Concrete floors are frequently left their natural gray color, but they don't have to be. It is possible to paint concrete floors, though it has to be done correctly or the paint job won't last. Special materials and methods are needed to prepare the concrete to hold paint, which is an issue with all concrete, and especially with concrete floors and the foot traffic they endure. Seek advice from your local hardware store on the project before you get started.
Prepare the Surface
Concrete has to be clean and solid to hold paint. Patch any cracks or holes with concrete. Remove any oil stains by covering them with clay-based kitty litter for a few days. Use tri-sodium phosphate to thoroughly clean the surface. If the surface is slick and smooth from a previous finish on the concrete, etch it with an acid solvent made for that purpose.
Paint
Start with a coat of a good concrete primer. Use a brush to cut in the corners of the floor, and a roller on an extension handle to do the rest. After it dries, apply your paint. Use concrete floor paint, which can often be mixed to whatever color you want. Consider whether you want to add an abrasive to make it less slippery (it also makes it harder to clean). Apply it in the same manner as the primer, cutting in around the corners and then rolling out the rest. Put down at least two coats of paint.
Seal
Even the best concrete floor paint applied under ideal conditions should be sealed. This will not only prevent dirt and moisture from getting to the paint, but will keep it from flaking up under people's feet after extended use. Buy a clear concrete paint sealer that's made for floors (talk to your hardware store) and apply it according to the instructions.
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