How to Refinish a Cement Floor

If cement floors are not sealed they can easily become stained or otherwise damaged. Small cracks and pits can also impact the appearance of a functional cement floor, but may not justify replacing or covering it completely. If your floor is in good condition and has only minor cosmetic damage, it can be repaired and sealed to prevent further staining. For floors with more extensive damage, painting the floor after it has been sealed will give you a new, durable surface to use.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete degreaser and cleaning fluid
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Concrete filler
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Vacuum cleaner
• Painter's tape
• Foam paintbrush
• Concrete sealant
• Paint roller with a long handle attachment
• Two part epoxy paint

Instructions

How to Repair and Seal a Concrete Floor

1. Clean the floor thoroughly using a concrete floor degreaser and cleaning fluid. For oily spots it may be necessary to treat the stain using the undiluted formula. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

2. Repair any cracks that are present in the cement floor. Chip any crumbling concrete away from the crack using a chisel. Clean the area using a stiff bristled brush, then fill in the crack using a concrete filler. Smooth the top of the patch using a putty knife.

3. Fill any noticeable pits in the floor. Remove any crumbling areas with a chisel, then patch the hole with concrete filler. Use a putty knife to ensure the patch is level with the surrounding floor. Allow all patches to dry completely before proceeding.

4. Lightly sand any areas that have been patched or any areas that are noticeably rougher than the surrounding floor. Clean up any resulting dust with a vacuum cleaner.

5. Cover any baseboards or areas you do not wish to seal with painter's tape. Using a foam paintbrush, use the concrete sealant to paint any areas that are adjacent to the painter's tape and the perimeter of the floor.

6. Apply the concrete sealant to large areas of the floor using a paint roller with a long handle attachment. Apply generously, the sealant should only require a single coat. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.

How to Paint a Cement Floor

1. Once your cement floor has been sealed, you may decide you are finished. However, painting the cement floor will cover any repair work you may have completed and give you an unmarred finish. Wait until the sealant has cured for at least 24 hours before attempting to paint the floor.

2. Mix a two-part epoxy paint that is specially formulated for concrete floors. Leftover paint cannot be saved once it has been mixed, so only mix enough to cover the area you are painting.

3. Use a foam paintbrush to paint the perimeter of the room and paint around any obstacles. Epoxy paint can be difficult to clean, so try to use disposable tools for painting.

4. Apply the two-part epoxy paint to large areas using a paint roller with a long handle attachment. Work quickly and try to apply a generous, even coat. Epoxy paint should only require one coat to cover completely.

5. Allow the epoxy paint 12 hours to cure completely. Do not walk on the cement floor before this time, even if it appears dry to the touch. Allow for at least 24 hours of curing time before placing any objects, such as furniture, on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use brush and paint rollers you can through away after using for this project. To clean tools, follow the manufacturer's instructions or soak them denatured alcohol.

• Make sure there is adequate ventilation when working with a concrete sealant and epoxy paints. A face mask that filters volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is well worth the investment, even if it is not required for this project.

References

• How to Repair Concrete Cracks
• Better Basement Floors