Paint for concrete floor - varieties and their features
Concrete floors, which are distinguished by their strength and durability, are often arranged in industrial workshops, production and utility rooms, garages and even in residential premises. However, they also have a weak spot - the upper layer. The surface of the concrete floor is dusty, besides it has an unattractive appearance. If such a floor is not covered on top with some traditional coating (laminate, carpet, linoleum), then most often it is simply painted. To protect and decorate, special paint is used for the concrete floor.
Content
Varieties of paints for concrete floors, their features
Traditionally, for concrete floors, an epoxy slurry was used, which formed a protective film on the surface. Now on the market there are a large number of special compounds. A feature of paints for concrete is the strength, which is achieved due to the large number of binders. There are paints that form a high-strength coating, allowing the floor to be used at fairly high loads without compromising its appearance. And although such compositions are sometimes expensive, but painting pays off, since it serves faithfully for many years without repair. What is the paint for concrete floor? Let's consider in more detail.
Acrylic paints
Acrylic paints for concrete surfaces are a kind of aqueous composition based on acrylic resins with the addition of various polymers. Acrylic paints can be matte, glossy and semi-gloss. They create a protective film that prevents various mechanical and chemical undesirable effects and prevents the destruction of the upper layer of the concrete floor.
Such a coating is quite strong and reliable, resistant to moisture and high temperatures, so it is successfully used for painting floors in garages, basements, on balconies, etc. The surface painted by them is ready for operation in two days.
Benefits:
- increased resistance to moisture;
- environmental friendliness;
- ease of application and quick drying.
Paint is applied with a brush, and with a roller, and with a spray; moreover, one coat is sufficient, but two are usually applied for the best effect.
Epoxy paints
Epoxy paints are two-component, mixing occurs using a special mixer immediately before application. Although the color scheme is not as great as we would like, but this paint captivates with its high abrasion resistance. This is a super-long-lasting and durable coating, which is suitable not only for floors of production workshops, car repair shops, parking lots, etc., but also for areas open to rains, wind and sun. She is not afraid of atmospheric disasters, thanks to this, and the concrete base retains strength, looks presentable.
Benefits:
- waterproofing properties at a high level;
- resistant to chemicals (alkalis, acids, salt solutions);
- perfectly adheres to the surface, especially if applied to fresh concrete;
- color remains saturated for a long time.
Epoxy paint is applied in two layers, the solidification time of each from 12 to 24 hours.
Polyurethane Enamels
Polyurethane enamels also consist of two components and can be used both indoors and outdoors. First, the components are well mixed and mixed. Staining takes place in two stages: on the first - a thin layer is applied without smudges, which is allowed to dry (but not more than 24 hours), and then a second layer is applied.
The period of complete drying is delayed up to 14 days: after two days the paint no longer sticks, after 7 - it acquires mechanical strength, after 14 - chemical.
Benefits:
- profitability;
- good hiding power;
- high rates of chemical and mechanical strength;
- forms an attractive glossy surface.
The minimum temperature during application should not be lower than +5.
Less common options
Urethane-alkyd paints make it possible to obtain a glossy surface of various colors and shades, which is characterized by high abrasion resistance. Although the paint is quite good hiding power, it is still recommended to apply it in two layers.
Acrylic-silicone paints can not boast the same excellent resistance to abrasion, in addition, they are distinguished by a very limited color scheme.
Nuances to pay attention to
How to choose a paint for concrete floor and which is better? It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, since it all depends on what role it plays in each particular case. Whether it is intended to simply decorate the surface, making it more attractive, or whether it serves as a protective layer. It is clear that universal paint, ideal for all situations, does not exist. But there are a number of points that must be taken into account.
When painting a concrete floor in a living room, you should pay attention to less toxic, environmentally friendly coating options. For example, acrylic-latex-based paints can be used even indoors, there will be no harm, but epoxy coatings need to be used where there is good ventilation and certainly not in living rooms.
When choosing a paint, it should be noted that each of them has its own temperature range, which is optimal for it, both during application and during further operation. It is clear that this depends on whether this or that paint is suitable for outdoor use or only for indoor use. You should not experiment and hope for "maybe", using the wrong paint for outdoor work. At first, it can and will look attractive, but not for long.
When choosing a paint for outdoor use or painting a floor in a humid room, you need to pay attention to the fact that the paint contains antibacterial components that will not allow mold to form and develop fungi. Usually all information is on the packaging. Take the time to read or consult a specialist.
Think about what effect you want to achieve? Do you need a glossy surface that, no doubt, looks spectacular, but spots on it, and scratches, and stains are more noticeable. Or the matte surface will be optimal, which at first glance is not so spectacular, but looks longer like new and does not require such careful maintenance and careful operation.
Summary
In the modern market of paints and varnishes there are quite a lot of different types of paints for concrete floors.They cope with "excellent" not only with the aesthetic function, that is, giving concrete floors an attractive appearance and even gloss, but also with a protective one. They protect concrete from exposure to various chemicals, atmospheric phenomena (rain, ultraviolet radiation), as well as from mechanical damage, sometimes significant. Indeed, most often a concrete floor is made in rooms that involve an active and long-term load on it.
When choosing paint for a concrete floor, you should pay attention to a number of key points: decorative coating, functionality, protective properties of the paint, which will allow you to get a durable and attractive floor in any room when painting, whether it is a gym, workshop or parking.
Pavel 
Marina 
Zhalgasbek
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