What Are the Differences in Concrete Floor Coatings?

Acrylic-latex Floor Paint

• Acrylic-latex paints for concrete floors are quite different from an interior paint you might use for drywall. The better grades of latex floor paints are fortified with urethane or epoxy resins to make them much more resistant to the continuing parade of ordinary foot traffic and scraping furniture common to horizontal surfaces. In addition, these coatings will do a much better job of resisting stains from spills and dirty boots than a conventional paint. A fortified acrylic-latex floor paint can be wiped clean with ordinary household liquid cleansers.

Concrete Floor Stains

• Concrete stains add permanent color that is more than skin deep. Stains penetrate below the surface and become embedded in the concrete's porous structure, so the color cannot wear off, even after many years of foot traffic. Unlike paint, predicting the final color of concrete stain before application is somewhat unpredictable because the stain blends with the concrete's own natural color. While concrete stains are available in easy-to-use water-based formulas, many professionals prefer to apply acid stains. Acid stains etch the concrete and chemically react with its cementitious content. A stained concrete floor should be clear-coated or sealed for protection.

Water Sealants

• Concrete sealants work by creating a clear film over the surface, or by penetrating into the uppermost surface of the concrete. Penetrating sealants form a tough matrix with the concrete pores at the topmost surface, and they will typically have a longer life because they are more wear-resistant. Most sealants are clear or nearly so, but some manufacturers produce tintable varieties that lightly stain the concrete. Homeowners in cold-weather regions should choose a breathable or vapor-permeable coating. A breathable sealant will keep the concrete from absorbing water from above the surface without preventing trapped moisture from escaping.

Epoxy Finishes

• Epoxy paints are typically composed of two components that must be mixed together shortly before application. These components combine to form an incredibly hard, chemically resistant film that bonds very firmly to the concrete. Epoxy finishes can feature mica or quartz flecks that add attractive decorative highlights when applied as a multicoat system. Some coatings manufacturers recommend topping their epoxy paints with a clear coat to minimize the risk of scratching or chipping. Applying epoxy paints requires more care and expertise than applying a typical latex paint.