Which Paint To Choose For Covering The Concrete Subfloor

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

General idea
Properties
Classification of paints
Advantages of rubber paints
Application area
Preparatory activities
Application procedure

For reliability, the concrete surface is treated with various preparations. They all have numerous properties and functions that provide specific benefits. Of particular interest is rubber paint for concrete floors. It can be applied to absolutely any subfloor. But not everyone knows about the existence of such material, since it appeared relatively recently.

General idea

There is a huge range of paints and varnishes on the market. But not all of them provide the concrete floor with high quality and durability. Compositions for this are being improved, various components are added to them. The rubber paint is super elastic. But here dissolved rubber or liquid rubber, which is in the paint composition, does not play any role. Everything lies in the fact that after complete drying of the material, a film of polymers forms on the surface.

It is able to expand when the indoor temperature rises and shrink when it drops. In this case, cracks and chips will not appear on the surface. This is what makes them noticeably different from oil paints.

The rubber paint is based on a water-dispersion composition together with acrylate polymers. There are no solvents, even organic ones, as well as other substances that can harm human health. To obtain a rich color, the paint contains pigment. In addition, a huge assortment of products is presented on the market, which will appeal to even a true connoisseur and demanding customer.

After applying paint to the base and completely drying, the surface becomes dull. If you feel it, it will resemble fine gravel. It is very important during application that the technology is fully observed. Otherwise, no positive result will be obtained. It is this option that will be excellent specifically for concrete floors.

With regard to the field of application, it is often used in sports facilities, as well as in industrial premises. The same applies to underground parking, and more specifically to the entrances to them. As for home conditions, polymer paint is suitable for concrete floors in bathrooms, balconies, veranda, loggias and others.

Properties

Rubber paint for concrete floors is popular and widely used due to a large number of properties and qualities, among which the most basic ones can be distinguished:

Wear resistance. She is able to serve for a long time.
Impact resistance, water resistance, slip resistance.
Ecological cleanliness.
Odorless, both during application and after complete drying.
Not available in organic solvents.

rubber paint for concrete floor

This type of concrete floor covering is also used for dedusting the base. By maintaining the same room temperature at 20 degrees, the paint can dry in less than one hour. You can choose a variety of colors that will fit into any interior of the room.

During operation, polymer paint protects the base of the concrete floor from mechanical and other external damage, transport loads.

Classification of paints

Rubber paints are not the only ones that can take advantage of the application to concrete floors. There are other types, which have both their advantages and disadvantages:

Acrylic paints. This material is based on acrylic resin together with polymers. With this application, the concrete floor will be protected from external influences, excessive pressure, and corrosion. It additionally has waterproofing properties. The paint is perfect for use on terraces, cellars and garages. The painting process does not require any special knowledge, but it dries very quickly after covering the concrete floor. It is very attractive at cost, due to which it is in demand in the construction market. Most of the work can be done with a conventional roller. All other hard-to-reach areas are covered with a brush. In exceptional cases, spray guns are used. Even after the paint has completely dried, it should be given at least a day so that it can gain protective functions.
Epoxy paints. There are two main components in the composition - a hardener and a resin. They must be mixed before direct application to the floor surface. The properties of concrete are improved, and besides, it becomes protected from erosion. Due to the use of epoxy paints, concrete density increases by about 2-3 times. In addition, cracks and chips are prevented. If the paint is water-based, then it can even be applied to wet concrete after pouring. But remember that once the hardener is added, there is only two hours to apply to the surface, otherwise everything will dry out. The main drawback is the high cost, which repels some.

rubber paint for concrete floor

Advantages of rubber paints

Experts still recommend that you stop your gaze on rubber paints for concrete floors due to the large number of positive qualities. Among the advantages, the following are the most basic:

Easy application to the surface.
High level of elasticity, due to which the appearance of chips and cracks on the dried surface is excluded. It does not even peel off during operation.
It does not have any smell, does not emit harmful substances into the environment during use.
The coating does not swell or flake due to excellent adhesion.
Concrete with such paint "breathes". This indicates good vapor permeability.
During operation, the paint does not slip, does not wipe off.
It can be used both indoors and outdoors. Changes in ambient temperature are not terrible for her.
Waterproofing functions.
Carries out ultraviolet rays.

rubber paint for concrete floor

Another main advantage is the flexibility of the coating. And this distinguishes it from other paints and varnishes. No compression or stretching of the "rubber" layer is terrible.

Very often, such compositions are used to get rid of the defects that have appeared on the concrete base. After filling the grooves and chips with paint, the composition fills them and penetrates deeply inside. The floor surface becomes level and without damage. In the future, even moisture will not be able to negatively affect the base.

As for durability, it means not only a service life of more than ten years, but also the preservation of the original appearance and color.

The paint composition is applied to the concrete base in thin layers. The entire area, therefore, must be traversed 2-3 times. But it is worth remembering that a thick layer is not allowed in the end.

Application area

Due to the large number of positive qualities of rubber paint and the list of properties and qualities, the field of application is very extensive. In addition to rooms with high humidity, the composition is applicable, including outdoors, regardless of temperature indicators. It is very difficult to scrub it even in a garage under a car or in work areas. This will take a lot of effort.

Basically, such paints are suitable for rooms with increased external impact - industrial facilities, construction sites, gyms, as well as parking spaces.

Preparatory activities

Paintwork should only be applied to a prepared substrate. The surface should be as free of dust and debris as possible.

Even otherwise, a high degree of adhesion to the base will not save. When tapping concrete, you can find weak points that should be eliminated without fail. For this, a major or partial surface repair is carried out. If there are places with old paint coating, then it should be cleaned. It will not be superfluous to treat protected areas of concrete with a primer. It will help to strengthen the base, as well as to "bind" dust. Sanding and painting a concrete floor doesn't take long, but it does require close attention.

Very often, water is added to the surface before applying paint to the surface. But experts are categorically against such actions. It is enough to stir it thoroughly.

If the work is carried out in the same room, then a construction roller will be enough. In other cases, most often the spray gun is used to reduce the time required to complete the work. There are also requirements for temperature conditions. During application, it should not fall below +5 degrees.

Application procedure

Floor painting with rubber paint is carried out using conventional tools. Only in exceptional cases do you have to work with special tools that are purchased or rented. But this mainly applies to industrial facilities.

When the surface is fully prepared for application, you can pick up the paint and start applying evenly over the entire area of the room. The number of layers is usually 2-3. Everything will depend on the very foundation and conditions. All subsequent layers after the first should be applied only if the previous one is completely dry. Otherwise, one cannot count on positive qualities and manifestations of all properties.

Everyone knows that paint dries up in no time. But at the same time, you should be careful in terms of cleaning and wiping the surface with a damp cloth. This can only be done a week after the material has completely dried. The declared hardness will be achieved and you do not have to worry about damage.