Many people decide to start DIY projects around the home without realizing the time and effort required to complete them. One of the most common such projects is painting cement or concrete floors to make them look more attractive.

While cement paint can certainly transform a surface’s look, applying it involves far more than simply starting to paint. Before you start your DIY project, consider that applying cement paint consists of:

Cleaning the Concrete:

You cannot start anything until the concrete surface is completely clean. However, cleaning does not simply mean applying water to it. Concrete is porous, which means that dirt, grease, and grime tend to get trapped within the surface. You will first have to remove all these substances using chemicals such as trisodium phosphate and then clean the surface with a power washer.

Stripping Old Paint:

Several times, concrete paint is applied because the old paint job is getting dull or has been damaged. However, it cannot be applied until that old paint has been removed. You can do so by using a wire brush or paint scraper. If the concrete surface is outside, you may even be able to achieve this using a pressure washer.

Sealing:

If the concrete you plan to paint is indoors, it should first be sealed. Remember, concrete is porous. This means that it can easily absorb moisture. Sealing the concrete will prevent any moisture from penetrating the surface and collecting below the paint, which can cause the formation of mold. At the same time, the sealer will also seal any microscopic cracks that might be present.

Priming:

The type of primer you use will be dependant on whether you’re painting an indoor or outdoor concrete surface. The primer serves two purposes: first, it fills any remaining gaps or cracks that might be present. Aside from that, it also creates an even surface that makes the painting process easier. Once the primer is applied, you will have to wait a minimum of 8 hours before you start painting. However, make sure not to wait too long – if it has been over 30 days since you applied the primer, you will have to reapply before you start painting.

Paint:

It is only now that you can start applying the cement paint. Cement paints are water-based. They are essentially a mixture of cement, lime, and color additives. These paints are highly durable and are resistant to weather, fungus, algae, and more. This makes them a particularly useful choice when painting exterior concrete surfaces. Once you are ready to start painting, you can use either a paint roller or paint sprayer to apply it. A paint sprayer is a particularly advantageous choice, as it makes the application of the paint quick and easy.

When using cement paint, keep in mind that you should paint quickly. Letting the paint sit without using it will result in it dying up and hardening within a few hours.

Final Thoughts:

Painting a concrete surface on your own can often seem like a good way to save money. However, as you can see, the process can be long and involved.

Hiring a professional means that you can be confident that everything will be handled quickly and appropriately. You won’t have to worry about wasting time, money, and energy in the situation that something goes wrong during the painting process. With a professional, you will have the confidence of knowing you are in good hands.

If you’re looking to hire a professional to help give your concrete surfaces a new lease of life, contact Xpedite Coatings at (713)365-0444 today. We’re happy to answer any questions that you might have!