It is not necessary to remove old paint from a cement floor before applying epoxy paints. As a result, painting the floor is much easier and safer than painting bare cement. Instead of employing acid to etch the surface, a simple sanding will suffice. Epoxy paints are more durable than standard concrete paints and provide a shine that other paints can’t match. To ensure the long life of your new color coloring, epoxy paints have a two-part application system followed by a sealing topcoat.
- Place a piece of plastic sheeting on the floor and tape it down. Cover all of the sheeting’s edges with tape, securing it to the floor and preventing air from entering.
- Slightly scuff the paint with sandpaper to degloss it. To finish the task quickly, use 80-grit sandpaper on a floor sander.
- Mop the surface, Scrub lightly with the brush, paying careful attention to any soiled or oily areas. Rinse the floor epoxy with clear water until there is no more cleaning residue.
- Open all windows and doors to let fresh air in. If there isn’t enough ventilation, place a fan at the far end of the room, opposite the window or door.
- Protective gloves, eyewear, and rubber boots should all be worn. Turn off all heating appliances in the room, whether gas or electric.
- Stir the epoxy paint until it is thoroughly combined. Scrape the inside of the smaller can of hardener into the epoxy paint to ensure you get all of it out.
- Fill a paint tray with a liner. Fill the paint container with floor epoxy paint up to the fill line. With a 3-inch wide paintbrush, apply the coating around the perimeter of the floor.
- To your floor roller, add an extension pole. Starting at the farthest corner of the room from the door, roll the paint in straight lines across the floor.
- After the floor has dried for 24 hours, apply a second coat.
- Stir the topcoat and hardener together until well combined. Replacing the lid on the can and waiting 30 minutes for the chemical reaction to occur. Re-stir the topcoat after opening the lid. Fill your paint tray with the mixture and a new liner.
- Use the same painting techniques as you did with the paint to apply the top coat. Before stepping on the floor, wait 24 hours. Wait at least 72 hours before parking your car on a freshly painted garage floor epoxy.