The same steps are taken to paint a garage floor as they are for any other interior surface in your house.Since it is a floor, you have to plan an exit strategy so that you don't get stuck in the middle of a lot of wet paint.Since it is the garage floor, extra care must be taken to clean it before the final coat is applied, so no chemical stains or other blemishes show through it.
Step 1: Start with a clean up.
Use a cloth to wipe up any liquids.Remove the dry debris from the floor.Dust can be swept up with a broom.It shouldn't be necessary to clean your concrete floor if it's brand new.You must wait at least 45 days after the concrete is poured before you can paint it.
Step 2: The cleaner should be sprayed on the concrete.
If you want the best results, use a degreaser on the floor.It's best to spray it over the whole floor.Allow it to sit for at least ten minutes.Allow it to soak for twenty.Laundry detergent can be used as a cleaner.Since their ingredients can cause harmful chemical reactions, do not combine different products.
Step 3: You need to scrub the floor.
Allow enough time for the cleaner to sit.While the floor is wet, scrub the concrete with a stiff-bristled brush or broom.Since metal bristles scratch up the concrete, use non-metal bristles.If stains persist, spray with more cleaner and repeat as needed.
Step 4: The floor needs to be cleaned.
Attach a high-pressure nozzle.The floor should be sprayed from the inside out.Remove any traces of cleaner and debris.You should mop or squeegee the extra water out of the garage once you are done.Before proceeding, allow the floor to air-dry.You can use a power washer.You can mix cleaners with water in some models, which will allow you to use it instead of a spray bottle.
Step 5: It's best to repair cracks.
It's a good idea to inspect your floor for any flaws.Any thin cracks should be covered with a synthetic concrete/mortar compound.A concrete patch can be used for wider cracks.Apply the new concrete in layers to allow it to dry before adding the next.Skim extra concrete off the top to keep the surface smooth.
Step 6: It's a good idea to protect the other surface areas.
Line the bottoms of your walls with painter's tape.A layer of painter's paper, plastic sheeting, dropcloth, newspapers, or some other protective covering over the walls.They should be protected from any splashes of primer or paint.
Step 7: Put your primer together.
As the primer settles after being sealed, expect the ingredients to separate.To recombine them, use a paint stirrer.When it is evenly mixed again, stir vigorously.
Step 8: The edges of your floor should beprimed first.
Start from a corner.The primer should be put into a tray or bucket.Then use a paintbrush to apply it on the floor.The border should be 2 to 3 inches thick along all four sides of the floor.You may have to cut in around pipes or other objects so make sure to brush a wide enough area out.
Step 9: Use the paint roller.
The primer should be poured into a paint tray after the border has been primed.You don't have to work on your knees if you screw an extension pole into the base of the paint roller.Roll the roller in the tray to load it with primer, then roll the primer on the floor in a back corner of the garage.If you start next to it, apply more primer directly over it.If you want to refresh the roller with more primer, cover a length of floor about 3 feet long and 2 feet wide at a time.This pattern can be used for the entire surface.If you want to make sure there isn't a gap between the two, overlap the previous length by a little bit.
Step 10: You should coat the whole floor.
The primer should be rolled over the floor until the entire surface is treated.You don't want to back yourself into a corner if you know your exit strategy.You can start from the back of the garage.Work your way from left to right after you return up toward the open garage door.Continue until you exit the garage.Refer to the primer's directions to find out how long it will take to dry.Four hours may be recommended by some.Others may recommend more.Don't worry, you can paint the floor on the same day.You have to do it within the next 30 days.The floor needs to beprimed again after that long.
Step 11: The paint's instructions about the weather.
Refer to your paint's directions before you start painting.Before, during, and after application of paint can be affected by temperature and humidity.You don't have to redo your floors because the first coat was applied in less than ideal conditions.
Step 12: Take the mix and pour it.
The color of the paint will be different when you open it.To mix it, use a paint stirrer.Put it into a paint tray or bucket.If you want to choose a paint, choose between latex and epoxy.You should buy paint that is specifically designed for concrete.If you want to save money in the short-term, choose latex acrylic, which will last about two years before you need a new coat.It will take about four years for a paint job to last longer and resist more damage.Standard-sized garages are available if you are unsure of how much paint to buy.You should buy paint that is specifically designed for concrete.Measure the square footage and ask staff at the store how much you will need, or use an online paint calculator.
Step 13: Cut inside.
The primer was applied the same way.The corner is your starting point.To paint a strip along the edges of the floor, use a brush.
Step 14: You should paint the floor strip by strip.
Again, use the same process.The paint tray should be filled with paint.Paint the floor at a time using a roller and extension pole.In the back corner, cover the freshly painted border with a length of paint that is roughly 4 feet long by 2 feet wide.Freshen your roller with more paint and paint another strip.Start at the back of the garage and work from one side to the other.
Step 15: If you like, add color to it.
Adding vinyl chips to the floor's base coat will liven it up.Before you start painting, empty the chips from their packaging into a bucket or similar container.As you paint, keep the bucket handy.Once you have a large area covered, toss a few chips in the air to let them settle into the drying paint.The chips can stick to the wet coat if you do this no later than ten minutes after the paint has been applied.The chips should be thrown upward rather than at the floor.It will help to spread over a larger area.Once your primer has dried, do a test run with your chips.You should have enough to cover the entire floor.If you don't practice your tosses, you will end up using all your flakes before the end.If you are going to do a second coat of paint, you should wait until then.You will need to apply a sealer to the floor if there are flakes added.The flakes will not come loose.
Step 16: If you wish, apply a second coat.
The first coat should be dry by 24 hours.Determine if you want to apply a second coat after that.Simply repeat the process if you do.If you don't want to walk over the first coat, give it another week before parking your car or other heavy machinery inside.Many experts recommend applying a second coat in a straight line to the first.If you roll from the back of the garage toward the door, you should go from one side to the other during the second coat.You might not be able to do this in the confines of your garage.Just apply the second coat the same way as the first.The first coat of paint will take more time to dry than a second coat.