What Can I Do With My Painted Concrete Floor?

Paint a checkerboard design on a concrete floor to add instant chic.

Painted concrete is durable and fashionable. However, a plain painted concrete floor can look boring without additional decoration to make it look less ordinary. A variety of concrete-finishing techniques can be carried out cheaply and quickly, although you may need some practice before you start. Seal hand-painted finishes to ensure their durability.

Repaint with Epoxy

Apply epoxy paint to give your floor the high-gloss, hard-wearing sheen that you see in car showrooms. Epoxy is a resin which dries to a hard, shiny finish. It makes concrete flooring extremely durable and is a long-lasting choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. There are two kinds of epoxy floor coating: One is applied directly to the concrete like regular paint, while the other requires a two-step mixing process. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions.

Stencil a Design

Add a stylish design to your floor with a stencil. Stencil a simple geometric border for a classic look, or make the room feel cozy by stenciling a tasselled rug design. Stencil a pathway leading the eye through a doorway to a garden room or conservatory. Complete the illusion with a stencilled arch trailing foliage down onto the floor.

Faux Wood or Tile

Create a faux floor finish by painting a design that looks like wood or tile. A wood-look floor will complement almost any interior design. Pair a black and white checkerboard tile pattern with large potted plants and wicker furniture. Paint the floor white, then add black squares.

Create a Scene

If you have some skill with a paintbrush, add a beach scene to your concrete floor. You will need to work out the design on paper beforehand. Imagine the floor painted to look like sand with, rumpled towels and waves encroaching from one corner. You could take the design up the walls for extra impact. Add real beach chairs and potted palms to finish the look.

Accessorize

If you are happy with the painted concrete floor as it is and simply want to brighten it up, use rag rugs or natural matting with plenty of indoor plants and yellow-painted walls to bring sunshine in. Or go for an elaborate Gothic look by placing emphasis on medieval-style accessories, such as large candle sconces and velvet-covered cushions and throws to minimise the stark look of the painted concrete.

References

• "Epoxy Flooring, What Iit is and How to Apply it to Concrete"; How To Stain Concrete Floors; Tom Wesley
• Apartment Therapy: How to Paint a Concrete Floor
• StenSource: Project, Stenciled Floor
• A Trompe L'Oeil Floor in Your Home: Interview With a Special Effects Painter

Resources

• Concrete Network: Stenciling Interior Concrete Floors
• Medieval Home Décor: Furniture and Accessories
• Concrete Network: Caring for Concrete Floors