How to Paint Concrete Floors in Enclosed Porches

Since an enclosed porch is not exposed to the elements like an open floor plan, paint on a concrete floor will last much longer. Rain, snow and ice all quickly take a toll on painted surfaces. Paint will also help brighten up the porch and create an entirely different atmosphere. Painting concrete is not complicated, but some extra surface preparation is required. This will help the paint properly adhere and last many years without peeling or cracking.

Concrete paint
Concrete primer
Brush
Paint roller
Roller extension handle
Muriatic acid
Ammonia
Gloves
Safety glasses
Painter's tape
Floor cleaner
Mop
Mop bucket

Instructions

- 1
  Wait until the concrete has been in place at least 30 days and the temperature on the porch is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit but not more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
  Mop the floor with regular floor cleaner.
- 3
  Rinse the floor with clean water.
- 4
  Mix 1 part muriatic acid and 8 parts water. Wear gloves and safety glasses as well as long sleeves and pants and avoid any direct contact with the acid. Follow all the manufacturer's safety precautions.
- 5
  Mop the concrete floor with the muriatic acid solution.
- 6
  Rinse the floor with clean water.
- 7
  Mix 1 part ammonia and 8 parts water.
- 8
  Mop the floor with the ammonia solution.
- 9
  Rinse the floor with water.
- 10
  Tape off the adjoining walls where they meet the concrete floor and any other areas on or near the floor that should not be painted.
- 11
  Cover the entire floor in a thin coat of concrete primer, using a roller brush. Do not worry if the coverage looks poor. The primer is not designed to give full coverage, and roller marks will be obvious. If the paint you have chosen is a combination paint and primer, skip this step. Wait for the primer to dry. The exact amount of time necessary for drying should be noted on the container, but it generally takes four to six hours.
- 12
  Cut in the edges and corners of the floor with the paint, using a brush. "Cutting in" is a painting term describing the process of painting around the areas where the roller won't reach or provide full coverage.
- 13
  Roll a thin coat of paint over the entire floor. Wait 24 hours.
- 14
  Apply a second thin coat of paint by cutting in the edges and rolling the rest of the floor. For best coverage, apply the second coat in the opposite direction of the initial coat, if possible. Wait at least 72 hours before walking on or using the floor.

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