- Sweep the concrete thoroughly with a soft-bristled broom. Make sure that no particles are left behind. Clean the floor using a solution of TSP and water. Scrub the concrete 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.
- Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface of the concrete. If the water beads up on the concrete, sealers may be present on the concrete surface. Never try to paint over sealed concrete--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 or sponge. Clean the concrete again using the TSP solution. You may also want to sand the concrete. Sanding the concrete will remove sealer, and it will also scratch the surface, thus giving the epoxy paint a better surface to bond to. Clean the concrete again and proceed. If you would prefer not to sand the surface, then just remove the sealer by stripping, and then etch the surface with an etching solution. QuickCrete makes a concrete floor etcher that can be purchased along with an entire epoxy flooring kit.
- After you have thoroughly mixed the epoxy paint, cut in the areas against walls and corners with a fine-bristled trim brush. Pour the epoxy paint from the can and onto the concrete, working outwards from the hard-to-reach areas. Use a roller and long handle to spread the paint out onto the floor. Don't pour too much paint onto the floor at once and make sure that you get an even application of the paint. If you would like to add a second coat, then follow the drying time instructions on the can and then re-coat. Sprinkle color flakes onto the floor as you work your way out of the garage. Apply a sealer/top coat on top of the finished paint. Use a semi-gloss, satin or gloss finish to put a shiny coat that will protect the painted concrete.
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