Published on January 9th, 2023
Last updated on February 3rd, 2023
Best 11 Types Of Concrete Coatings To Make Your Floor Part Of Design!
Concrete flooring is very reliable and durable, but even it deteriorates over time. You can use different materials for this. For example, you can take acrylic, epoxy, or even carpeting. Untreated concrete floors are mainly found in manufacturing facilities. They are subject to considerable stress. Gradually, the surface loses its useful performance properties and dust. This happens under the influence of various penetrating substances. Different types of concrete coatings floor can protect it from rapid deterioration. And it will also significantly increase the service life.
Choosing a floor finish takes work. But you must do it correctly. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable to live in the house. A new floor must be beautiful, strong, safe, and durable. It is good if it will not be difficult to care for. Let’s analyze the pros and cons of different types of flooring for the apartment. It will make it easier to choose.
Coatings for Concrete
Concrete surfaces are usually treated with paints:
- alkyd;
- acrylic;
- epoxy.
They have anti-slip and antistatic qualities and are highly resistant to chemical attacks. Epoxies need preparation and tinting before application. You do not have to make preparations for alkyd compounds. But also you can use carpeting or parquet. Also, you do need to prime the substrate before application.
The most important step in producing works is preparing the concrete base before applying polymer compositions. Remember this step. Because the coating will not adhere well to an unprepared surface. Before applying the material, the surface should be cleaned with an industrial vacuum cleaner. If you decide to use water, you must thoroughly remove it from the pores. And then, you also need to dry the substrate. The surface must be free of substances that interfere with the adhesion of the coatings.
Below you can read more about covering for concrete floors.
Epoxy
Epoxy paint or primer enamel is a suitable type of concrete coating for use indoors and outdoors. The composition does not yellow and does not rub off. You can apply it on a fresh, not yet dried substrate. Let’s list the main advantages of such paint:
- the durability of the coating;
- aesthetic appearance;
- resistance to mechanical and chemical attack;
- excellent waterproofing;
- good adhesion to the concrete floor.
You have to mix two-component epoxy paint before use. If you need to change the color of the floor, it will be almost impossible to do.
Acrylic
This is a water-based composition based on acrylic resin and various polymers. The concrete covering option reliably protects the concrete floor from chemical attacks. It is also impact-resistant due to the formation of a polymer film on the coating. The advantages of using acrylic paint:
- anti-corrosive properties;
- durability and reliability of coating;
- high adhesion to the concrete;
- moisture and water resistance;
- easy to apply.
You can apply the paint with a roller, brush, or sprayer. The drying period of the composition is, on average, 12-15 hours, depending on the number of layers. Both matte and glossy acrylic paints are suitable for the garage.
Polyurethane
Such types of concrete coatings are of high quality. They are two-component in most cases. You can use them in internal and external processing. One of the main advantages is the creation of smooth, perfectly flat flooring. It is possible to highlight the following positive aspects:
- high resistance to weathering;
- environmental friendliness;
- chemical and mechanical strength;
- economical use.
One of the main drawbacks of polyurethane enamel is the long drying time (about 14 days). But, it is possible to use the garage on the second day. The main thing is to cut mechanical and chemical effects.
Parquet
You lay this floor coating for concrete one by one on special glue. Manufacturers sell some models partially assembled in the form of small modules. It’s easier for you to apply them. There are many different ways to lay your parquet strips:
- in a straight line;
- diagonally;
- herringbone;
- staircase, etc.
Advantages are:
- eco-friendliness;
- good heat and noise insulation.
- long service life. If it is properly laid, it will last more than 50 years.
- stunning appearance.
Among the disadvantages, you can notice:
- sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity.
- complicated and expensive installation.
- needs careful regular maintenance. From time to time, special treatment with substances, scraping.
Ceramic tiles
This coating for concrete will provide a beautiful and neat appearance to the concrete floor. Due to its abrasion resistance, the tile is durable and easy to care for. It is important to follow masonry technology when carrying out the work. You also need to choose a material that will meet the stated requirements:
- moisture resistance – in garages, there is often a high level of humidity;
- resistance to aggressive constituents – solvents, gasoline, oil, etc.;
- heat resistance. It is due to the presence of many explosive mixtures in the garage;
- resistance to temperature drops. It is essential for unheated premises;
- high durability – due to the constant high mechanical loads of the garage floor.
Experts recommend using clinker tiles in the garage, one of the best concrete covering options due to their:
- high-density structure;
- resistance to chemical attacks and various contaminants.
These purposes will also suit porcelain tiles, which have high technical indicators.
If we talk about surface texture, it is better to prefer unglazed versions of the tiles. Otherwise, the coating will be slippery and traumatic in the cold season. Perfectly suited tile, on which the embossed pattern.
Carpeting
It is a very similar covering for the concrete floor to a rug. The difference is that the carpet covers the entire floor. It is most often monochrome or with a small repeating pattern. Depending on the composition of the raw material, the material can be:
- natural;
- synthetic;
- blended.
The pile length also distinguishes it:
- lint-free;
- short-pile;
- long-pile products.
You need to lay the carpet on a solid, even base. Usually, craftsmen attach to:
- glue;
- double-sided adhesive tape;
- simply press it to the base with skirting boards.
Infused floors
It is a mixture for pouring concrete. The material results from its liquid consistency. It spreads over the substrate evenly. It is a self-leveling mixture. First, you pour the composition on the surface. Then distribute this coating for concrete over the perimeter with a trowel.
The advantages of using it are as follows:
- resistance to external influences;
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- durability.
Before application, you must level and prime the substrate. The primer must be on the same basis as the floor. The main disadvantage is the relatively high price of the product.
Rolled coatings made of rubber crumb
The main components are rubber crumb and polyurethane binders. The layer sits on the polyurethane adhesive. The installation is quite fast. The positive sides of this floor coating for concrete:
- durability – at least 17-20 years;
- resistance to mechanical stress;
- beautiful appearance;
- ease of installation.
The main drawback of the coating is its very high price.
Other types of concrete coatings
You can lay the following types of material on the concrete floor:
- Rubber tiles. You can use it to overlap the concrete surface. It results by:
- good strength;
- resistance to mechanical influences;
- resistance to chemical influences;
- frost resistance.
It is suitable for lying indoors and outdoors. It provides excellent waterproofing of concrete surfaces. But it works when you apply it to a flat surface.
- PVC tiles. You can use it:
- in places with high mechanical stress;
- as a concrete covering option in garages.
It perfectly absorbs noise and does not slip. Also, this material is resistant to various influences. That’s why it can withstand strong vibrations. It is available in a wide range of colors. For best results, the primer and the adhesive used for tiles should preferably be from the same manufacturer. You should apply the glue to the dried substrate and the tile itself. It will increase the strength of adhesion and moisture resistance.
Recommendations for Finishing a Concrete Floor
To determine the correct coating for the concrete floor, it is important to consider:
- all the technical characteristics of the material;
- the peculiarities of the room;
- climatic conditions.
You should also pay attention to the cost of coverage. Since in addition to the price of the material, it is necessary to calculate the installation cost. If we are talking about finishing work, you should not do them alone. It is better to turn to professional help. We also recommend studying our tips below:
- You should apply the final coating for prepared concrete. We recommend choosing a paint based on the type of room and its functional purpose.
- For places with possible mechanical damage and heavy loads, it is better to use paints with high wear resistance to ensure greater durability and reliability.
- You need to process thin-coat poured cladding. You can do this with concrete base varnish or polyurethane enamel.
- When it comes to what to coat the concrete floor in the garage, it is best to choose products based on epoxy enamels and solvents.
Bottom Line
The choice of floor coatings for concrete determines its appearance and price. Now you can accurately compare all types of floor coatings and choose the best one. It is important to consider the conditions in which the material will be used. Read more interesting articles about housekeeping on our website.
FAQ
What should I consider when choosing a coating for a concrete floor?
Choosing a coating for a concrete floor. It is also important to pay attention to the level of abrasion of the tiles. For the garage, a tile of the fifth class would be a good solution.
How can you strengthen the surface of concrete?
As a rule, various concrete hardeners are used: topping or impregnation, painting the surface or applying polymer coatings. When the floor is reinforced with a topping, a mixture of cement and aggregate is applied to the concrete surface, and then it is grouted, thus creating a protective layer.
What is the most practical type of concrete coating?
Suitable flooring made of durable materials: parquet, laminate, or cork. In the bedroom, where you want warmth and comfort, it is better to put a softer flooring that retains heat: carpeting or cork. For kitchens and humid areas, waterproof and hygienic coatings will be practical. For example, tiles, linoleum, and laminate.
What is the cheapest concrete coating?
The most common and cheapest way to create a protective coating for a concrete floor. It will not only reliably protect the floor from adverse factors but also smooth out minor defects, giving it anti-slip, decorative and anti-static properties.
