How to Paint a Concrete Garage

The most difficult part of painting your concrete garage may be clearing it out so you can paint the entire floor surface. There are only three basic steps to painting a concrete garage floor: clean, prime and paint. It will take a bit of physical work to prepare and paint an entire garage floor, especially two- or three-car garages, but the results are well worth it. The entire job can be done in a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Power washer
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Scrub brush
• Bucket
• Sealer
• Primer
• Floor paint or masonry paint
• Floor texture
• Paintbrushes and rollers
• Garden hose (optional)
• Push broom (optional)

Instructions

1. Clean the garage floor. A power washer is the best and fastest way to scrub the floor's surface. You can rent a power washer from most home improvement stores, and they're simple to use. Start washing at the back of the garage and work your way toward the open garage door. If you can't use a power washer in your garage, use a garden hose and a thick-bristled push broom to scrub the floor.

2. Apply trisodium phosphate according to the manufacturer's instructions. TSP is a cleaning solution that removes oil-based residues, such as grease. It generally comes in powder form and is mixed with water, applied with a scrub brush, then rinsed clean. It's a good idea to wash down the entire garage surface because any unnoticed oil or grease stains will seep through the finished paint job.

3. Seal and prime the concrete floor. If you have moisture seepage problems in your garage apply a separate concrete sealer before you prime. Moisture seepage will cause paint to flake off, so it's a good idea to take the time now and seal the surface, even if you don't think you have a moisture problem. Allow the sealer to dry completely before applying a high-quality concrete primer.

4. Add floor texture to your paint. Whether you decide to use regular floor paint or specialty masonry paint, be sure to add floor texture before you begin painting. Floor texture will give the paint a little "grip" to prevent slips. This is especially helpful if you have children running through the garage. It can also be left out for a smooth finish, but be aware that concrete can be very slick when wet.

5. Paint the garage floor. Use paintbrushes to cut in around the edges of the garage, then use rollers to fill in the surface area. Apply two or more thin coats. Allow the paint to dry completely between each coat to achieve long-lasting results.

References

• Handy Canadian: How to Paint a Concrete Floor