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Painting bare concrete floors requires extra preparation because of the coarse texture and porosity of concrete. Masonry paints are designed for concrete, with some just for floors and stairs. You can also paint concrete with alkyd, latex, epoxy, or special floor paints. Some concrete floor paints contain a primer that saves time by eliminating a step. Talk to a paint specialist about the best paints and primers for the job.
You need to degrease and clean, repair holes and cracks, and acid-etch to create a surface that paint can "grab" onto. Get ready to paint bare concrete by filling your toolbox with the following items:
- TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) or TSP-PF (phosphate-free)
- 2-1/2-inch angled sash brush
- Telescoping extension pole
 | When painting concrete, you'll be working with strong acids (the etching acid) and bases (the TSP), so carefully read the manufacturer's directions and follow all safety precautions when using these strong chemicals. |
1. Put on goggles and gloves, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to combine TSP (or TSP-PF) solution with water in a bucket.
2. Mop the floor with the TSP solution, rinse well, and let it dry thoroughly.
Rinse out the mop and bucket with fresh water.
3. Use the hydraulic cement to fix any holes or cracks.
4. Wearing goggles and gloves, follow the manufacturer's instructions to combine etching acid with water in a bucket.
Use a stir stick to mix the solution thoroughly. If you're going to paint the floor with alkyd paint, use muriatic acid (10 parts water to 1 part acid). For latex paint, use phosphoric acid (10 parts water to 1 part acid).
5. Pour a little etching solution on the concrete and, with the mop, spread the liquid uniformly in a small area. Repeat until you've etched the whole floor. Let it dry completely.
6. Use a vacuum to clean the etched concrete and remove dust and debris.
7. Use a stir stick to stir the primer (or combo primer/paint) thoroughly; pour 1/2 inch into roller tray reservoir.
8. With a 2-1/2-inch tapered brush, cut in around the perimeter of the room.
9. Roll on primer in 4-foot sections with a 9-inch roller on an extension pole.
10. Continue rolling in the next 4-foot section until you complete the entire floor. Let the paint dry completely.
Be sure not to paint yourself into a corner!
11. If the primer isn't a combo primer/paint, repeat Steps 6 through 9 with the desired concrete floor paint.
12. Let the floor paint dry thoroughly.
You can walk on the floor as soon as it dries, but it's best to let it cure for about three days before moving in furniture or rugs.
 | Some floor paints (epoxy, for one) look fabulous and hold up to wear but are slippery when painted on concrete, even when they're dry. Reduce the risk of slipping by adding nonslip silicate to the paint before you roll it on. |
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