Polymer paint for concrete: main types and manufacturers, application technology for concrete floors

Why paint concrete surfaces

A concrete floor, manufactured in accordance with all building codes and regulations using a high-quality composition, has high technical and operational properties. However, during use, cracks and chips may appear on the top layer of the base due to fragile hardened cement laitance, and as a result, cement dust is released.

Small dust particles entering the human body through the respiratory tract lead to respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. Cold concrete can provoke the development of colds and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Cement dust gets clogged into assemblies and equipment parts, which leads to rapid wear and loss of equipment performance.

To eliminate problems with constant dust release, you need to grind and then paint the surface.

It is also necessary to paint the floor to protect the coating from the harmful effects of spilled chemicals from machines, machines and other equipment, such as gasoline, electrolyte, oil emulsions and solvents. The constant use of floor-mounted intra-shop vehicles in production facilities, such as electric vehicles, rigging trolleys, and forklifts, leads to breaking and damage to the top layer of the concrete surface.

Apply paint to concrete floors, walls and ceilings to improve appearance. The finishing layer becomes smooth, clean and has protective properties.

Concrete surface painting technology

Before using polymer paints on concrete, you should prepare the surface - level, fill cracks and potholes, and to improve adhesion, you need to cover the concrete with a layer of primer.

Concrete floor being painted with a roller

There are minor differences in the preparation of the paint itself, for example, epoxy must first be mixed, it consists of two components and it must be used as quickly as possible, otherwise it will harden within a few hours.

Preparing the surface of a concrete structure

In addition to the type of paint, the quality of the coating of a concrete structure directly depends on the quality of work associated with preparing the concrete surface.

Concrete paint manufacturers

The production of paints and varnishes is a profitable business that is engaged in by many enterprises both in our country and abroad. Here is a short overview of manufacturers of polymer paints for concrete.

KrasKo company

• impregnation "Protexil";
• primer "PS-Grunt";
• enamel "Polymerstone-1"

Streamline Chemical

Elakor Company

Sibton

The popularity of concrete paints has created a situation where counterfeit products can be purchased on the market. Therefore, before purchasing it in a store or market, you must request quality certificates from the seller.

Video on the topic

Video of the process of painting a concrete primed (ELAKOR PU Primer) floor with polyurethane paint for concrete Elakor PU-60.

Kawabanga! What is an anti-frost additive to concrete

Acrylic paint for concrete floors from

Types of polymer paints

Polymer coloring material is a powder composition containing film-forming polymers and additional components that affect adhesion, flowability and spreading.

The following paints are suitable for concrete:

1. Polyurethane.
2. Epoxy.
3. Acrylic.

Polyurethane coatings

Industrial premises and workshops are painted with polyurethane compounds, since the treated coating can withstand the aggressive effects of low temperatures, solvents and petroleum products, as well as mechanical shocks. After the product hardens, the floor becomes durable, smooth, glossy or matte, depending on the properties of the paint, and may contain mineral inclusions.

For stability, it is recommended to paint twice with preliminary priming of the surface. The consumption for the first layer is 200-400 g/m².

Polyurethane is not used inside residential premises. It has a pungent odor and cannot be applied when the moisture content of the concrete surface is more than 5%.

Epoxy resin paint

Epoxy resin paint option.

Epoxy paint is most often used for painting concrete bases in public places: hospitals, schools, kindergartens.

It is safe, non-toxic and economical, replacing primer. Outdoors, the compositions show good results in terms of durability, moisture and frost resistance.

Epoxy paint is two-component and requires thorough mixing before use. The product is applied in 2 layers with a drying break of at least 18 hours. Average consumption is 200-300 g/m².

Acrylic

Acrylic paint, which contains water, has a lot of advantages, so it is used indoors and outdoors for painting any surface. It is used to cover concrete walls, barriers, fences, and monuments. Acrylic is harmless, does not emit a pungent odor, protects concrete from corrosion, dust, moisture, but is not able to withstand chemicals.

Painting can be done with a spray gun. There is no need for preliminary priming; just remove dust and dirt. 300-500 g of paint is consumed per 1 m² of area.

How to paint a concrete floor

Most universal compounds offered for outdoor use are suitable for treating cement-based surfaces in enclosed spaces. On construction forums people are often interested in what can be used to paint a concrete floor. Professionals usually recommend proven polymer compositions, including polyurethane, epoxy and acrylic paint.

Two-component epoxy-based paint is suitable for high-traffic areas where increased durability of the floor is important. Once curing is complete, a durable surface layer is provided.

Any floor mixture is applied only to dry concrete, re-painting should be done after a day, not earlier.

To save money, you can use cheaper polymer-based paint. Experts prefer acrylic compositions. The coating quickly undergoes a polymerization process - a concrete floor can be used after 2-5 days, depending on the functionality of the room.

Polyurethane composition can be used to open:

• Porch steps;
• Open and insulated loggias;
• Floors in garages and outbuildings;
• Floors in closed rooms and warehouses without insulation.

When deciding what to paint the concrete floor in the house, garage and outbuildings, keep in mind that you can use one composition. It is important to study the specifics and main characteristics of dyes for exterior and interior work.

Two-component epoxy-based paint is suitable for high-traffic areas where increased durability of the floor is important.

Tools and equipment for applying paints

To apply polymer paint to a concrete surface you need:

1. Paint brushes.
2. Rollers.
3. Spray gun.
4. Stirring drill or stirrer.
5. Tray or grid for collecting residues.
6. Raquel.
7. Sliding telescopic handles.

For priming, depending on the composition of the paint, you will need:

1. Acrylic primer. Consumption - 200-300 g/m².
2. Liquid polymer impregnations. Average consumption - 200-350 g/m².
3. Polyurethane one-component primer. 200-250 g of material per 1 m² is consumed.
4. Epoxy primer-impregnation. The average consumption for concrete is 350-700 g/m².

To prepare and clean a concrete surface, you need the following tools and materials:

1. Steel guards for dust removal.
2. Grinding discs for mechanical processing.
3. Sandpaper.
4. Rags.
5. Putty knife.
6. High pressure washing device.
7. Sandblasting machine (if possible).
8. Industrial vacuum cleaner (if necessary).

Tools for applying paints.

As protective equipment, the painter will need:

1. Workwear.
2. Safety shoes.
3. Work gloves.
4. Protective mask.

Safety precautions

The coloring material is harmful, flammable and explosive.

Its components are toxic and ignite quickly, so when powder processing workers must follow safety precautions:

1. Degreasing is carried out with aqueous solutions; the use of solvents is avoided, since they can increase the explosion hazard class to level B-Ia.
2. When spraying, they use improved types of spray guns that have protection against spark breakdown to grounding.
3. Painting is carried out in an isolated room with working supply and exhaust ventilation.
4. The paint is stored in fume hoods and in a separate specially equipped room. In such places, the installation of power cabinets, electric motors, electrical equipment, control panels and the presence of open wiring is prohibited.
5. Use means of protection against possible exposure to aggressive substances. It is recommended to treat your hands with Vaseline or lanolin ointment. They are washed with soapy water once every 2 hours.

Technology of floor painting with polymer paints

The technique of painting with a polymer composition consists of 5 stages:

1. Preparing the concrete surface for processing.
2. Padding.
3. Test application.
4. Main technological process.
5. Drying.

Surface preparation

The concrete base ready for painting must be clean, level, dry and free from defects. First, conduct a visual inspection of the floor.

If there are cracks and crevices in it, they are opened and repairs are made. The seams are filled with sealants and special solutions.

Then the surface is cleaned with grinding discs or sandblasting to remove dirt and foreign inclusions. Cement dust is removed with a steel brush or vacuum cleaner; molding oil and old paint are removed by water washing under high pressure.

If screeding was performed, you need to wait 28 days for the moisture to evaporate from the concrete. To give the surface a roughened effect, the glossy base is wet sandblasted. The old floor is sanded.

Padding

Brand of paint based on epoxy resin.

It is recommended to prime the concrete coating to improve the adhesive bond between the polymer and the concrete. The process is carried out in stages. First, impregnations are added.

Special compositions are capable of strengthening, stabilizing and increasing the wear resistance of a concrete floor when used under high load conditions. The base is treated with hardeners immediately after surface preparation.

The second stage is applying primer in accordance with the type of composition.

Procedure:

1. Mix the mass thoroughly.
2. To create an anti-slip effect, add quartz sand in a ratio of 1:10.
3. The mixture is applied in 1 or 2 layers to a degreased, dried, clean surface with a roller, paint brush or spray gun.
4. Dry it.

Test application

Before the main process, a test painting of a small area of ​​1 m² is carried out. Testing is necessary to determine the quality of the finish, surface compatibility and measure actual material consumption.

In addition, after drying, the treated area is subjected to abrasion and stress. If the coating does not burst or crumble, paint the entire surface.

Coloring

The paint is applied as follows:

1. Use a roller or spray.
2. Strokes are made in different directions and rubbed on the floor.
3. In order for the coloring material to dry faster and look better, the product is applied in a thin layer.
4. To repeat the procedure, wait until the previous layer has completely dried.
5. When painting corners, use masking tape; for baseboards and walls, use narrow brushes.
6. Dry the coating for 3 days. If paint is applied to freshly poured concrete, the drying time will increase. Polymerization is finally completed on day 7.

Characteristics of CM used to cover floors

Dyes differ in their characteristics and, taking into account their characteristics, you choose what to paint the concrete floor in the garage.

Experts identify individual compositions suitable for coloring concrete.

Primer composition

The durability of the coating depends on the priming composition that is applied before painting. A primer is needed that will create “adhesion” of the paintwork to the concrete.

Two types of primers are used as dust-removing materials used independently:

Coloring epoxy composition

Epoxy paint forms a strong and durable paint coating on the concrete surface. The dye is applied in two layers to the floor of the garage, in car repair shops, and in parking lots. This is a two-component composition. The components are mixed with water using a drill.

Advantages of epoxy when used as garage flooring:

• CM is used as a waterproofing coating;
• is resistant to chemicals used for processing machines;
• high degree of wear resistance even with high traffic volumes;
• the material is not hazardous to health;
• used for interior and exterior work;
• economical dye consumption: from 0.1 to 0.2 l/m2;
• quick drying of the coating. After a day you can move along it;
• high light resistance.

The disadvantages include the high price of the material.

There is a one-component epoxy on sale with the same high performance. It can only be applied after priming.

Acrylic

The two-layer coating protects the concrete floor from “corrosion.”

• acrylic dye is applied with a roller, spray, or brush;
• the material is harmless, odorless;
• maximum drying time – 14 hours;
• economical consumption: from 0.1 to 0.2 l/m2;
• tolerance to exposure to water, chemicals;
• high wear resistance;
• not afraid of lower air temperatures;
• The design in color and type of coating (glossy, matte, semi-matte) are selected.

Acrylic paint must be applied in several layers so that all performance properties are transferred to the concrete base.

Polyurethane enamel

Polyurethane compositions are one-component and two-component. The concrete floor in the garage is covered with two-component enamel. The quality of the coating can be judged by understanding the advantages of polyurethane dye:

• tolerance to temperature fluctuations;
• low material consumption: 0.2 l/m2;
• low abrasion rate;
• tolerance to aggressive agents and chemicals associated with car maintenance;
• affordability.

The enamel forms a high-quality coating if applied at temperatures above +5°C and air humidity less than 75%. Under other conditions, the paint does not harden.

New – rubber KM

If the owners are thinking about how to paint the concrete floor in the garage so that the hardening time of the coating is minimal and the garage space can be quickly put into operation, then applying rubber paint will be the solution to the problem. This is a new material on the Russian market. If the room temperature is not lower than +20 ° C, then the CM hardens in half an hour. The hardening time increases with each drop in air temperature.

The rubber paint coating for concrete has technical characteristics similar to a polyurethane composition. This means that the material is used for covering even in unheated garages.

For 10 years the base retains its characteristics. Paint consumption: up to 500 g/m2. To paint the floor, use a roller or brushes. The coating is two-layer.

The high price of the coloring material is its main drawback.

Manufacturers

Powder paints for concrete are produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

The choice of products is influenced by factors such as:

1. Price/weight.
2. Composition (presence of additives and fillers, toxicity).
3. Quality.
4. Application area.
5. Simplicity and ease of use, cost-effectiveness.
6. User reviews about the manufacturer.

Polymers for concrete coatings from world brands have excellent quality:

1. Belgian RPM.
2. Swiss SIKA.
3. Finnish Tikkurila and Nanten Q.

American paints are considered the best. They are the safest, most environmentally friendly and meet high manufacturing standards.

Paint from the manufacturer Epostone.

Among Russian manufacturers of polymer products, the following companies stand out:

1. "KrasKo".
2. Streamline Chemical.
3. "Elakor".
4. Sibton.

The company has been producing paints and varnishes since 1999 and is constantly expanding its range. Products are manufactured on high-tech equipment in accordance with quality requirements, which are checked from the initial stage of production (procurement and incoming inspection of raw materials) to full shipment.

In terms of price/quality ratio, branded paints are superior to competitors' analogues. The company offers customers polymer coatings with high performance for both industrial and residential premises at an affordable price.

Streamline Chemical

The company has been present on the domestic market since 2005. The main activity is the production of polyurethane and epoxy self-leveling floors, polymer coatings and special paints. The products are certified and have permits. Epoxy paint with increased chemical resistance EP-2346 and glossy two-component polyurethane paint PU-2357 are in wide demand.

not only produces and sells coloring materials for concrete pavements, but also offers floor installation services.

The list of works includes:

• surface preparation;
• floor milling;
• painting and filling with polymer;
• subsequent drying.

Elakor makes industrial floors for any civil, transport and agricultural facilities and quickly puts them into operation.

Sibton

The Irkutsk paint and varnish plant Sibton is popular thanks to its own products under the Baikal Paints brand.

The manufacturer produces a wide range of coloring products using advanced equipment, including:

• drying oils;
• latex water-dispersion facade paints;
• alkyd enamels;
• putties;
• solvents;
• organo-silicate compositions;
• mastic.

To protect and paint concrete bases, a two-component system “Sibton EP-PRIMER/EP-BETOPOL” has been developed, which has high chemical resistance, waterproofing properties and abrasion resistance. The main advantage of the paint is its low price.