When it comes to getting the surface of your basement painted, it is not as simple as finding any type of paint. There are many different classifications of paint and all of them require you to do a little bit of research before you begin this type of project.
When it comes to the basement floor paint, there are definitely a few environmental and cost effective factors you must think through. In the following commentary, we will give you a full rundown of all the aspects to keep in mind when you are trying to paint your basement.
We will combine the practical aspects of painting the floor along with the aesthetics.
Painting Your Floors Like a Pro
If you are looking for a method for applying paint to your floor properly, this step by step guide should point you in the right direction. You will need to do a few things before you start to apply any kind of paint. The first is to make sure that the surface is carefully cleaned. If you start painting on a grimy, greasy, dirty or moist floor, the dirt and grime will mix with the paint in a way that you will not appreciate. Furthermore, painting over a moist floor is a no-no! There are some other guidelines you want to follow once you have decided that painting your floor is your best option.
First, make sure that the humidity and temperature in the basement is not too high. Tape a piece of plastic onto the floor and let it sit for at least twenty-four hours. If you observe condensation on the plastic when you return, that is a warning sign that moisture is seeping through your floors. A simple solution would be to use a dehumidifier. It will help make the room achieve a level of humidity that is acceptable for starting your paint job.
If the basement floor is too hot, such as during the summer or possibly due to areas that have warmer climates, you want to avoid painting under those conditions as well. Make sure the temperature does not exceed ninety degrees Fahrenheit or thirty two point two degrees Celsius. Conversely, if it is colder than forty degrees Fahrenheit, you want to avoid using any type of basement floor paint.
Clean the floor and make sure to put masking tape around the edges. By now you should be ready to choose the paint for your project. There is a special type of epoxy basement floor paint that should be used if you have a concrete floor. They are scuff resistant, and they are easy to use. Best of all, they are reliable in the long term, so you don’t have to go through this process over and over again in only a few years time.
Paint Roller Tips
Another critical issue when painting your basement floor is the type of paint roller that you choose. Don’t make the mistake of grabbing a cheap paint roller from any of the big box discount stores. You will need a specific roller for specific paints. Typically, you won’t be able to find what you need at any of the discount retailers. Specifically, you will need to ponder the length and nap of the paint roller for your type of job.
When using special flooring coatings such as epoxy coatings, be advised that you may have a shorter application time. Meaning, you only have a short span of time to complete the paint job. In order to avoid any undue complications, you will need an eighteen inch roller that has a nap of either a quarter inch or 5/16 of an inch. Using the right type of roller not only makes your job easier, it also helps you to avoid air bubbles, which ultimately will give you an awful looking finish.