5 Top Floor Painting Preparation Tips

The right approach to floor painting can ensure the coating’s longevity, shine, weather resistance, and many other properties. Preparing the floor for painting is even more important than the painting process itself. If the surface isn’t prepped properly, the most expensive paint can turn into a disaster. Whether you are planning to hire professional contractors or thinking about a quick DIY project, these tips can help you get the best out of the painting process.

1) Considering The Timing

When it comes to painting floors, timing is highly important. Read the label on the paint you’ve purchased to find out how much time you need for the coating to dry fully. Then choose the right time for painting. Rushing the paint job may result in additional expense and lost time. Piece of advice: If you are painting new concrete floors, wait at least 60 days after installation before painting. It takes about 30 days for the concrete to harden and another 30 days for the moisture to evaporate.

2) Running A Moisture Test

If you have a new concrete floor, make sure the surface is fully dry. Take a piece of clear plastic sheeting and attach it to the floor with duct tape. Wait for 48 hours. If you don’t see any condensation on the plastic, the floor is ready for painting. Piece of advice: If you need a more precise moisture measurement, you may want to use an electronic moisture meter.

3) Pressure Washing The Floor

Pressure washing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to deal with loose paint, dirt, grime, and even some chemicals. Before you do anything else, give your floors a good power wash. You can take advantage of pressure washer detergent to make the cleaning more effective. The pressure you apply while washing the floor depends on the floor material. For concrete floors, you can go up to 1,500 psi. For sensitive floor surfaces, consider about 800 – 1,000 psi. Piece of advice: Focus on the floors only. Power washing may damage vulnerable surfaces. It takes the floor 48 hours to dry after power washing.

4) Acid Washing The Floor

Acid washing can give your concrete floor a good scrub and prepare it for the painting job. Depending on how strong of an effect you want and where your floors are located, you can choose an appropriate acid. The most popular one is a solution of phosphoric acid. In case you need deep acid cleaning and your floors are exterior, you may want to consider hydrochloric (muriatic) acid. Muriatic acid is not suitable for floors with steel fillings since it can cause corrosion. Piece of advice: Make sure your floor is fully degreased and completely dry before acid washing it.

5) Vacuum Blast Cleaning The Floor

If you have a large area to work with, you may want to consider a blast-cleaning machine. It shoots abrasive materials, such as sand, at the surface at high speed. Such methods effectively remove dirt, loose paint, cement laitance, and more. Piece of Advice: If you have a small floor surface, you may still benefit from using such a machine. The smallest one cleans about 50 square metres per hour.

Purchase The Right Paint For The Job

Your floor preparations aren’t worth the effort unless you have the right paint. At TA Paints, we have a large selection of floor paints for your use. Please download our free e-book The Ultimate Floor Paint Guide for more details.