I need some cheap inexpensive ideas for painting my basement floor.

Actually,, since you are painting over what is usually cement, you really don't want the cheapest way of doing it. You want the best way! Paint can blister and peel if cement is not prepared properly for painting. Then you have the cost of repairing it. Do it properly so it lasts.

Use a good primer on the floor, one meant for concrete. Then look for the mismatched paint at the paint section of your big box store. I bought several gallons of blue paint-- it took me several weeks to get enough gallons-- and I mixed them together and painted my floor. I chose a good gloss paint. Don't mix acrylic with oil or waterbased paint; stick with one kind and you'll be fine.

Usually, the mismatched paint costs $5-10 a gallon as opposed to $25 to $55 a gallon. It's not going to last as long as an epoxy finish, but it's what I can afford now.

Inexpensive doesn't work with paint, and a floor. With paints and primers, you pretty much get what you pay for. However, Rustoleum has a floor paint that is hard and durable.

See Loews

Paint isn't a problem with money, only because I know someone who works at a paint supply shop-FREE PAINT for me. lol

And I'm selling my house, soooo...as long as the paint lasts until it's sold, should I really care all that much? lol Kidding! I just found out I have a friend who paints floors professionally, so he will know what to do. I am painting over tile though. Only reason I HAVE to paint over it, is to COVER IT UP, because there is a chance there is Asbestos under the OLD tile. The house was built in 1950, so there is a big chance it's asbestos. Thanks for all your replies. :)