Cement floor paint can be used on many different types of surfaces. Most commonly, cement floor paint is used in basements and garages. There are other uses for cement floor paint however. It is commonly used to line the bottom of a pool and is also often used on outdoor surfaces like patios, basketball courts and driveways. In general, cement floor paint can be used in order to create a high level on durability and longevity to any surface. Its usefulness in preventing cracking, resistance to mold and fungal growth and its high resistance to chemicals, water and oil are just some of the protective characteristics and reasons a person would use cement floor paint.
When it comes to painting a cement floor, it is best to used paints that based off of an epoxy compound. There are two different types of epoxy-based paints: one-part epoxy paint and two-part epoxy paint. Different people have different opinions on which type of cement floor paint is better to use, but both types of epoxies have similar results when used correctly. As cement floor paint however, we suggest using a one-part epoxy product.
As the name suggests, two-part epoxies involve the use of two parts and usually involve need to mix the epoxy formula. They tend to be useful for more complex projects and are often used for covering metal substrates. One-part epoxies usually come as a pre-mixed formula and thus require less preparation and overall work. One-part epoxy is also much less expensive, usually about a quarter of the price when compared to a similar two-part epoxy product.
Whenever dealing with a heavy duty product like cement floor paint, it is important to be safe. You will want to wear long sleeves and gloves when dealing with any cement floor paint as it can be very tough to get off the skin. Have soap and water nearby just in case. Vinegar and acetone are also recommended methods of cement floor paint removal from the skin. While some cement floor paints are not strong in odor, it is still a good idea to provide as much ventilation to the area as possible. If you are working on a project outdoors, this is obviously not as big an issue. But if you are working on painting the garage floor, keep the garage door open. If the project requires painting in the basement, keep all windows throughout the house open, if possible. It is also not a bad idea to wear a mask when dealing with any type of cement floor paint to prevent excessive inhalation of the chemicals. Cement floor paint dries quickly, and keeping windows open will only expedite the process.
When it comes to buying cement floor paint, the best places to purchase would include any hardware or paint store. If you are looking in stores, Loews and The Home Depot both have a nice selection, as well as staff on hand to answer any questions you may have. When it comes to brands, Behr offers a nice selection to choose from, as well as alternatives such as concrete staining products. Most of their products have a warranty as well, which is always a plus.