How to choose enamel for concrete floors?

Concrete screed - a very popular type of floor in industrial, commercial, basement and other areas. And one of the most affordable and practical concrete flooring is enamel, which not only adds aesthetics, but also serves as a good protective layer.

With all its advantages, the concrete floor has several drawbacks. First, a lot of dust forms on its surface. Secondly, concrete absorbs various substances quite well, which can cause very stable and sometimes unpleasant odors in the room. Get rid of the latter is almost impossible.

To solve these problems, you can use enamel for concrete floors.

In addition, the enamel layer forms on the surface of the concrete base a kind of film that prevents the penetration of moisture and other substances into the screed.

This functionality allows the use of enamel for:

• finishing finishing of floors from concrete;
• coating concrete surfaces workshops, auto repair shops, hangars and parking lots;
• staining concrete stairs.

It should be borne in mind that such a coating is used mainly in the interior, as in the open air enamel can change the composition and quality characteristics.

The enamel coating has a number of advantages, which include:

• esthetics;
• good adhesion with concrete base;
• the possibility of applying both to fresh and dried concrete;
• high waterproofing properties;

• resistance to acids, alkalis, salt solutions, fuels and lubricants;
• environmental friendliness;
• the ability to tolerate temperature extremes;
• quick drying

As for the minuses, there are mainly difficulties in deciding to update the interior and changecoating color. In order to repaint the concrete surface, will require a thorough work.

Enamel for concrete is a mixture, which, in addition to coloring pigments, includes various fillers. Depending on these fillers, enamels are divided into:

• Epoxy. Such compounds are called two-component, as they include the actual epoxy resin and hardener. This enamel has high strength, but it does not have a wide variety of colors. Epoxy creates durable coatings that are resistant to abrasion and can withstand significant loads, so it is perfect for use in large industrial premises.

• Acrylic. Water-based paints and varnishes, which also include various resins and polymers. May be glossy, matte or semi-gloss. High-quality acrylic enamel is not afraid of mechanical damage, temperature changes, resistant to corrosive substances. In addition, it has good decorative qualities.
• Polyurethane. Paint and varnish products of this type dry quickly (but complete surface hardening occurs only after 14 days) and resists UV radiation well.Even after a long time, the polyurethane film hardly changes its color. Due to this property, it can be used not only for interior concrete surfaces, but also for painting exterior walls and concrete structures.

• Alkyd, which are based on pentaphthalic or glyphthalic lacquer, with the addition of coloring matter. There are several types of such enamel. The most commonly used is urethane-alkyd, which has a high elasticity and ease of application, is highly waterproof and resistant to all negative external factors. At the same time, it has a long service life, during which it does not lose its aesthetic qualities.

The modern market is a large selection of all types of enamels for concrete floors. The most popular and sought after are:

• Alkyd Urethane Coating "Profi" - Completely safe for humans composition that can be used in residential areas. Its use is recommended even in children's educational and medical institutions. With this tool you can not only paint a fresh concrete floor, but also update an existing coating.

The paint has a fairly economical consumption - about 250 g per 1 m2. At the same time, its service life, even at increased loads, is at least 3 years. The “Pros” dries out in 8 hours, which is also very convenient. Due to its high performance characteristics, this composition can also be used to paint surfaces located in the open air (porch, terrace, veranda, and others). In addition to concrete, enamel perfectly falls on metal, plastic and wooden structures.

• Paintwork substance Novbythimbased on organic resins and acrylic pigments with the addition of special components that accelerate drying and protect the coating from burning out. At the same time, the composition “does not like” sudden and frequent temperature drops and “is afraid” of aggressive acidic substances.

Due to its improved performance, durable and wear-resistant paint can be used in car workshops, gas stations and other institutions with a significant load. Enamel dries in 5 hours, while you can work with it at a temperature of from 5 to 30 ° C. The main feature of the composition is its ability to self-level (there are no traces of a brush or roller on it). Enamel can be applied in several layers.

• Enamel coating from the brand "Olympus" - the composition of the alkyd type, which reliably protects the concrete surface from destruction, moisture and the negative impact of external factors. Due to the fact that the paint is inert to the effects of acids, alkalis and other aggressive substances, it can be used in various industrial and laboratory rooms. In addition, this enamel is resistant to dirt and prevents the formation of fungus and mold.
• Acrylic-based paintwork "Prestige" It is also well suited for finishing finishing of concrete floors in industrial premises, laboratories, car repair shops, and even in open parking lots.The main advantage of enamel is its ability to harden even at low temperatures (down to -10 ° C).

• Two-component enamel "Epostoun" contains several types of resins, including epoxy, mineral components and other substances that contribute to the best protection of the concrete floor from all sorts of external factors. Dye refers to the type of water-epoxy and can be used in rooms with high humidity. The drying time of the coating is about a day, and after full hardening a homogeneous semi-matte film is formed that is absolutely safe for human health.

The range includes gray, white, red-brown, green and blue enamel, which allows its use in various establishments (both industrial and public).

• Single Enamel "Ecolar" - polyurethane and inexpensive paint for concrete surfaces (floor, walls and even the ceiling). It is used mainly in enclosed spaces (when used outdoors, additional waterproofing is required). Unlike ordinary enamel, the paint and varnish coating for concrete forms a thicker and more durable layer, which contributes to the best protection of the structure against various chemical and mechanical effects.

When choosing a coloring composition for a concrete surface, first of all, the purpose of the room in which painting will be performed is taken into account. In addition, experts advise to pay attention to the conformity of the goods to the state standards and the availability of certificates. And also on the "name" of the manufacturer - it is better to give preference to well-established companies than to lesser-known firms.

It is necessary to store substances in the same way as all paint and varnish products: out of the reach of children and animals. Enamels remaining after use should be carefully closed and removed away from direct sunlight and high humidity.

As for the application of paint, before the start of painting, it is necessary to carefully study the attached instructions, as some types of enamels are applied on dry concrete, others, on the contrary, on a wet surface. In order for the dye to lay down evenly and with the highest quality possible, before starting the process, the concrete base should be thoroughly cleaned of dust and various contaminants, and then degreased.In order to improve adhesion, experts also advise the use of primers. The primer base will also help level the surface and eliminate cracks, which will significantly extend the life of the paint and improve the aesthetic quality of the coating.

The enamel itself before application is thoroughly mixed and, if necessary, diluted (according to the instructions). The composition is applied, usually with a brush or roller (all work must be done in protective gloves). Some types of paints can also be applied with an airbrush. In this case, staining should be done in several layers (the repeated procedure is carried out only after the first layer is completely dry).

About how practical the use of enamels for concrete floors, say the numerous reviews of those who have already tried this type of finishing of concrete surfaces. The owners of garages, parking lots and industrial premises, first of all, note the availability of this type of coating and the simplicity of its application. It is also important that enameled film floor is not destroyed longer (it does not form cracks and gouges) even under intense loads.

In addition, they note that in rooms where the floor is covered with enamel, the amount of dust is noticeably reduced. And this, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the operation of equipment and mechanisms.

The technique of coating the concrete floor with enamel, see below.