No doubt! Look at all that floorspace!!! Man. Condos suck.

daveGT - I like your setup alot! Very clean. What type of treatment is on the concrete floor to make it look so smooth and clean? I need some of that stuff! :D

E

Eric,

Thanks for the compliment. I'm very proud of my "man space," it took a lot of patience and work. You too can have a floor like this. Learn from my trial and error. For those of you who have not painted, I recommend it if you have the time. Nothing, I mean nothing sticks or stains, mops clean everytime, water, oil, transmission fluid (whatever) will just bead on the surface.

Product: Valspar two part enamel for concrete. It comes in two colors, light grey and dark grey. Mine is dark grey. $34.00 per gallon at Lowes. Mine took about 7 gallons for three coats (garage is 40' x 33'). It comes in two parts, mix, let sit for 30 mins. and paint.

Here's the key: PREPARATION!!

1. Clean existing floor
2. Degrease existing floor
3. Power spray existing floor
4. Etch existing floor with acid (wear safety gear!)
5. Power spray floor again. Floor should be a bit rough with "fine
"sandy" residue from acid etch. Get all of this out w/sprayer.
6. Let floor dry
7. Start painting! It'll take at least 2 coats.
8. Let cure for at least 7 days before you drive on it.
9. Watch out when wet! Slipery! Get some stick-on anti-slip tape (like on a skateboard) - again at Lowes if this is a concern. DO NOT use the powder additive (or sand)! This will make the paint like 100 grit sand paper when it cures and it'll ruin your shop vac, mop, broom or any other housekeeping gear!

Presto, mirror finish shine and indestructable - the envy of the neighborhood! If you don't prep properly, it will peal!

I wonder if i'll have to do a lot of acid prep. My floor is brand new. Is the etching for cleaning or texture for the paint to grab hold of???

I don't think the concrete floor where I work was etched before appying the paint. The first time it was applied we had problems with adhesion but the manufacturer said it was because we didn't let our concrete cure. I don't remember how long you're supposed to wait but you might want to look into that first.

BTW Dave. The floor looks great. I hope mine turns out like that.

84gt347:

Mikew is correct. You must wait a least 6 months to paint new concrete! The chemicals released in curing concrete will make the paint loose adhesion! Good point mikew.

Etching is required on new or old concrete. The etching will put very small "pocks" in the concrete - it'll then soak up the paint like a sponge.

That will be fine. I didnt feel like doing it right now anyway