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Q: I have recently built a house in SC with an unfinished basement (concrete floors). I would like to reduce the concrete dust by painting the floors. The floors have never had anything applied to them. One area of the floor is not smooth, the concrete didn't set properly and there is some rough areas. Is there anything I should apply before using concrete paint that could smooth this area? Also, besides cleaning the floor, is there any other prep work before painting? A: You describe a rough area in the concrete floor that needs filling before painting. Roughness that measures about 1/8th to 3/16 in. deep can be filled with concrete patching material. It is usually mixed with water and poured into the patch area and, just prior to setting, can be smoothed with a putty knife or trowel. Allow the patch to dry for several days before you clean the entire area with a vacuum to remove all dust contamination. You should first apply a layer of paint to the patch area which will penetrate and seal the patch before finishing the remaining area. Q; We have a client who has an old building that they use as their place of business. The exterior block has been painted several times but never seems to last very long. What can we do as far as prepping the block for coating and what type of primers and paint should we use? A: Since the concrete blocks have several layers of coating use a high pressure water washer to remove all soils and loose paint. Allow the blocks to dry for several days before any paint application. The existing paint will provide a good base for the new paint application. Purchase a good quality acrylic masonry latex paint. Another consideration is to use a semi-gloss topcoat. Using the semi-gloss will reduce and for most part eliminate the accumulation of dust and dirt built up on the surface of the topcoat. The semi-gloss coating is easy to maintain and clean with a garden hose and light brushing.
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© 2008 - Ron Joseph, Paint Consultant in Saratoga, California |
