How to Paint a Garage Floor: A Quick Guide to Get You Started
If you’re like most people in Calgary and surrounding areas, your garage likely stores more than just the family car. Stuff always finds its way out into the garage and ends up amongst the lawn and garden equipment and whatever else collects dust.
But it may also be your sanctuary — your workspace, getaway, and the place you go to relax.
Since your garage is a multi-use area, have you ever considered painting the garage floor?
Benefits of Painting a Garage Floor
Painting the garage floor has more benefits than just refreshing the look:
- Easier to sweep, vacuum, and mop
- Shields against any spills and stains like oil and grease
- Keeps the garage cleaner by covering the bare concrete, which holds a significant amount of dust
- A painted floor makes it easier to slide things around versus a bare concrete floor
- Because cement is porous, paint is a relatively cheap solution to protect your belongings
Preparation for Garage Floor Painting
Look at the coming weather before choosing a date to paint your garage floor. Your cement floor should be dry, and the temperature should be between 12.5°C and 32°C — making sunny days with low humidity ideal.
Before you can paint the garage floor, you need to measure it and figure out how many square feet your garage is, so you can plan for the adequate amount of paint to buy. Next, you must prep the concrete. If you don’t, you risk scratching the paint, having it flake easily, or losing the colour to fading.
Concrete floors are porous and will absorb anything that spills on it. So, the first thing you should do is use a
concrete degreaser:
- Wet the concrete with water and apply the degreaser using a stiff brush like our Dynamic Knuckle Saver Wire Brush to get any gas, grease, oil, old paint, and any other dirt and debris off the surface
- Thoroughly rinse with water and let the cement completely dry
- Fill all cracks and gaps with a concrete caulk, be sure to smooth it flush with the rest of the floor, and allow the caulk to cure
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on a Garage Floor?
Latex enamel paint is the best paint for a garage floor. It’s the cheaper and less labour-intensive choice because there’s no need for a primer coat that most oil-based paints and epoxy coatings require.
Painting Application Techniques
The painting techniques using latex enamel paint for your garage floor are the same as if you were painting a wall in your house. Use a roller or a broad brush and apply a couple of coats to the floor. Allow the paint to dry overnight, and resume using your garage the next day.
Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes
For the most successful garage floor paint job possible, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not prepping the concrete surface properly: Any dirt, debris, old paint, or spills left behind will prevent the garage floor paint from adhering correctly, causing it to flake and peel. Take the time to do the prepping right to extend the life of your paint.
- Using improper tools: The wrong tools can lead to poor results and frustration during application. Choose a large enough brush and roller to make application easy. Ensure you have an extension pole for the roller and a good paint tray.
- Not applying a second coat: One coat of concrete paint may not be enough for adequate coverage or protection. Always apply a second coat to extend the longevity of your work.
Where in Calgary Can You Find the Best Paint For Your Garage Floor?
From the best painting supplies, tools, and materials to expert knowledge and advice, you can count on the specialists at Benjamin Moore Crowfoot Calgary to help you with your garage floor DIY painting project
