How do I paint a cement floor?

  7 answers
  • Mike Williamson Mike Williamson on Jul 07, 2019

    That's an easy job, but it does require some time. Here's how I did it:


    1) Clean the floor the best you can.


    2) Prime the floor with water based Zinzer or Kilz. **oil based primers from these manufacturers require plenty of ventilation & a respirator must be worn**

    So, stick with the water based. I found that to be more than adequate.


    3) Then paint. Use a thick roller for the field & a cheap brush for the edges. The concrete will likely damage the bristles, but perfection isn't necessary, due to the irregular surface. You might need two coats of paint, but the second one is easier...all the surface prep has already been done.


    4) I finished my paint project with several coats of oil based clear coat to protect the paint.


    Make sure to let each coat dry for at least 24 hours. That works for me.

    Good luck with your project. Don't forget to post a few pics.

  • Lucky Home Today Lucky Home Today on Jul 07, 2019

    I’m thinking about staining my backyard patio. There are tons of pictures on Pinterest to give ideas.


    Someone recently also did a brown paper look to her cement floor. It looks amazing, too!

  • Betty Betty on Jul 08, 2019

    home Depot or Lowes has a kit fir concrete floors, I did my garage and it looks fantastic. Has held up really well. Everything is included in this kit, etching, primer , paint and sealer.

  • Jo Ann F Schweitzer Jo Ann F Schweitzer on Jul 08, 2019

    I had to etch/deep clean the floor first

  • Jean Davies Jean Davies on Oct 18, 2019

    I would imagine that a thorough clean and stabilizing primer will be required. As Mike already said, preparation will be the key.


    Keep in mind, that there are different types of floor and floor paint. Some of the lighter duty offerings won't be suitable for putting heavy things like cars on (and particularly the friction of rubber wheels).


    You need something described as garage paint rather than just floor paint. It will be tougher and more resilient.


    Good luck!

  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Jul 01, 2020

    Hi Helene, I would suggest power washing the concrete first with an etching concrete cleaner and rinsing well. Once it dried, use a roller extension and paint with a concrete floor paint. This video will show you how to paint your porch after it’s been cleaned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHiQVFdYVdY