Floor paint is especially popular in the garage, but it is sold for every type of surface there is, and it can be applied just about anywhere. That is why there are so many different kinds available. Inside the home, floor paint is much easier to work with, but once you get to the garage, basement, patio, or other usually concrete surfaces, then epoxy floor paint is what you will need to get. This is more dangerous and challenging to work with, but with the right precautions it can be easily done. Painting is a quick and inexpensive way to give a concrete floor a fresh new appearance.
Selecting the right floor paint for interior rooms will depend upon the composition of the flooring. Certain rooms such as studios, basement rec rooms and sun rooms have concrete floors that require special paint coverings. Be sure to select a paint that is designed for covering interior concrete surfaces so that the paint formula will readily adhere to the concrete surface of the floor and not chip or fleck away after just a few months of wear. Floor paint has different characteristics than interior paint designed for walls or trim because it must stand up to the daily wear and tear of walking traffic once it’s applied. And unless you want to have to apply a sealant atop the concrete prior to painting, choose a concrete floor paint that is rubber-based, polyurethane, or enamel paint.
There are advantages to both epoxy and latex paints when coating a garage or other cement floor. A good epoxy floor paint for your garage makes grease, oil, and chemical cleaning up much easier because the stains will simply remain on the surface and not soaked into the concrete. Whichever you choose, be sure to thoroughly clean and dry the floor before you begin applying anything.
Epoxy paints will provide a highly durable and long lasting finish to the floor, and since they are water resistant the epoxy will adhere very well to the concrete allowing it to create a solid layer of protection between it and the floor itself.
With such a smooth and shiny finish, cleaning up spills and messes on epoxy is very quick and easy with either a mop, power washer, or garden hose with pressure tip. Additional benefits to this powerful floor paint is the durability from regular wear and tear from daily and consistent traffic. Even oil and other chemical stains are cleaned quickly using an anti-grease based detergent cleanser.
Another option of floor paint for your garage or patio is latex. It’s far less expensive than it’s epoxy counterpart, and it can easily be applied to resemble high end stone floor finishes. If you choose latex you will need to apply a protective coating on the paint after it’s applied to fully protect it and provide a permanent finish. Applying latex paint can require up to three full days of drying time before you can use the area again.
One additional note: If your garage has a skylight or is exposed to a good amount of direct sunlight, latex paint will tend to fade quickly from the ultraviolet exposure. Once you’ve applied the latex it is a wise idea to drag a broom with medium firmness across the drying paint in order to give it a slight textured surface, which will give it not only a unique look, but also provide safety by not being so slick when wet.
As you can see, many different floor paints abound, whether inside or outside your house. Do your research, determine what types best fit into your budget, and also if you’re going to do it yourself. Once you’ve made this decision, then all you have to do is pick your color.
Different colors of paint on the flooring can give the room various decorative accents. Red is great for an Asian-inspired decor, with blue good for nautical themes. If you are trying for a relaxed tropical or beachcomber affect, try sand or shell-white paint. And for a traditional New England look, paint your floors white.
Also be sure that whatever your paint choice, you keep the room well ventilated throughout the painting process.