Nowadays, there is the rising popularity of mixed concrete for commercial and domestic use. But, the main question that arises is, what should you do to make your concrete surface stand out from the crowd?
If you also have a similar question in mind, then a lick of paint will effectively do the trick. Gradually, you will see a massive transformation in your driveway or other surfaces.
However, in this regard, you will have to deal with certain complications and issues. After the concrete is carried to the final construction site with the help of a concrete pump, you should focus on painting it.
It is precisely because both the exterior and interior surfaces do not have to remain a dull grey shade. You would be able to make concrete beautiful and exciting by application of a few coats of paint.
Painting concrete is a very inexpensive and straightforward task, and so, any of the homeowners can efficiently complete it on their own. It is something that also sometimes decides the ready mix concrete price.
But to successfully paint concrete or other masonry surfaces, you should focus on cleaning and preparing the area properly. After that, you should consider applying appropriate paint and allow ample time for the paint to cure.
So, you can stain or paint just about any concrete surface, i.e., concrete brick walls, concrete stairs, a walkway, or even a garage or basement floor.
It is challenging to fix weathered concrete with stains or cracks without the patched section standing out. It isn’t delightful in front-facing areas of a home.
If you focus on applying a coat of paint, this will help disguise repair on concrete walkways and steps.
The ultimate result is a finished and clean look which will contribute to providing an excellent curb appeal to the
entrance of a house.
Before you paint concrete, you should never skimp on the preparation. You would achieve the best results by getting the surface as smooth and clean as possible.
But, while you purchase the product, you should always look for sealers and cleaners specially formulated for the concrete. It will help you to achieve the best results.
Now, let’s have a close look at the step-by-step guide you should focus on following to paint a concrete floor.
Washing The Floor
Before you get started with the project, you should make sure that your surface is as clean as possible. You should always check for any water that is seeping through the surface.
In case you notice any such thing, you need to eliminate its sources to prevent further leakage. If you observe efflorescence on the floor, then it might be a sign of water issues.
Efflorescence is the white residue that is left after a leak. It, coupled with dark spots on the ready mixed concrete, can indicate a severe water-related problem. If you want to eliminate water seepage successfully, you need to use the right products.
Another important thing is to take special safety precautions to avoid such issues. The worst part is that some of these products can generate harmful fumes.
Also, you should thoroughly wash the floor with the help of a degreasing solution. Finally, you should leave the surface to dry for many days.
Sanding The Vacuuming The Floor
It can be a challenging task to paint a concrete mix surface that is not smooth. If you try to perform this job, then the painting will not be perfect. So, it is imperative to successfully even out any uneven surfaces.
Another important thing is to sand off the old paint. Once you are done with this, you should focus on vacuuming any debris and dust away. Finally, you need to wipe the surface with the help of a cloth.
Filling Any Cracks
Any gaps in your surface need to be filled with the help of a concrete patch compound. To successfully do so, you should focus on following the instructions given on the packaging.
But, for complicated areas, it is best if you use a trowel for compacting the concrete. Before you continue with the process, you should allow it to dry completely.
Taking Note Of Climate
If the temperature falls below 10 degrees, then you should avoid making use of the epoxy paint. It is because these temperatures can result in paint peeling.
Grinding Floors That Was Previously Sealed
If you have not sealed your concrete before, then the epoxy plant will not stick to it. It will be more likely to peel. To deal with this particular issue, you should focus on grinding the floor down.
It is something that will remove the sealant as well as the surface simultaneously. Dripping some amount of water onto the surface will help to check if your floor has a sealant on it or not. Your floor is sealed if it beads up and does not soak onto the floor.
Observing Excessive Laitance
If you observe some veins like things running over your concrete surface, they are a fine cement paste layer. It mainly occurs due to excessive bleed water while trowelling or at the time, water is sprayed on the concrete surface while finishing it.
Addressing Soft Concrete
Poor quality of the concrete or bad finishing techniques, or both, leads to causing soft concrete. It is signified by heavy surface dusting, crumbling, and areas that are easily damaged or marked.
It is essential to grind the concrete down to get rid of this particular issue. To harden it, you can consider adding a densifier.
In some cases, where it is not possible to restore soft concrete, you should use certain things such as paving slabs or tiles. It is something which will help to deal with that particular issue.
Final Verdict
So, the above-discussed ones are the step-by-step processes that you should focus on following to paint concrete successfully.
While you do this, you would come across several issues that you need to deal with. These issues can be quickly dealt with if you make use of the right processes and equipment.
