Painting Your Garage Floors: A Pro Approach

Have you ever thought about your garage floor? Like any floor, it takes a beating – more than most, thanks to the weight of your vehicles – and because garages usually aren’t air-conditioned, it’s subject to extremes of heat and cold, too. In addition to making it look nice, painting your garage floor will seal and protect it, helping it last longer. Painting your car garage’s floor is an easy and inexpensive home improvement project that goes a long way in protecting your garage floor.

Clean the Floor

Your floor’s finish begins now, with how you prep. Following these steps will help your floor look better, longer.

Unsealed concrete – If your floor is unsealed concrete, etch the floor and cleaning is the first step. Use a product called masonry etcher and cleaner. This improves the penetration and adhesion of your primer and paint.

1. Spray masonry etcher and cleaner on the floor. Leave it on 10-20 minutes according to the package directions.
2. Use a stiff-bristled brush or broom (don’t use metal) to scrub the surface vigorously. Don’t let the surface dry.
3. Thoroughly rinse the entire floor with clean water, using a garden hose or pressure washer. Remove the excess water using a non-metal mop or squeegee.
4. Allow the area to dry.

Sealed concrete – Sealed concrete needs to be cleaned, not etched. So, use a masonry floor cleaner and follow the same steps as above.

Now, Prime It

A primer coat is as essential as priming the walls of your house. Use concrete and masonry bonding primer, which is formulated for untreated concrete. This will give the coating the most protection and durability.

1. Tape the edges of the walls where they meet the floor, using painter’s tape.
2. Starting in one corner, cut in a 2-3-inch area around the floor’s perimeter. Continue around the room.
3. Pour the paint into a tray and load your roller. For best results, choose a 1/4″ inch by 3/8″ inch nap roller, nylon brush, or a paint pad applicator.
4. Starting at one corner, paint the primer onto the floor in a two-foot by four-foot section. Move onto the next section, and as you go, roll more primer onto the previously painted area.
5. Repeat until the floor is covered.
6. Allow drying at least eight hours before using a topcoat.

Finally, Add the Topcoat

Now that the floor is primed and dry, it’s time to add the topcoat. Use exterior concrete and patio paint for this job. It’s made to stand up to garage-level wear and tear.

Follow the same steps as you did for priming, using a 3/8″ nap roller, nylon brush, or an airless sprayer. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before using the space.

While you can paint your garage floors in a weekend, if the idea of unloading the garage, cleaning, priming, and painting it overwhelms you, no judgment. Get the results without the work by hiring a pro. Reach out for a free, contactless quote.