Garage Floor Refinishing
When refinishing concrete garage floors, there are several things to consider before proceeding. You will need to decide what materials you will be using to refinish the floor--concrete stain or concrete paint. After you have decided on proper materials, you will need to follow certain procedures in preparation for the refinishing of the concrete garage floor. Refinishing a garage floor isn't difficult, and depending on the size of the project, it can be done in as little as 1 day.
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Clean Garage Floor
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Sweep the concrete thoroughly with a soft-bristled broom. Make sure that no particles are left behind. Clean the floor using a TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water solution. Scrub the floor with a medium-bristled brush, making sure that all surface dirt is removed. Use a putty knife to remove any gum or stuck-on materials.
Testing
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Drop a few droplets of water on the surface of the concrete garage floor. If the water beads up on the concrete, then there may be sealers on the concrete. Never try to stain or paint over a sealed floor---you will be wasting your time. Remove the sealer by applying a stripping chemical, agitating the chemical with a brush, and removing the remainder with a mop. Clean the concrete again using the TSP solution.
Painting or Staining
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After you have thoroughly mixed the stain or paint--paint should be an acrylic paint designed especially for garage floors--cut in the areas against walls and corners with a fine-bristled trim brush. Pour the stain from the can and onto the concrete, working outwards from the hard-to-reach areas. Use a roller and long handle to spread the stain out onto the floor. Don't pour too much stain or paint onto the floor at once, and make sure that you get an even application of the stain. Follow the drying instructions on the can before applying a second coat.
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