How to Paint Cement With Alkyd Floor Enamel
- 1). Allow new concrete pads to cure 30 days before painting.
- 2). Sweep and wash the concrete pad. Wash concrete that is soiled or stained with a heavy-duty concrete detergent and power washer.
- 3). Acid-etch the concrete if it has a smooth, troweled surface. This will allow the paint to better adhere to the concrete. To acid-etch, use a plastic watering can to sprinkle the concrete pad with a muriatic acid. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for how to dilute and apply the muriatic acid and for how long to let the acid sit on the surface. Wear rubber glove, boots, a face mask and safety goggles when working with muriatic acid. After the etching is complete, thoroughly rinse with water.
- 4). Neutralize the acid. Mix either 2 lbs. baking soda or 1 qt. ammonia per 5 gallons water. Mop the solution generously onto the concrete pad.
- 5). Remove the standing liquid with a squeegee and allow the pad to dry completely.
- 6). Apply an initial, diluted coat of alkyd floor enamel. Dilute 1 pt. water per gallon of paint for the initial coat. Mix well. Paint on using synthetic bristle brushes. Allow this coat to dry 12 hours.
- 7). Apply a thick, final coat. Stir the paint before starting and stir occasionally throughout the process. Avoid letting the paint get on your skin. The final coat can be painted on with synthetic bristle brushes, nap rollers or a sprayer. Wear a face mask if you are spraying. A thick layer will settle to create a flat, smooth surface.
Source...