How to Refinish a Garage or Basement Floor

Painting has all the benefits of sealing and then some. This technique is especially nice if you use your garage as a screened summer room.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Epoxy Concrete Floor Paint
• Paint Roller With Long Handle Attachment
• Paint Tray And Mediumnap Roller Cover
• Paintbrush Or Trim Pad
• Painter's Masking Tape
• Mixing Container

1. Prepare and seal the floor as directed in How to Seal a Garage Floor, above.

2. Mix a two-part epoxy paint that is designed for use on concrete floors according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix only what you plan to use, and allow the mixed paint to rest for the specified time before application.

3. Mask any baseboard trim, floor drains and posts that you don't want to paint.

4. Use a paintbrush or trim pad to cut in paint along the edges.

5. Use a roller with a long handle attachment to apply the rest of the paint.

6. Some paint kits come with paint chips, which add a decorative element and provide a nonslip terrazzo-like finish. Sprinkle such chips on the wet finish before moving on to the next area.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't walk on the floor for at least 12 hours, and don't park cars or lawn tractors on it for a week.