How To Apply Garage Floor Paint

Garages are notoriously forgotten rooms that have dented walls and stained floors. Give your garage a makeover over a weekend by adding some simple wall paint and a concrete floor paint. It’s a permanent, durable solution to protect the floor against oil, grease and crud that comes with garages. Here’s how to apply garage floor paint.

Normally, the paint comes as a latex garage floor paint. The paints that are sold for floors will often offer a slip-resistant additive. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and consider their warranties before starting a project. It’s best to proceed with painting when the temperature is in the moderate range. Too high or low can affect the bonding and durability of the paint job.

Inspect

First, go over the concrete thoroughly. For most of us, that means we first need to clean and dry it. Make sure there are no major cracks or damages. Small cracks and divots can be corrected with a concrete patch before you begin painting. If your concrete often is wet or shows water is coming through, add a layer of concrete waterproofer before you begin painting.

Clean

With a broom, or wet-dry vac, clean all of the debris, leaves and cobwebs from the floor. Use a degreaser to remove grease stains, and rinse the floor thoroughly. If you’re dealing with heavy stains, a pressure washer could be in order.

Etch or Acid Wash the Garage Floor

Since most ‘unfinished’ garage floors are actually sealed, you’ll likely have to scrape the finish off of the floor before the paint will adhere. Products like muriatic acid or sanding will provide a good tooth for the paint to stick to. It could take two passes to get the right texture.

Apply the Garage Floor Paint

Roll or brush the first coat of paint to the floor. It is important to paint from the inside out, or toward a door, so you are not trapped in the garage while the floor dries. The coat should be allowed to dry fully, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Normally, floors will take at least two coats, with dry time between. You should allow a full 24 hours for the final coat to dry before you walk on it or bring cars and items back onto it.

Need a hand?

Here at CertaPro Painters® of Santa Monica, CA we provide a wide range of professional house painting services including power washing, concrete staining and epoxy finish, and color consultation. Have a look, and if you’re interested, give us a call at 310-393-3133, or schedule a free estimate online today!