Painting a Concrete Basement Floor

Basement is often used for a game or some hobby activity. However, most people do not bother about basement remodeling, even if it is in a shabby state. Basement seldom gets the same attention, as the rest of the home. However, donning a basement need not be an expensive affair. A beautiful, concrete basement floor paint is enough, to give your basement an instant make over. Painting concrete basement floor is an easy task and can be completed within a few hours. Here, is the procedure to paint concrete floor in the basement. However, before that you need to select a right paint for your basement.

Choosing the Right Concrete Paint for Basement
The main problem with basements is that they tend to be very moist and dark, thereby creating a perfect habitat for mold and mildew. Even the basements in dry regions have some moisture problem due to underground water. Due to this, your basement paint is likely to be ruined soon if it is not water resistant. An epoxy concrete paint is the most ideal paint option for basements. Some paints even come in varieties that are resistant to mold and mildew. Such paints can be perfect for basement painting. Besides, you also need to pay special attention to the color of the paint that you choose. Lighter, pastel colors bring light to the basement, which is clearly devoid of it. Moreover, they give a clean, uncluttered look for your basement, which is exactly what you need.

Preparing the Basement Floor Before Painting
After choosing the right color for your basement floor, the next step is to prepare it for a paint job. The basement floor should be completely dry before you begin painting it. Seal the cracks in the floor, if any and also ensure it is equally leveled. If the floor is damp and there are puddles of water in your basement, call a professional for basement waterproofing job. You might also need a dehumidifier, hence make sure you arrange for one. Polish the floor with a sandpaper to make it extra smooth. Sweep the dirt off the floor and get rid of any residue. Also get rid of stains with the help of a cleaning solution and a scrub brush. It is very important that the floor should be smooth and free of any stains. Paint tends to flake if the surface underneath is not smooth.

Painting a Concrete Basement Floor
Use a paint roller to apply a coat of primer on the concrete floor. Allow it to dry completely before applying the second coat. It might take about 5-6 hours for the primer to dry. If your basement is particularly damp use a dehumidifier to speed up the process. Apply the next coat of primer, once the first has dried. Two coats of primer are a must before applying the paint.

After you are done with the second coat of primer, apply a stain blocker with a paint roller. You may also add the stain blocker to the primer and apply it along with the primer. Stain blocker is used to support the latex paint. Now, apply a thin coat of latex paint on the concrete floor and wait till it dries completely. Once it does, you can apply the next coat. Two coats of latex paint are sufficient for painting concrete basement floors. Again, depending upon the humidity in your basement, you'll have to use a dehumidifier, to speed up the drying process.

You can also apply the paint using a brush or you can simply spray it using a garden pump. Spraying the paint with a garden pump is a better option, as it allows the paint to be applied evenly. Apart from painting you can also use laminate sheets or carpets to cover your concrete basement flooring.