Basement Improvement – Covering Up Guidelines For Concrete Floors
Most garages or basement are built on concrete flooring. Concrete can be readily painted as compared to other high-end treatments. Painting your concrete floors will instantly transform them into something quite attractive and at the same time make your space easy to clean and very durable. If painting is carried out correctly, your concrete floor can last for many years.
Where to begin:
This is not a very expensive home renovation project but it is not something that is done overnight either. In order to begin your painting project it is necessary for the floor to be thoroughly dry. If you have any wet spots, especially in your basement then you will need the help of a professional to correct your seepage problem.
Once you are completely certain that your floor is already dry, next step is to scrub it in order to free it from chemical residues and greases. This is important especially if the floor you wish to paint on is your garage or shop area. This is an important step because if there is any type of foreign substance on the floor’s surface the paint will not adhere.
Some kitty litter would be very handy in absorbing most of that grease on the floor if any. Next, scrub the floor using Goof Off and then rinse thoroughly. Now scrub the floor with the use of some TSP mixture. Rinse and repeat the process over and over until such time that the mop looks clean after several cycles. After scrubbing the floor needs to dry for at least three days to be sure it is thoroughly dried and ready to paint.
Some final preparations before you start painting:
Using a sander or an 80-grit paper, remove any stuck materials on the surface of the floor and smoothen out the bumpy portions. A tack clothe will remove any sanding residue that the vacuum misses.
Look for and fix any cracks that might be present. You can fix these cracks or little holes with the use of a Cement Fixall; just be sure to let it dry thoroughly afterward.
Now you are finally ready to start painting!
First, apply two coatings of stain blocker and a primer such as Kilz. Remember that the surface must be completely dry in between the two applications. Now you can apply a top quality latex flat paint. A paint compressor or a roller will work fine for the painting.
Decorating your painted floor:
At this juncture, if you wish you may add some designs like geometric shapes or faux stone to make the floor look even more beautiful. You may run wild with your creativity at this point, just make sure to let the floor dry completely before finishing.
Finishing your painted concrete floor:
You will need a quarter inch nap roller and two applications of Breakthrough sealer to finish your floor. To be safe, wear a respirator mask when doing this as fumes are sure to be present during this process. Allow the floor to thoroughly dry for one final time.
Now your floor is complete. You may decorate it with some throw rugs or an area rug for some flourish as it is still concrete after all. The difference is that it is now a beautiful concrete!
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