Concrete floors themselves are a very strong and durable construction. However, in order for them to last as long as possible and look spectacular, they should definitely be painted. There are many varieties of tools designed to finish such surfaces. Wear-resistant concrete paint for floors can be produced on acrylic, polyurethane, latex, etc. bases. Each of these tools has both its advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic paint for concrete
This is a very popular variety, which can be used for both outdoor and indoor use. Manufacturers of products such as acrylic paint on concrete for floor wear-resistant, recommend using it, including for finishing surfaces exposed to severe mechanical stress. For example, such compositions can be used to decorate the floor in a garage, warehouse, etc. After drying, acrylic paint forms an elastic durable film on the floor surface.
The advantages of this type of funds include primarily ease of use and low consumption. Acrylic paint for concrete is usually applied in a single coat. In this case, it is allowed to use both brushes and rollers, and sprayers. Another advantage of acrylic paints is their environmental safety.
Epoxy products
This is perhaps the best paint on concrete for flooring, wear-resistant and very durable. The film formed by the epoxy composition can withstand very serious mechanical stresses. In addition, floors painted with this type of agent do not lose their spectacular appearance even if, for example, they are spilled with any alkaline compounds, machine oils, solvents, etc.
The concrete surfaces treated with epoxy paint look really very beautiful. You can use these tools for painting floors in hangars, garages, repair shops, production shops, etc. In addition, it is epoxy paints that are considered the best option for decorating stairs and wings. These compounds do not turn yellow over time, they have good waterproofing properties and can be applied, including on fresh concrete.
The disadvantages of this type of funds include, first of all, some difficulty in working with them. The fact is that any epoxy paint for concrete consists of two components, poured into different containers. Before use, they have to be thoroughly mixed, strictly observing the proportions indicated in the instructions. And this, of course, is an additional waste of time. In addition, epoxy paints have a rather high consumption. They should be applied in at least 2 layers. In this case, after the first treatment should wait at least a day.
To reduce consumption, paint manufacturers of this type are advised to use special primers, also made on an epoxy basis. They increase the adhesive properties of the floor surface. The disadvantages of such a tool as epoxy paint for concrete include the fact that when it is used in the future, it is quite difficult to change the color of the coating.
Polyurethane Enamels
The advantages of this variety include primarily environmental cleanliness, the possibility of outdoor use and durability. In addition, polyurethane enamels have gained popularity due to the fact that they give a very beautiful smooth glossy surface. In addition to concrete, such paints can be used to process wood and metal.
The disadvantage of this type of dye is that it dries for a very long time. The polyurethane layer stops sticking only 2-3 days after application. But the film gains full strength in a week, and in two after a maximum resistance to various kinds of chemically aggressive substances.
Like epoxy, polyurethane dyes consist of two components. That is, before using the means of this type must be mixed. Apply them on the floor surface in two layers at a temperature of at least +5 degrees and a humidity of 75%. Like epoxy, polyurethane paint for concrete for floors - wear-resistant and durable.
Urethane Alkyd Paint
Tools of this variety are also sometimes used for painting concrete floors. But they are used exclusively for surface treatment indoors. Their advantages include primarily ease of application. You can paint the floors with their use with a brush, roller or spray. Processing is carried out in at least two layers.
Urethane-alkyd paint gives a pretty attractive film appearance. Its disadvantage is that it is allowed to be used only for painting surfaces exposed to not very serious mechanical influences.
The cost of paints
The price of the funds described above may be different. So, acrylic paint costs about 150-200 p. / Kg. For a kilogram of epoxy, you will have to give about 300-400 p. Polyurethane paint for concrete is a little cheaper. The price for it ranges from 250-300 p. per kilogram. Urethane-alkyd paint is sold for about 400 p. / Kg.
Consumption
Of course, the final cost of the work will depend, among other things, on such an indicator as paint consumption for concrete. Under different conditions of use, this indicator, of course, can vary. However, on average, acrylic paint takes about 0.3 kg per 1 m 2 , epoxy - 0.2-0.25 kg per layer, polyurethane - 0.25-0.5 kg.
As you can see, all the tools described above have very good performance characteristics. For coloring concrete floors, you can choose absolutely any of them. The main thing is that the purchased composition was released by a trusted company with a good reputation.