Whether due to the belief that concrete surfaces are so robust that they don’t need to be painted or an out-of-sight-out-of-mind factor, many residential and commercial garage floors are left unpainted. While concrete floors are certainly robust, concrete surface painting adds an additional level of protection that:

• Resists staining
• Repels dust
• Impedes mold and mildew growth
• Makes cleaning easier
• Insulates
• Inhibits cracking

It can also override that out-of-sight-out-of-mind factor, as most people who opt for garage floor painting in Naples, Florida are amazed by how much it enhances the aesthetics of their entire garage space.

Color and Other Garage Floor Painting Considerations

As with most paint jobs, you’ll need to make a number of decisions regarding your concrete floor painting job. Color is the most obvious decision, but you’ll also need to consider options relating to type of paint or other coating and determine what kind of prep work might be needed to ensure the best results.

With regard to paint type, you have a choice between latex acrylic and epoxy concrete floor paints. Latex acrylic floor paints are typically the cheaper option, but epoxy paints bond better to the concrete for a more durable and longer-lasting finish. While generally more expensive, stains provide deep concrete penetration and the widest range of colors. Deep color saturation can also be achieved by using dyes, whether in solvent or water-based formulations. You could also just go with a concrete sealer, but this option provides limited color choice.

Speaking of color choice, know that depending upon what coating type you pick, you may be able to add a little extra zing to your garage floor. With dyes and some stains, you may be able to create special effects, such as marbling or stain patterning. If using epoxy-based paint you can add colored flakes or chips to the mix to create a textured effect.

Don’t Neglect the Prep Work

As with all paint jobs, the degree of success is highly dependent upon the prep work. Paint and other coatings do not adhere well to dirt and grime, so a thorough cleaning of your concrete floor is needed at a minimum. Pressure washing with a degreasing formulation is the best option, as concrete flooring is quite porous. Absent a power washer a stiff-bristle scrub brush with TSP, a degreasing cleanser or other powerful cleaner should work, but you may want to consider using a chemical stripper for any old paint stains or other marks that can’t be dissolved with normal cleaners.    

You should also fill any cracks or chips in your floor prior to painting. Use a concrete repair compound for smaller cracks and holes and a concrete patch for wider cracks and holes. If liquids tend to pool on your garage floor, you should probably consider etching it to make it more porous for coating penetration and adhesion.

Whether cleaning, stripping, crack filling, or etching, make sure that you let your concrete completely dry before applying a primer, paint or other coating. Pressure washed concrete generally dries within two days, but concrete repair compound and patches can take a week or longer to set and dry.

Turn to Professionals for your Garage Floor Painting

If you would like to spruce up your garage with concrete surface paining, but don’t have the time to go the DYI route, FCI Painting can tackle the job for you. With more than 20 years of experience helping southwest Florida homeowners and businesses with all of their painting needs, contact FCI Painting online, or give us a call at (239) 435-1001.