How to Paint Concrete Slabs Indoors
Concrete typically is a dull, gray color. A quick way to spruce up concrete is to apply paint. Don't just grab a brush and roller and start slapping on paint; painting an indoor concrete slab requires proper preparation of the surface to ensure the concrete is protected against moisture and the paint properly adheres. With correct preparation and the right products, you can transform an indoor concrete slab into an aesthetically appealing surface. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum cleaner
- Stiff scrub brush
- Concrete de-greaser
- Mop
- Water
- Sanding block or sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Painter's tape
- Concrete patch
- Putty knife
- Concrete sealer
- Paintbrushes
- Paint roller
- Paint roller inserts
- Concrete primer
- Concrete paint
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Instructions
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1
Vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris. Thoroughly scrub the floor with a stiff scrub brush and concrete de-greaser. Follow the instructions on the bottle for mixing and using the de-greaser. Rinse the floor well with water, mop the floor, then let it completely dry for a few days.
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2
Sand away any old or chipping paint from the floor with a sanding block or sandpaper. Vacuum the floor to remove the dust. Wipe down the areas you sanded with tack cloth to remove any residue.
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3
Patch any holes or cracks in the slab with concrete patch. Spread the patch on in a thin layer over the holes or cracks using a putty knife. Run the putty knife back and forth over the patch until the patch is flush with the existing floor. Let the patch completely dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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4
Apply painter's tape around the walls and trim work of the room to keep sealer, primer and paint from getting onto these areas.
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Apply two thin coats of concrete sealer to the floor. Apply the sealer with a paint roller and paintbrush. Use the brush to apply the sealer around the edges of the room and the roller to apply it to the larger surface area of the slab. Let the first coat of sealer dry before applying the second. Allow the final coat to dry completely.
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Fill a paint tray with concrete primer. Use a paint roller to apply two thin coats of primer to the floor, letting the first coat completely dry before applying the second coat. Use a paintbrush to apply the primer around the edges of the room and a paint roller for the larger surface area of the slab. Allow the second coat of primer to dry completely before proceeding.
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Fill a paint tray with paint specifically designed for concrete.
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Paint the edges of the room with a paintbrush. Use long, even strokes when applying the paint around the trim. Back brush over any drips or puddles of paint.
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Apply the paint to the larger surface area of the slab with a paint roller. Move the roller over the floor using long, uniform motions. Overlap the roller strokes to ensure no spot is missed. Use a paintbrush to brush away any puddles or pooling paint.
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Let the paint completely dry. A second coat of paint may be applied if desired.
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Carefully remove the painter's tape.
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Tips & Warnings
A few coats of concrete sealer may be applied after the final coat of paint has dried to offer further protection against moisture.
Start at the back of the room and work your way toward the door when painting an indoor concrete slab.
Work in a well-ventilated area when painting indoor concrete.
Avoid painting fresh concrete. Let the concrete cure for a minimum of 28 days before applying paint.
