How to Paint a Concrete Basement Floor - The Easy Way

Space constraints considered, the first step is to clear everything that you can from the area. If you can not find a place for things then pile everything into a corner and section it off. The main area will need to be painted and preferably cured before moving stuff back on to it. In my case, I was not moving the large arcade games out of the space. I did my best to pack everything together and then focused on the main area first.

The most important step of painting bare concrete floors is to make sure that they are clean. It is critical that all dirt and debris are removed from the workspace. To properly clean your bare concrete floor as quickly as possible: 1) Sweep thoroughly, 2) Vacuum after sweeping, 3) Scrub the concrete with a bristle brush, concrete cleaner and some water, 4) Isolate the area. It is amazing how quickly a basement floor will attract dirt. Block off the area that will be painted and try to paint as quickly as you can after cleaning.

Though I would love to feed you some hippy dippy life lesson metaphor on how you don't need to paint the floor anymore because you have already accomplished what you need mentally – we both know that wouldn't cut it. Have a bowl of water and paper towels with you. Use a damp paper towel to wipe the area you are about to paint. Use a dry paper towel to wipe up any moisture leftover by the towel. Your space will determine if you are using a paint brush or a roller. If you are using a roller then have a small paint brush ready for cracks and crevices. We are going to paint 2-3 coats so don't feel the need to lay it on thick. The goal is to apply even coats.

Recoating is as simple as this: 1) A minimum of two (2) coats of paint, preferably three (3) coats of paint. 2) Three (3) days before stepping foot on the painted surface unless absolutely necessary. If you must step on the surface wear socks, no bare feet and no shoes. 3) Four (4) weeks until the floor is fully cured. While it will be dry to the touch in a matter of hours the full bonding process takes much longer. You can use the space but use it carefully.