How to Apply Concrete Coatings

But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are concrete coatings and paints that can be applied to protect the concrete from staining and give it an aesthetic and stylish appeal.

A do it yourself homeowner can easily apply a concrete coating to bring a new look to a concrete patio, sidewalk, or garage floor. If you want to revitalize your stained concrete sidewalks, patio, or driveway read on to learn how.

First examine the concrete surface for cracks or moisture issues. If the concrete surface has only minor cracks patch them first with a commercial concrete crack filler. If, however, the concrete surface is heavily cracked and/or uneven then unfortunately you’re going to need to remove the concrete surface altogether and start fresh. If you want to apply a concrete coating to a basement floor or an interior slab first examine the concrete surface for moisture issues. Tape down to the concrete floor several pieces of transparent plastic. Make sure the tape covers all 4 sides of the plastic. Do this in several areas of the concrete floor. Allow the plastic to sit for 24 hours and then inspect the plastic for moisture underneath them.

If you see moisture then you really need to address removing the moisture from underneath the concrete floor or slab prior to sealing it with a basic paint.

There are, however, special waterproofing sealers or concrete coatings that you can apply that will prevent the moisture from wicking through to the concrete surface.

If there are actual puddles on the concrete floor surface, e.g. on a concrete patio, driveway or sidewalk allow it to fully dry out prior to applying a concrete coating. In regards to actually applying the concrete coating, first clean the concrete surface with a concrete etching cleaner. You can find this type of product at any home improvement center. If there are any oil or grease stains on the concrete garage floor or driveway, pour cat litter over the stains and rub it into the concrete surface with a broom. Allow the cat litter then to soak up the oil and grease for 24 to 48 hours prior to sweeping up the cat litter. Then rinse the concrete surface with water and let it thoroughly dry prior to applying the concrete coating.

If the concrete surface has any peeling or loose paint on it you must remove it prior to applying a concrete coating. Use a coarse grit sandpaper and a sander to remove the old paint. Make sure you where eye protection and a mask when sanding the concrete floor. After sanding the floor sweep and vacuum up the concrete surface and then use a tack clock to make sure it is spotlessly clean. Otherwise you’ll see the concrete coating peeling in short order.

Again, if there are any small cracks in the concrete surface use a paintable concrete filler to repair them. Let the concrete filler fully dry prior to applying the concrete coating.

Once all the prep work is complete you can now paint or apply the concrete coating. Use a paint brush to brush the edges of the concrete surface and a paint roller for the rest of the floor. You’ll probably want to apply a couple of coats to get a beautiful concrete surface finish. Make sure, however, to wait 24 hours in between coats.

And that’s all there is to it to for applying concrete coatings. Enjoy your aesthetically rejuvenated concrete surfaces.