How to Repaint a Previously Painted Basement Floor
Nothing rejuvenates the look of an old basement floor like a fresh coat of paint. Luckily, if your basement floor is already painted, you will have a much easier time getting a fresh coat of paint to stick. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Metal putty knife
- Degreaser
- Coarse scrub brush
- Broom
- Wet vacuum
- Razor blade or knife
- Tube of concrete patch
- Caulking gun
- Broad plastic putty knife
- Blue painter's tape
- 80- to 120-grit sandpaper
- Roller frame
- Rolling pole
- Paint roller cover
- 5-gallon bucket
- Stir stick
- Latex paint
- 3- to 4-inch paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Sweep up as much dirt and sand as you can with the broom. Use the metal putty knife to scrape loose any sticky substances or heavy dirt or mud from the floor. Apply degreaser to any stains or spills on the floor's surface. Scrub the area with the coarse scrub brush. Use the wet vacuum to wash the painted basement floor and remove any remaining dust and dirt. Allow the painted basement floor to dry.
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2
Use a razor blade or a knife to cut the tip from the tube of concrete patch. Load the tube of concrete patch into the caulking gun. Use the caulking gun to apply the concrete patching agent to any holes, nicks or damaged areas in the basement floor. Use the broad plastic putty knife to smooth the concrete patch so it matches the rest of the floor. Allow the concrete patches to dry.
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3
Use the 80- to 120-grit sandpaper to rough up the painted basement floor, scoring the surface to promote adhesion. Open the container of latex paint. Stir the paint thoroughly. Pour the latex paint into the 5-gallon bucket, filling it halfway full. Slide the paint roller cover onto the roller frame. Screw the roller frame onto the rolling pole.
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4
Dip the roller into the 5-gallon bucket of paint. Use the roller to apply paint to the surface of the basement floor. Start in any far corner of the room and move left to right. Be careful not to trap yourself by literally painting yourself into a corner. Leave a 3-inch area of unpainted space around detailed areas that are inaccessible to the roller. Allow the surface to dry completely. Use the paintbrush to paint any unpainted areas. Apply a second coat if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
It can be difficult to get paint to adhere to horizontal surfaces like basement floors. That's why it is vital that you score the surface with sandpaper before you repaint. Never attempt to repaint a painted basement floor without scoring it first as this will often result in peeling and chipping.
