Paint Your Garage Floor

While existing paint can be painted over, new floors or those with any bare spots (including areas revealed when scraping loose, peeling paint) should be acid etched before painting. It’s recommended this job be left to a professional, but an experienced DIYer can etch concrete when the task is done carefully.

Carefully prepare a solution of one part muriatic acid to three parts water, using one gallon per 100 square feet of surface (a 10 x 10-ft. area). Use a stiff fiber bristle brush to scrub the solution into the concrete. Allow the solution to remain on the surface until it stops bubbling. Flush the solution off thoroughly with clean water. If the surface is not dry within a few hours, flush again with water. The surface must dry evenly — if puddles develop, the solution will become more concentrated and affect the performance of the primer and paint.

Safety Alerts!

ALWAYS add the acid to water to prevent the splash of hot acid — NEVER pour water into acid.

Muriatic acid can cause severe chemical burns as a result of contact with skin or eyes, as well as irritation of the nose and throat from the inhalation of vapors. Always wear protective clothing such as rubber boots, rubber gloves and work goggles when using muriatic acid. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when handling acid.

A proper etch will give the concrete a surface texture like #1 or #2 sandpaper. After the surface has dried, use a vacuum or damp rag to remove the powder created by etching. Next, sweep the floor with a broom. If you don’t remove the powder entirely, you’ll run into problems when you prime and paint. You can start priming when the surface is chemically neutral and completely dry.

Helpful Tip

Previously painted concrete floors do not need to be acid etched where the existing paint is still in good shape.

After the surface is clean and dry, the next step is to seal and prime. This will keep moisture from seeping through the concrete and help waterproof your floors. It will also help the paint bond to the surfaces better. Your local True Value hardware store carries sealer and complementary primer to build a strong, water-resistant foundation for your paint. Apply the sealant generously using a roller or sprayer. Allow it to dry completely before applying the primer in the same way. Once the primer has dried, it’s time to paint.

Paint the floor with a properly formulated, waterproof acrylic latex masonry paint that can withstand foot traffic, such as True Value EasyCare® Ultra Premium Exterior Masonry/Stucco Paint. Use a roller with extension pole or sprayer to cover the entire surface evenly. Let it dry overnight. If you see any thin patches on the floor the next day, add another coat of masonry paint.

Safety Alert!

Paint fumes are toxic. Make sure your work area is well-ventilated, using fans to circulate air and opening windows where you can.

Good job! With a little bit of work and a few coats of paint, you’ve added some value to your home and made your garage look great.