Most unfinished basements have a concrete floor / subfloor that is
the upper surface of the foundation block that the building rests on. In
its raw state, this material can be rough, coarse, and unsightly.
However, the simple application of a coat of paint can be a quick, easy,
and cost-effective way to elevate this subterranean element and through
it the surrounding environment.
The Basics
You will need an epoxy paint that is specially formulated for use on concrete surfaces
located in below grade spaces. These products are manufactured to
withstand the natural expansion and contraction of the floor due to
fluctuations in temperature throughout the year. They will also often be
able to handle the heavy weight of vehicles, machinery, and stock
products, as well as high foot traffic situations.
The other advantage of employing a quality concrete epoxy in a basement
is that it can help to waterproof the floor. When applied the paint
will spread over the entire surface, then dry, creating a tight membrane
that will not allow water to pass through it into the concrete below,
except under severe flooding conditions.
Preparing The Basement
Temperature:
You want to ensure that the temperature in the room is between 50 and
90 degrees Fahrenheit. That will allow for optimal drying of the epoxy
used. If the basement is too cold, space heaters can be employed,
however you need to use caution and never point the flow of heat
directly at the paint as it is flammable and this can constitute a fire
hazard.
Repairs: If there are any cracks in the concrete, then they should be filled in using a repair compound or concrete
patch product. Likewise if there are any raised surfaces, those should
be sanded or ground down, otherwise they will visually blend into the
painted palette and become insidious hazards for tripping and poking.
Flooding: You need to take all of the standard steps required to prevent flooding in the basement,
as standing water can ruin a paint job. This includes sloping the
ground soil away from the structure of the building, ensuring that the
gutters are clear and pointed away from the walls, and if a sub pump is
available, making sure that it is in good working order.
Humidity:
Because they are situated below ground level, basements often have high
levels of humidity. If there is too much moisture in the air, it can
slow the rate at which the paint dries, or cause it to set incorrectly.
In those situations, a dehumidifier can do a lot to help the problem.
Dirt:
Sweep or vacuum the surface of the floor thoroughly. You want to make
sure that there is no loose dirt or debris that will get caught
permanently under the drying paint.
Mopping: This is optional, but
it can help to get the floor completely clean before you apply the
paint. Only damp wash the surface, and afterwards use clean water to
remove any trace of soap. Then towel up any wet spots that remain; you
don’t want liquids lingering after you are done. You will have to wait a
full 24 hours for the concrete to dry out. Afterwards it may be useful
to test the material for excess moisture. Only when you are sure that
the water has completely evaporated should you proceed.
Priming The Floor
Primer
needs to be applied before the paint so that the epoxy has the optimal
surface to bond with. This can be poured in a paint tray, and applied
with a roller brush attached to a long handle. Start at the wall
farthest from the door, and work your way back towards the exit so that
you don’t paint yourself into a corner. As you go use long strokes, and
try to apply it evenly over the entire area. If bubbles or puddles form
roll over them with a mostly dry roller to smooth out the features.
When you are finished you need to wait a full 24 hours for the primer to dry completely.
Important
Note: Primers and paints often contain chemicals, so try to ventilate
the basement as well as you can during the application process, and for a
few days after. This can include opening windows and doors, and using
fans to keep the air moving. You may also want to wear a breathing mask
as you work and avoid the basement except when necessary while
everything dries.
Painting The Floor
Start by adhering
painters tape to the walls everywhere that they touch the floor. This
will keep the color from spreading to unwanted surfaces.
Pour the
paint in a tray, and then use a hand brush to apply it to the floor
nearest where the walls are. A roller is more efficient, but it can be
hard to get an even coat near the walls in the room. Applying it by hand
to about 12 inches out can make the process much quicker and less
frustrating.
Once you've painted a perimeter you can switch to a
roller, attached again to a long pole. For this process start at the
wall farthest from the door once more, and work back towards the opening
to avoid having to step on wet paint. You want to make sure that the
coat is as flat and seamless as possible, with few if any impressions
left behind by pins or bristles.
When you’re finished, give it a
good 12 - 24 hours to dry. Once that is done you can apply a second
coat, and after that a third, as long as you wait for that full 12 - 24
hours between each. 3 - 4 coats is usually sufficient.
