

Correctly selected paint will help to cope with such problems. Since it will be used indoors, special requirements are imposed on such coatings. Garage floor paint should be:

• wear-resistant;
• without smell;
• fire resistant;
• resistant to chemicals;
• quick-drying;
• washable;
• weatherproof.

Unfortunately, there is no universal composition that would fully meet all of the listed requirements. Therefore, the paint is selected based on the operating conditions of the room.

Important! When choosing how to paint concrete floors in a garage, you should avoid organofluorine dyes, as well as alkyd and oil based compounds. When oil products and fuels and lubricants get on such coatings, their chemical composition changes and a reaction occurs.

Garage paint must be washable, fire retardant, wear resistant

How to paint concrete floors outdoors: compounds for outdoor use

Usually concrete is used in open spaces, so some consumers do not see the need to use floor paints for outdoor use. They believe that, having high strength and excellent technical characteristics, this material does not need additional protection and can be successfully used in almost any conditions. In fact, this is not the case. Concrete pavement located outdoors is subject to the destructive effects of such negative factors:

• precipitation and wind;
• low and high temperatures, as well as their differences;
• ultraviolet radiation;
• industrial gases.

Concrete screed has a high degree of porosity, so the material absorbs moisture well, which can fall on its surface in the form of precipitation or accidentally spilled liquids, or simply come from the atmosphere. Without a high-quality protective coating, all this will remain and accumulate inside the base, which is very critical for its condition. Especially if dirt or oil products, such as antifreeze, gasoline or oil, have got on the surface.

Outdoor concrete surfaces are subject to shock, friction and abrasion. In such conditions, driveways, parking areas for trucks, as well as overpasses are operated. Without adequate protection, the screed will quickly lose its attractive appearance and become unusable. The concrete will show chips, cracks, breaks and gouges. Therefore, it is very important to select a suitable composition for surface protection.

For outdoor use, special concrete varnishes, impregnation and polymer enamel are suitable

How to paint concrete on the street? For this purpose, the following types of coatings are used:

1. Impregnation - the agent penetrates through the pores into the thickness of the material by 7-10 mm and hardens, preventing dirt and liquid from entering. After processing, the concrete surface becomes more durable. Such a base can withstand moderate loads. The disadvantages of impregnations include only a limited service life.
2. Polymer enamel is considered the best protection option. This category of coatings includes formulations containing epoxy, acrylic or polyurethane.
3. Specialized varnish for concrete floors - made on a water dispersion basis and includes latex components. The product is used to isolate concrete screeds.

Note! Experts do not recommend using varnishes to protect concrete, since they are not able to create a coating of sufficient strength.

Benefits of painting a concrete floor: the expediency of the procedure

Concrete is a conglomerate. It includes a number of elements that have a different physical state and chemical composition. This explains its porous structure, which also includes solid components. Some of the tiny pores are filled with a gelatinous cementitious substance that has a viscous consistency. The rest of the capillaries and cavities contain air or water, which in the process of hydration remained unbound or simply got there from the outside.

The painted concrete floor does not generate dust, and it also becomes stronger and more durable

This material structure creates favorable conditions for erosion. This process is especially active in those areas where the screed is exposed to mechanical stress, aggressive chemicals and negative environmental factors. It is in such conditions that concrete floors are used in garages, workshops, technical and economic premises.

The concrete base quickly becomes unusable without floor paint:

• strength characteristics are reduced;
• the surface is very dusty;
• cavities and cracks appear;
• the coating crumbles;
• some areas become unstable.

Floor paints for concrete floors have good penetration. Once in the structure of the material, they "seal" voids, preventing moisture and chemically active substances from entering them. After painting, a thin film forms on the surface of the screed. Thanks to its durability, it protects floors from premature abrasion.

Benefits of painting concrete:

Without painting, the concrete floor very quickly becomes unusable

1. Surface properties such as strength and wear resistance are improved.
2. The possibility of dusting is completely excluded.
3. A waterproofing coating is formed on the surface, which protects the floors from the penetration of moisture, chemically active substances and oil products.
4. The service life of the concrete base is increased.
5. It becomes possible to reduce the overall estimate by using lower grade cement mortars without deteriorating the performance of the coating.
6. The process of floor care is simplified.
7. The colors of floor paints are quite diverse, which allows you to improve the decorative qualities of the concrete screed and create a beautiful design.

Note! Any paintwork will have to be updated from time to time. However, the cost of such an event is much less than a deep restoration of a concrete floor or its re-pouring.

How to paint concrete floors: the main types of compositions

A paint designed to protect concrete must have certain properties. If you want to get a really high-quality coating, you cannot simply limit yourself to a cheap oil composition. It will not be able to provide adequate surface strength or protection. Its use, on the contrary, can provoke a faster destruction of the material.

For these purposes, it is better to use polymer paints for concrete floors:

• acrylic;
• rubber;
• urethane;
• epoxy;
• polyurethane.

A variety of polymer compositions are suitable for painting concrete floors.

Each type of composition has certain characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, as well as special operating conditions. All these nuances must be taken into account when choosing a dye for floors.

Characteristics of acrylic concrete floor paints

Acrylic resins and pigments of organic and inorganic origin are used for the production of dyes of this type.They are made on the basis of polyacrylates and acrylates in combination with components that form a protective coating. The composition may also contain esters, which provide fast drying and resistance to moisture.

Many manufacturers claim that just one application is enough for a quality result. However, as practice shows, you still need at least two layers. Consumption of acrylic paints is about 0.1-0.2 l / m². These formulations are ideal for small areas.

The main area of ​​application of acrylic floor paints:

• garages;
• basements;
• balconies.

Acrylic paints are suitable for floors on balconies, garages and basements

Acrylic-based formulations are resistant to short-term exposure to non-aggressive chemicals and moisture. Many colors and shades can be found on sale. With the help of acrylic dyes, both matte and glossy coatings are obtained. Ordinary water acts as a solvent. This dye option is one of the most affordable. Acrylics belong to the category of odorless materials and quick-drying floor paints. They dry out after about 12 hours. You can walk freely on such a surface after 48 hours.

Advantages of acrylic-based dyes:

• environmental friendliness;
• safety;
• resistance to moisture;
• increasing the strength characteristics of the treated surface;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• durability.

Helpful advice!Acrylic paints are best used on second floors, if available, or in dry basements. It is not recommended to use them as a base coat.

Features of Acrylic Silicone Wear Resistant Floor Paint

These products are based on silicone resins and acrylic copolymers. Acrylic-silicone enamels belong to the category of wear-resistant compounds. This type of two-component concrete floor paint combines all the benefits of silicones and acrylics. These elements form a coating with a special structure, which has high strength and resistance to various types of mechanical stress. In addition, acrylic-silicone enamels do not have favorable conditions for the development of harmful bacteria.

Acrylic-silicone paints are characterized by increased wear resistance

Acrylic resins have excellent adhesion properties, so the paint adheres well to the concrete base. Moreover, the coating is quite elastic. A similar property is provided due to the presence of silicone resins in the composition. They are substances of polymeric origin. Due to silicon, the coating is quite durable. Silicone resins have another useful property - they are electrostatic. Due to this property, the surface repels dust.

Acrylic-silicone enamels have many advantages and only one drawback. The color range of these dyes is very limited. The composition is applied to the concrete surface in at least two layers. Wait until the first coat is dry before proceeding with re-staining. This requires at least 3 hours.

Related article:

Concrete floor repair: features of the restoration process and complete replacement of the screed

Classification and selection of mixtures. Features of the work. The cost of repair work. Recommended formulations.

Benefits of epoxy concrete floor paints

Epoxies for concrete surfaces are two-component paints that must be mixed before use. This must be done very carefully in order to achieve a homogeneous mass. Water can be used as a solvent. The color gamut of epoxies is small, however, compared to the many advantages of this wear-resistant concrete floor paint, this disadvantage can be ignored.

Epoxy enamels are highly resistant to abrasion and wear. After drying, the paint turns into a durable and durable coating, so it can be used even for treating floors in industrial premises. Epoxy mixtures are capable of withstanding significant mechanical stress. They are not afraid of the negative influence of various atmospheric factors, therefore they are suitable for use in open space.

Epoxy paints are resistant to temperature changes

Benefits of epoxy floor paints:

• high indicators of resistance to moisture;
• excellent adhesion properties (subject to preliminary degreasing of the surface);
• a high degree of protection against the effects of various chemicals (alkalis, acids, oils, salt solutions);
• the color remains stable for a long time, does not fade and does not undergo changes.

Note! Epoxy paints are applied in at least two layers with a break of at least 12 hours.

Characteristics of alkyd based urethane paints

These paints are made on the basis of alkyd resins. The formulations have a high covering power. To obtain a high-quality result, the floors are processed at least twice. A day must pass between the application of the first and second layer. That is how long it takes for the paint to dry completely. The floors can be put into operation 24 hours after the last coat has been applied. However, the coating does not fully harden until after a week.

Urethane paint must be applied to the floor in at least two coats

Like polyurethane paint, alkyd-based floor enamel is highly resistant to abrasion. A concrete base treated with such a composition can be used for a long time (up to 15 years). Urethane paint must be thinned before use. For this, white spirit is used. With its help, a 10% solution is made. A spray gun can be used to apply the dye.

On sale you can find urethane compounds for indoor and outdoor use. The choice of colors is quite extensive, but yellow, gold, gray and brown floor paints are in special demand. After drying, the coating becomes glossy. Some consumers regard this feature of urethane dyes as a significant disadvantage.

Specificity of rubber paints for concrete floors

Rubber compounds are ideal for painting garage floors. These formulations have unique properties and characteristics. The main advantage of rubber quick-drying floor paint is that the coating hardens within 30 minutes after application, provided that the temperature in the room is not lower than 20 ° C. This does not mean that dyeing cannot be done at low temperatures. It is also possible to process floors when the mark on the thermometer reaches -30 ° C. Under these conditions, of course, the dye will take longer to dry.

In their properties, rubber compounds resemble polyurethane paints, since they have a similar composition. This coating can be used in a wide temperature range (from -50 to +60 ° C), which makes it possible to use the composition for painting floors in an unheated room.

Concrete floor rubber paints are the fastest drying

The advantages of rubber floor paints also include a long service life. This coating retains its properties for 10 years. The maximum consumption of dye is 400 g / m². The composition can be applied with a roller or brush. Rubber compounds have only one significant drawback - their high cost.

Helpful advice! Garage floors can be primed with a polyurethane or epoxy primer for a budget-friendly concrete finish.

Advantages of polyurethane concrete floor paints

Polyurethane enamels are available in one and two components. If it is planned to process concrete floors in the garage, it is advisable to give preference to the second option. Such formulations are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Mix before using a two-pack polyurethane floor paint. This must be done very carefully to remove all bubbles, and also to exclude the possibility of lumps.

It takes about 2 weeks for the coating to completely dry, this process takes place in several stages:

• moisture evaporates;
• the material hardens;
• the coating gradually gains mechanical resistance.

Polyurethane mixtures are suitable for both external and internal use

After all the drying stages have been passed, the coating is durable and resistant to aggressive chemicals.

Advantages of polyurethane polymer paints for concrete:

1. The coating can be used in extreme weather conditions (the paint feels great in the temperature range from -60 to +80 ° C).
2. Affordable cost.
3. Resistance to mechanical stress.
4. Economical consumption.
5. Wear resistance.
6. Resistant to chemicals.

The disadvantages include only the excessive "capriciousness" of the composition. Coloring can be done only if the temperature in the room is at least 5 ° C and the air humidity does not exceed 75%. If you ignore these requirements, the coating simply will not "grab".

How to paint a concrete floor: primers as a budget alternative

Before painting concrete with any type of dye, you must first prepare the surface. For this, a primer solution is usually used. This roughing layer is necessary in order to improve the adhesion properties of the paint and varnish material and ensure good adhesion to the concrete surface.

The polyurethane primer evens the floor well and fills all voids

Some types of primer compounds can be used as independent materials for surface dedusting. When decorating floors in a garage, the decorative component is usually given a secondary role, so such a solution may be the best option.

Note! Not all types of primers can be used as independent materials for dedusting a concrete surface. For these purposes, only polyurethane and epoxy compounds are intended.

Advantages of a polyurethane primer:

• the composition well fills all voids in concrete, leveling the surface and increasing its strength;
• excellent adhesion properties;
• easy and simple application process;
• the material dries quickly;
• not afraid of machine oil and aggressive chemicals.

Benefits of an epoxy primer:

• a strong glossy film forms on the floor, which closes the pores in the concrete, but does not fill the voids in its structure;
• waterproofness;
• resistance to the influence of various chemicals;
• the coating does not fade and does not wear out for a long time.

The epoxy primer is waterproof and durable

Review of the best concrete floor paints from popular and reliable manufacturers

Professionals prefer such brands as Tikkurila, Tepping, KrasKo and Elakor. There are both domestic and foreign manufacturers among them.

Teping P1155 is an epoxy-based paint that is highly abrasion resistant. It is recommended to paint under certain conditions: the air humidity in the room should be no more than 90%, and the temperature should be within 10-20 ° С (the optimal indicator is 22 ° С). The coating can withstand loads of up to 220 kg / cm², it is resistant to moisture, fuels and lubricants and detergents.

To paint floors in a 37 m² room, you will need about 20 kg of Teping P1155. The price of epoxy paint for concrete floors of this brand is in the range of 8000-8200 rubles. for a set consisting of a hardener and a base.

Tikkurila floor paints are especially popular among professionals. Temafloor 150, produced by this manufacturer, is ideal for the treatment of various types of concrete surfaces:

• fresh screeds;
• floors that have already been in use;
• previously painted surfaces.

Tikkurila is popular for its high quality

The main feature of this dye is the absence of solvents in its composition. The coating is able to withstand high temperatures (up to 70 ° C), so this mixture can be used for interior and exterior decoration. One liter of this composition is enough for high-quality staining of 6-8 m². Consumption depends on the number of layers to be applied to the floor. The price of epoxy-based polymer paint for concrete floors is about 750 rubles. for 1 liter.

Helpful advice! To make the film coating on the floor elastic after painting with Temafloor 150, it is recommended to use a special hardener - Temafloor Flex.

Dye "Polymerstone-1" is a polyurethane enamel. It is recommended to paint when the humidity of the base does not exceed 4%, and the room temperature does not drop below 5 ° C. After drying, the coating can be used in a wide temperature range - from -50 to +100 ° C. To paint 1 m², about 400 g of material is required. The price of paint for a concrete floor is about 3500 rubles. per package 7 kg.

The listed compositions are far from the only options that can be used for processing concrete surfaces.

Paint "Polymerstone-1" can be purchased for 3.5 thousand rubles. for 7 liters

Epoxy Concrete Floor Paint Review

Epostone is a two-component water-based epoxy enamel. Its pigmented base consists of epoxy resin and fine fillers. The polymerization process is started with an amine hardener. In the composition of this enamel there are no organic solvents, thanks to which the manufacturer managed to obtain an odorless floor paint.

Scope of application of the paint "Epistone":

• construction objects of any type;
• medical institutions;
• educational institutions.

This type of dye is environmentally friendly. Due to its high strength values, Epstone can be used as a protective coating for concrete floors in workshops and garages. In addition, the composition exhibits an amazing resistance to atmospheric factors, therefore there are no restrictions on its external use. It is allowed to use this paint in completely open areas.

Epstone enamel is environmentally friendly and odorless

Epstone is suitable for the treatment of fresh concrete screeds. You can start staining about a week after pouring. The main thing is that the moisture content of the concrete has reached 15% by that time. This does not mean that the composition cannot be used for treating old surfaces. The temperature during painting should not be less than 5 ° C. The recommended thickness of the applied layer is up to 500 microns. The color range is limited to just one shade - matte gray.

Note! Epstone dye cannot be tinted.

Overview of the characteristics of the polymer paint for floors "Texil"

"Texil" is a dye based on PVC resins. This composition creates a matt finish on the treated surface that is highly resistant to wear. This type of dye provides reliable protection of concrete floors from mechanical damage, as well as the negative effect of precipitation.With the help of the "Texil" compound, you can significantly extend the service life of the concrete base.

Coloring is allowed when the outside temperature is below zero. The composition takes several hours to dry. After the coating has hardened, the surface can be washed with detergents. The composition is able to withstand short-term contact with oils, gasoline and alkalis. Texil concrete floor paint can be used both outdoors and indoors.

Texil concrete floor paints are resistant to mechanical damage

Dye benefits:

• simple and convenient application process;
• high degree of protection of concrete floors from various negative factors;
• wear resistance;
• matte coating.

Dye consumption is 1 kg per 4-5 m². To obtain a high-quality staining result, the manufacturer recommends using a complex system, which consists of the "Protexil" impregnation and the "Texil" topcoat.

Table with prices for floor paint "Texil":

Acrylic based paint for concrete floor "Texipol"

"Teksipol" is made on the basis of acrylic resins. This dye contains an organic solvent. This circumstance greatly affected the price of acrylic paint for concrete floors. On the other hand, the performance of the coating has improved significantly.

The film coating that forms on the surface of concrete after painting is not afraid of temperature changes. The dye is not destroyed under the influence of most acids, oil products and alkalis (with the exception of concentrated alkalis), as well as alcohols, non-freezing or cooling liquids.

Texipol Concrete Floor Paint can be used to treat concrete, asphalt surfaces and cement screeds. The coating reliably protects the material from moisture, aggressive chemicals and abrasive loads. The manufacturer developed Texipol as a wear resistant coating for industrial workshops, shopping centers, warehouses and garages.

Teksipol mixes are suitable for processing concrete, cement and asphalt

After painting, the surface becomes glossy. Consumers are offered three color options:

• beige;
• Gray;
• red brown.

These colors are basic, but for buyers who have completed a large order, the manufacturer is accommodating and provides an opportunity to choose any shade of RAL. The dye spreads well and has excellent hiding power. At the same time, "Texipol" is consumed very economically, if the floor surface has been carefully prepared before.

Table of the cost of paint "Texipol":

Important! Since the dye contains an organic solvent, the material has a pungent odor. In the process of applying it, be sure to use personal protective equipment. After the polymerization process ends, the unpleasant odor disappears completely.

Advantages of Betoxil acrylic paint for concrete

"Betoxil" is a one-component acrylic-based polymer enamel. It is suitable for dedusting concrete surfaces in industrial and domestic premises. This dye can be applied to floors, cement-sand screeds, curbs and bricks.

The scope of application of Betoksil concrete paint covers:

• for warehouse premises;
• garage complexes;
• manufacturing enterprises.

"Betoxil" dyes belong to polymer enamels with one-component composition

The dye forms a durable and tough coating on the concrete surface that is highly resistant to wear. The composition is able to withstand contact with oils, gasoline, various detergents, and fats.The coating is not afraid of precipitation and temperature changes. It can be operated in a wide temperature range - from -40 to +50 ° С.

Painting works can be performed at low temperatures (down to -20 ° C). The surface to be treated must be completely dry and free of ice. The composition has good adhesive properties, therefore the coating forms an excellent adhesion to concrete. After painting, the surface of the floors becomes dull.

The dye has a limited range of colors, including the following shades:

• light gray (base tone);
• white;
• dark grey;
• red brown;
• yellow.

Price table for paint "Betoxil":

How to paint concrete floors: base preparation and application technology

With the help of a two-component composition, you can paint old floors that have already been in use, as well as freshly poured screeds. Depending on the condition of the foundation, the preparation algorithm may be different.

If you intend to paint a freshly poured screed, you must wait five days for the concrete to gain strength. During this time, excess moisture will evaporate from the material, so it will be easier to process. Five days after pouring, the screed surface is sanded using a tool called a "helicopter". Sanding is necessary in order to get rid of the unstable top layer. It is a frozen cement "milk". In addition, small surface defects are removed by grinding and pores are opened.

After that, all debris and dust is removed from the floor. To do this, you can use a construction vacuum cleaner. Since the freshly poured screed has an almost flat surface, there is no need to repair the base before painting.

Before painting, it is necessary to repair the floor, filling up all cracks and cracks

If an old concrete floor is to be treated, make sure that the moisture content of the surface does not exceed 4%. Otherwise, the adhesion properties of the dye will deteriorate and the coating will begin to peel off after it dries.

Algorithm for preparing the old floor for painting:

1. Checking humidity using a special device.
2. Removal of unstable areas, various defects and loose areas.
3. Removal of dirt (paint residues, oil stains, bitumen traces).
4. Preparation of cracks and crevices for sealing (the defect is worked out to a depth and width of 8-10 mm).
5. Garbage collection.
6. Surface priming.
7. Sealing cracks and crevices with a repair compound or epoxy paint mixed with quartz sand.

Concrete floor priming is an important step before painting the surface

After the repair, the surface of the "patch" should dry. They do not need to be primed before painting.

How to paint concrete: the technology of applying a two-component composition

All paint components must be thoroughly mixed before use. The intake of the mixture is carried out with a roller directly from the paint bath. You can pour some of the composition onto the floor and distribute it evenly using the same roller. If the concrete base is carefully prepared and primed, it will not absorb excess paint.

After the first layer dries, a rough coating called "orange peel" forms on the concrete surface. It is desirable to apply the paint in at least two layers. This will improve the decorative qualities and protective properties of the coating. The second layer is applied after the first is completely dry. This requires about 8 hours. Do not take too long a break between coats, the pause should not last more than 24 hours. When painting the second time, it is recommended to move the roller in a different direction so that there are no gaps.

To create a high-quality coating, paint must be applied in at least two layers.

After applying the finishing coat, you must wait until the coating has hardened and is completely dry.Many manufacturers allow painted floors to be put into operation within 24 hours. However, you shouldn't be too quick to overuse this recommendation. The epoxy painted surface will be ready for use in one week.

If the composition is selected correctly and its application was carried out without violating the technology, then such a coating will last a very long time, effectively performing its protective function.