- Two-part epoxy coating is usually available in two pre-determined colors: gray and tan. Each kit has a two parts that have to be combined and mixed for three minutes before you can apply the product to the cement surface. Prepare the cement surface by etching the floor with an acidic floor etching product. Etching the concrete will help the paint to adhere to the floor better.
Use a 1/2-inch nap roller cover to apply the coating to the floor. Work in 4-by-4-foot squares, overlapping the painted edges as you go. Begin away from a door or other entrance point and paint towards the entrance. Finish painting the floor in front of the entrance. Spread colorful paint flecks over the painted floor as you go to help the floor look more interesting. The coated floor surface can be exposed to light traffic 12 to 16 hours after application and to regular traffic in 24 to 48 hours. Tools clean up with warm, soapy water. - Before using a one-part epoxy paint, the prepare the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions, to ensure a long-lasting floor finish. Different products require different steps, but cement floors generally have to be etched with an acidic etching product.
Apply the paint product with a 3/8-inch nap roller at the rate of 400 to 500 square feet per gallon. Paint a 4-by-4-foot area at a time, working in a direction most comfortable for you, and in a manner that makes the most sense for the room you are working in. This may be from the back of the room to the front of the room, and it may be from one side of the room to the other. As every room and situation is different, determine an application plan before beginning. Always start away from a door and finish at the doorway. Up to two coats can be applied, 24 hours apart. Do not wait any longer than 24 hours in between coats because the first coat may be cured before the second coat is applied. The second coat will not stick to a cured first coat. - Concrete stains are available in solid colors and in semi-transparent finishes. Solid color concrete stains look much the same as paint, covering all of the surface flaws in the concrete. Semi-transparent stains bring out the natural character of the concrete. So if you would like to cover surface flaws, use solid color stains. Apply concrete stains the same way as epoxy paints.
Use a 3/8-inch nap roller to spread the stain, also one 4-by-4-foot area at a time. Use even strokes with the roller and overlap the edges of each section to avoid lap lines. Apply two coats for an even finish.
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