How to Paint a Concrete Floor

Last Updated: December 25, 2022 References Approved

Painting a concrete floor is a great way to seal and improve the look and performance of the floor. Because concrete has special characteristics, however, it also has special needs when it comes to being painted. To get the best results for your floor, plan on giving the project at least 2 weeks to complete.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Clean the Concrete Thoroughly

The concrete must be completely clear in order to allow the sealers and paints to bond properly. Use two different products to clean the concrete; one to remove the dirt and debris and a second that is made to remove the efflorescence, the white powder that sometimes develops on damp concrete.

1
Sweep away any dirt, debris, old paint flakes or efflorescence from the floor.^{[1]
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Use a scrub brush and a cleanser specifically made for concrete to wash the floor once you've removed the debris.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Apply a Sealer to the Concrete Floor

The sealer will help prevent moisture from coming through the floor and ruining the paint job.

1
Apply 2 to 3 coats of sealer to the floor. Allow the sealer to cure for several days between coats; follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and curing of the sealer.^{[3]
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After each coat, use a paint roller to smooth the sealer over the concrete, slightly overlapping each stroke.^{[4]
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Use a paintbrush to apply the sealer to the edges and corners of the room with each coat as well.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Apply a Concrete Primer to the Concrete Floor

The primer will fill any small gaps or voids in the floor and will help give it a smooth appearance.^{[5]
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Research source} Use a good masonry primer, and your top coating will look better and last longer.

1
Pour the primer into a paint tray and dip a paint roller into the primer.
2
Roll it onto the floor in even strokes.
3
Use a paintbrush to apply the primer to the corners and edges of the room.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Paint the Concrete Floor

This is the final step in the process.

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Pour some masonry paint into a paint tray.
- Choose a high-quality breathable acrylic paint.
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Dip a masonry roller into the tray and coat it well.
3
Roll the masonry paint over the floor in smooth, slightly overlapping strokes.^{[6]
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Apply paint to the corners and edges of the floor with a paintbrush.
5
Let the masonry paint dry for at least 24 hours between coats; apply 2 to 3 coats for the best results.^{[7]
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Community Q&A

Question

I painted my basement floor, then water got on it and left a white spot. What should I do?

Community Answer

I would repaint that spot. If you're using the same leftover paint, you will still get the same color. Then put a bowl upside down on top of it to protect it until it dries completely.
Question

The paint on my concrete floor started chipping before I could seal it. What should I do?

Community Answer

You will probably want to remove the chipping paint before repainting and sealing it.
Question

What do I do if the painting is over where the vinyl tile was removed?

Community Answer

Sweep and clean with a concrete cleaner and brush, then seal, prime and paint.

Warnings

Because concrete can take a while to dry, always err on the side of caution and allow extra time between steps for moisture to leave the room.

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If possible, set up fans and open any doors and windows to help speed the drying process of the concrete. Failure to allow enough time for it to dry between steps or coats will result in peeling paint.^{[8]
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