Recommend a good concrete paint?

Question

I'm planning to paint my basement (concrete) floor and am looking for recommendations for a good quality concrete paint. I know that Behr makes it in various colors - is this the best brand for the job?
Also, are there any tips or tricks to making it come out great?
Thanks!

Answer 1

I often use Behr, and have been satisfied, but there are other manufacturers who specialize more in commercial grade, garage/ concrete basement, floor paints. I see one suggestion for epoxy,,,an excellent choice.

It should certainly have in it, those agents that most bond well with concrete, and since you won't be driving a car over it, you'll be able to "use" the basement in a shorter time frame.

Great is relative to your expectations. Personally I'd rather clean and bleach out the concrete and "stain" it, but the customer is always right.

One issue to consider in what may be your definition of great is that you probably should opt for a safe/non slip surface. Certainly Most epoxy based, oil based, concrete paints will have some sheen to them when dry. For a garage that isn't strictly neccesary, and as with other paints, particularly latex, a concrete paint may offer different levels of sheen/gloss.

No matter brand name hype or any favorite you may already have, I personally would invest in the best.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Lots of very good ideas and suggestions here already. One thing that was mentioned and is extremely important is to completely clean the floor.

If it was mine, I'd wash the floor with a solution of muratic acid and water just as if you were prepping for ceramic tile. This will "etch" the surface of the concrete so whatever paint you use will bond better. Just make sure that you flush the acid water off the floor completely - do not let it dry on or the paint will not bond.

Sherwin Williams could be a source for your paint. I am not endorsing them in any way, but I do know of some professional flooring installers who use epoxy coatings made and sold by Sherwin Williams (I have never used these products though).

If you use epoxy or any other paint and you might be worried about the floor being too slippery, you can always sprinkle some silica sand on the floor while the paint is still wet. Once the paint dries just sweep off the excess. You can apply a thin coat over the sand to hold it to the surface - the sand won't be as sharp bur will still prevent slipping.

I hope that this helps with your question or at least gives you some more ideas.

Answer 3

Best Paint For Concrete

Answer 4

Best Concrete Paint

Answer 5

First if the floor gets a lot of traffic I would use a 2 part paint. you can even get them where you add little specks of like glitter / color to them that makes them look really great. you put on one coat and then put in the specks and then paint on second usually clear coat. these are really great. They are available at Menards or any Regular paint store.

Answer 6

I would recommend using a roller that is extra nappy! I also agree with the previous poster who suggested sprinkling glitter over the wet paint. It'll really add a sparkle to your basement!

Answer 7

Use an epoxy paint, usually these come with kits which clean and etch your floor for best results. Making sure slab is clean is the most important step

Answer 8

Use an e[oxy base paint. There are kits with everything you need to get the job done. Regualr paints will just peel up.

Answer 9

well i was going to say behr also . i have done this many times start in corner and leave yourself an exit roll with roller and spread evenly no puddles