Can You Use Melamine Paint for Concrete Floors?

Melamine Paint

• Melamine paint is a urethane-reinforced, oil-based paint that is long-lasting and durable. When dry, the painted surface has a glossy appearance and feels like hard plastic. Although it provides a hard surface, it can be cut with sharp instruments applied with hard pressure. When the paint is applied to a horizontal surface, it is self-leveling and hides kicks and scratches. Melamine is heat-resistant and flame-retardant, making it a good choice for use in kitchens.

Uses for Melamine Paint

• Melamine paint is suitable for use on shiny surfaces, such as glass, ceramic or laminates. The main use for the paint is to coat laminate cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms or laminate countertops. Melamine paint is also used to paint ceramic tile backsplashes and tub surrounds, and is used in the manufacture of particleboard shelving.

Concrete Floors

• Concrete floors are durable and long-lasting. The material is typically used in basements or as subflooring on the ground level of homes. Since the surface is hard, many choose to cover the floors with carpet, vinyl tiles or wood flooring. Depending on the way you use the space, the hard surface may not be an issue. Painting is an economical alternative that adds color and a decorative touch to the floor.

Concrete Paint

• To achieve a satisfactory result when painting a concrete floor, you need to use the right paint. Floors need a durable paint designed to hold up under foot traffic. Melamine paint is durable, but because of the slick surface it creates, it is an unsuitable floor paint. A better option is to apply an epoxy basement floor paint. This paint provides a waterproof surface in a choice of colors. Acrylic, concrete floor paint is another option, but the floor must be properly prepared and sealed. An alternative to floor paint is the application of an acid stain. The stain is applied to bare concrete, creating the appearance of natural stone, marble or wood. Applying the stain is a more expensive and labor-intensive option, but gives long-lasting color to the concrete.