How to Paint Nonslip Concrete Floors

A garage or basement concrete floor can be painted for design or maintenance purposes.

Adding a sealer or coat of paint to concrete floors has many advantages. Sealers and paint will lengthen the life of the floor and make cleaning easier. The addition of a nonslip additive to paint also will help those walking on the floor to be safer. Painting a concrete floor can be easy. Colors can even be purchased to add more depth than a traditional white or gray paint color.

Things You'll Need

• Latex or epoxy floor paint
• Nonslip additive
• Cat litter or sand
• Broom and dust pan
• Scraper
• Bucket
• Detergent
• Water
• Wire brush
• Concrete primer
• Paint tray
• Paint rollers

Instructions

1. Select a type of floor paint. Nonslip additives can be added to both latex paint and epoxy paint. Latex paint is durable and can handle high traffic areas. It goes on thick, so more of the non-slip additive can be added. The additive also also prevent mildew. Epoxy paint is more expensive, but is a paint commonly used in garages. Nonslip additives must be added to this paint because of the hard surface it creates.

2. Spread a layer of cat litter or sand on the floor to remove any grease or oil spots. Sweep the litter away after letting it sit for a few hours.

3. Scrape flaking paint with a scraper or sander. Sweep any paint chips, dust or dirt from the floor.

4. Clean the floor in preparation for the paint application. Mix equal amounts of detergent and water in a bucket. Use a wire brush and the mixture to scrub the floor. Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner. Wait three to four days to ensure the floor is dry.

5. Pour concrete primer into a paint tray. Place the roller in the tray, and cover the roller. Apply one coat of the primer over the entire floor. Wait at least eight hours for the primer to dry.

6. Open a can of latex or epoxy paint. Add the nonslip additive per the directions on the additive container. Mix the paint, and pour it into a clean paint tray.

7. Place the paint roller in the tray, and cover the roller with paint. Apply one coat of paint over the entire floor using the roller. Wait for eight to 12 hours until the floor is dry. Apply a second coat of paint to the floor. Wait another two days before walking on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• A paintbrush will allow for a cleaner, smoother edge around the floor.

References

• Garage Floor Coating Tips: Choosing a Garage Floor Paint