Which paint to choose for wood or concrete floors

A Buildfan reader named Anton asked a pressing question: what color and how best to paint wooden parquet...

Today, many variations of carpet, parquet, and linoleum finishing are available. Nevertheless, the classic wooden floor is beginning to gain popularity again in the most expensive and luxurious interiors. It should be noted that painting is one of the most practical options for finishing a wooden floor. Despite the initially high aesthetic appeal of wood, the question of what color to paint a wooden floor is asked very often. The widest palette and huge selection of latex, water-based, acrylic paints allow you to create the perfect floor in any home. Depending on the style of the interior, you can make the wooden floor neutral or plain, and if you want to create a bright accent, then you can use the most unusual and bright colors and patterns.

Peculiarities

Before purchasing enamel for the floor, you should find out what features building materials of this type have:

• Today, enamels are one of the most popular types of paints and varnishes. They are chosen for both internal and external finishing work. This popularity is primarily due to the fact that enamels are not afraid of UV rays, and the surface covered with them does not need regular updating for several years.
• Also, enamels are not afraid of moisture, due to which the surfaces that are covered with them are considered more protected from water and other external influences.
• Finishing materials of this type can easily be called universal, since they can cover not only floors, but also many other surfaces.

• Enamels are produced in a wide range. You can easily find an option that matches the color, characteristics and even price.
• You can purchase the desired mixture in regular stores and online.
• Most paint and varnish compositions are safe for human health, which is confirmed by relevant certificates and licenses. Basically, enamels contain harmless components that do not have a negative effect on humans.

However, when covering floors or other surfaces with enamel, you should wear protective gloves.

Today you can find a huge number of enamels on the windows of construction stores. Any enamel is a combination of varnish, coloring pigment and special filler. Such mixtures can be made either water-based or based on organic solvents.

Based on the composition of varnish, enamel is divided into three types:

All of the above options can be used to paint the floor. However, each variety has its own characteristics and technical characteristics.

Alkyd enamel is considered waterproof and very durable. In addition, she is not afraid of frequent temperature changes. The product is suitable for covering floors in a wide variety of spaces. It is for the design of floors that craftsmen advise purchasing enamels PF 226 and PF 266 . These compounds are quick-drying. To dilute them, special white alcohol is most often used, which can be easily found in hardware stores.

Polyurethane enamels are suitable for painting almost any surface because they have very strong adhesion properties to materials. Such enamels can be applied even to a damp surface. They are most often used in public institutions, factories and industrial areas , where it is necessary to create the highest quality and durable floor covering.

Another option is acrylic semi-gloss enamel . It is considered quite resistant to various negative influences from the outside. In addition, it can be used to cover both wooden and concrete floors .
This mixture can be called universal; in addition, it does not have an unpleasant odor and dries quickly. The product is excellent for updating floors in residential buildings.

Recommendations for selection

There are many flooring options in the construction world. Still, many people prefer to paint wooden and concrete floors. This option is considered available. In addition, painted floors fit well into any interior. It is important to choose the right coatings, in terms of quality and price, as well as durability and environmental friendliness.

• For wooden floor

To extend the life of wooden floors and protect them from moisture, mold and fungi, paint is used. Untreated wood will last up to 3 years. If you paint it, the service life of wooden floors increases to 5 years. Enamel, oil and acrylic products are suitable for interior and exterior work on wooden surfaces.

• For concrete floor

Concrete floors today can be found not only in industrial premises, but also in houses and apartments. For example, in the bathroom, hallway, on the veranda of the dacha. The disadvantage of concrete floors is the rapid formation of dust on the surface. And the unpainted floor has an unpleasant gray color. Therefore, they try to paint it with paints such as: with a special composition for painting concrete floors, acrylic, epoxy and polyurethane.

Colors

There are glossy, semi-gloss and matte enamels. It all depends on the variety and manufacturer. This point must be clarified with a consultant when purchasing a certain brand of coatings, or you can independently look at the product description on the jar with the mixture.

Epoxy enamels have the fewest colors . However, despite this disadvantage, they are among the highest quality in terms of their characteristics. Bright and rich shades most often come in acrylic varieties.

The most popular colors for painting wood floors are golden brown, tan and beige. Often buyers purchase dark enamel of a red-brown hue.

How to choose?

When choosing a material, it is better to use the services of a store consultant. The composition, shade, and characteristics of the product are important here.

You should also choose enamel based on the material that will be painted. For example, an acrylic or epoxy option is suitable for concrete surfaces. But for wood, it is recommended to use polyurethane enamels, which perfectly penetrate the porous structure of the wooden floor.

If the manufacturer states that the enamel takes a long time to dry, you should not immediately abandon it. Often such paints and varnishes turn out to be of very high quality, and the coating obtained after painting with them lasts for many years. Of course, quick-drying options are in great demand, but they cannot always meet the buyer’s expectations.

When choosing a particular manufacturer of coatings, you should pay attention to product reviews that can be found on the Internet. In addition, you should purchase building materials of this kind only from trusted stores.

Surface Features

There are a very large number of materials that are used to cover or make floors, and each option has its own characteristics, pros and cons. For example, tiles can be laid with warm floors, and linoleum is cheaper than its analogues.

Let's look at the most common types of surfaces:

• self-leveling floor;
• plywood;
• linoleum;
• cement;
• oriented strand board (OSB);
• chipboard (chipboard);
• fibreboard (fibreboard);
• tile or ceramic tiles;
• Cork tree.

Manufacturers

Several manufacturers that produce high-quality paints and varnishes, including enamels, are especially popular on the domestic building materials market:

• VGT are long-lasting products without an unpleasant odor. They are suitable even for beginners who do repairs themselves.
• "Lakra" - products with a liquid texture. The products have a small color palette. Customer reviews are mixed.
• "Tex" are universal products without a specific odor. These are long-drying compounds sold at an affordable price. They get very good reviews.
• “Prestige” – high-quality, affordable enamels, which are available in a wide range of colors. A large selection of options with a variety of effects allows even the most picky customers to make a purchase.

Polyurethane paint

The coating contains, in addition to polymers, dyes and binding components, an antistatic agent, which makes it an optimal option for use in rooms with a large number of electronics. The material consists of two components that are mixed before starting work. This is very convenient because it allows you to prepare only the required amount of paint.

Advantages of polyurethane paint:

• high wear resistance;
• economical consumption;
• maintains performance characteristics for more than 10 years.

Painting is done using a sprayer in several layers. After hardening, the coating acquires a specific elastic texture and remains sticky for the first few days, which disappears over time. Used for painting concrete floors.

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Application Tips

To ensure that the result of your work pleases you for many years, you should pay attention to the advice of professionals that may be useful when applying enamels to the floor:

• Many experts recommend applying acrylic enamel in several layers, especially when it comes to coating concrete.
• Do not forget that before using alkyd mixtures, the floor surface should be primed, otherwise the enamel may not adhere.
• It is not recommended to use polyurethane enamel for home use. If we talk about private property, then such paints and varnishes cover floors in the garage, but not in residential premises.
• It is best to paint floors using a spray gun or a special roller, which is convenient for evenly distributing the composition over the surface.
• When painting wood floors, start with the baseboards. To avoid staining the walls, you can use wide masking tape for protection.

What to consider when choosing paint

When choosing floor paint, you need to pay attention not only to the color and cost of the product, but also to the technical characteristics that affect its appearance and service life.

When choosing a coating, you must consider:

• floor material - there is a wide selection of paints on sale, specially designed for finishing wood or concrete floors and, accordingly, having different properties;
• floor location - paint performs not only a decorative, but also a protective function; floors in the bathroom or kitchen are exposed to greater influence of moisture than in the living room and require a coating of increased wear resistance;
• base area - this parameter must be known to correctly calculate the amount of material;
• compatibility with previous coating.

Particular attention should also be paid to the chemical composition of the paint - it must be safe, not contain chemicals harmful to health and have a neutral odor. This is especially true for residential premises - strong-smelling material can cause headaches and even poisoning.

Best paint for wood floors

Wooden floors are used in private homes, cottages and country houses. Using boards of various sections, floor coverings are used in rooms and corridors. Beams and boards are used to create interfloor ceilings and stairs. All this needs protection, which is what wood paints are designed for. Here is a ranking of the best products in this category that you should pay attention to when choosing.

TIKKURILA BETOLUX AQUA

The first place in the ranking is occupied by paint from a Finnish manufacturer, produced on a polyurethane-acrylate base. This gives it strength and elasticity, which helps to reliably protect the wooden floor from damage from hard objects. The paint is diluted with water, so users like it in reviews due to its ease of preparation and the absence of additional costs for the solvent. The product is produced in convenient containers from 0.9 to 18 liters.

This wood floor paint was included in the rating due to its unpretentiousness. According to the instructions, it can be applied to old varnish, epoxy or alkyd coatings. The substance adheres perfectly to old layers, does not destroy them or enter into a chemical reaction with them, which simplifies the process of preparing the surface before work. If paint is spilled on a dry floor, it can be wiped off with a weak solvent without harming the coating.

Advantages

• suitable for floors that are regularly in contact with moisture;
• diluted with water;
• 20 tinting options are provided;
• resistant to chemical attack;
• dries at 80% air humidity.

Flaws

• high price;
• for large volumes, you need to tint all the paint, otherwise it will be more difficult to choose a shade later;
• If the can freezes during storage, the paint becomes unusable.

Prestige Premium

In second place in the ranking is floor paint from a domestic manufacturer, which also has an alkyd-polyurethane base, like the category leader, but the price of the product is much more affordable. Due to its thoughtful composition, the paint not only decorates the floor with its color, but also impregnates the wood with varnish, further protecting it from moisture. After painting with one layer, the second can be applied after 4 hours, which pleases the craftsmen in the reviews, since they don’t have to wait long. Once dry, the surface takes on a glossy appearance and looks decent. But there are few color options for floor paint - only yellow-brown shades.

Our experts ranked paint as the best because it is the most attractive option for the price. It is almost five times cheaper than imported analogues, although it has almost the same composition. If you roll it out with a roller in a thin layer, then it will take 750 g of the substance to paint 5 m2.

Advantages

• the most affordable price in the ranking;
• forms a moisture-resistant coating (you can paint the floor in the bathroom, hallway);
• high gloss;
• increased resistance to impacts.

Flaws

• dries up to 24 hours;
• can only be used at temperatures above +5 degrees;
• needs dilution with a solvent;
• the wooden floor must be cleaned of old layers.

Sniezka Podloga

In third place in the ranking is paint from a Polish manufacturer. The enamel is modified and specially designed for surfaces subject to active abrasion. User reviews like three types of walnut shades (light, intermediate and medium), which allows you to decorate the floor depending on other colors in the interior. You can apply paint to the floor with a spray gun, brush or roller. For optimal results, two coats are sufficient. If repairs are not coming soon, but you come across this paint at a good price, it makes sense to purchase it - the product is stored for 24 months.

Our experts ranked floor paint due to its versatility in application. This type of paint can be used not only for interior decoration, but also for exterior decoration. So, you can use it to paint the floor on a terrace, wooden threshold or porch. The product is also suitable for protecting boards in an outdoor gazebo in the courtyard of a private house.

Advantages

• can be used at air humidity of 80%;
• suitable for external and internal use;
• high adhesion to base materials;
• endurance to mechanical friction;
• bright colors for different decorations.

Flaws

• you cannot paint the floor if the air temperature is below +10 degrees;
• final drying after 72 hours;
• an interval between layers of 24 hours greatly extends the application process;
• only in containers of 1 and 2.5 liters.

Tex PF-266

In fourth place in the ranking of paints is a product of a domestic manufacturer, which is produced with an alkyd base without the addition of polyurethane. This allowed us to save on production and offer the buyer a product at an affordable price. It is allowed to paint the floor with a brush, spray gun or roller. Depending on this, the consumption is 1 liter per area from 9 to 12 m2, which users like in reviews. But to prepare the desired consistency, you will need a solvent (White spirit and others). Especially a lot of solvent is needed when using a spray bottle.

We included the paint in the rating as the brightest for wood floors. This is ensured by the high density of the substance 1.18-1.31 kg/l with a dry residue of 65-78%. There are six colors available from yellow to brown to choose from. The surface is very glossy. The product also stands out due to its transport characteristics - it can be transported in frosty conditions, which will not interfere with the purchase or delivery of paint to the repair site in the cold season.

Details

Color range

If you decide to opt for acrylic paints for treating wood floors, you will definitely be pleased with the incredibly wide range of color palettes of paints and varnishes. You will have a choice of classic shades and the most daring ones for those who adore the avant-garde. You also have the opportunity to buy any color you like right away, or order colors according to your wishes (certain manufacturers will provide such a service).

Features of choice

At the moment, foreign and domestic industry offers a large number of various materials for painting. You can easily get confused in such a variety, but acrylic dispersion paint and varnish compositions have become the leaders in sales due to their high quality. versatility in use, high environmental standards and quality provide thousands of positive customer reviews. When choosing acrylic paints and varnishes, you should pay attention to the manufacturers, and popular brands guarantee the high quality of the purchased material.

When purchasing cheaper products made by little-known manufacturing companies, you should be prepared for a huge consumption of materials, unexpected surprises in the form of air bubbles, color stains or peeling. The shelf life of the paint and varnish material is also extremely important. It is also not allowed to purchase expired building materials or paint that is nearing its expiration date. Acrylic paint for wood surfaces has differences that you should pay attention to when choosing:

1. Wood comes with a very different structure (hard or soft), and the consumption of paint and varnish material per square meter, as well as its composition, will depend on this.
2. Is it possible to paint the floor with acrylic paint? Paintwork materials for rooms with varying degrees of traffic are also different. If you make a choice in favor of a paint and varnish material, for example, for a hallway, you should opt for products with increased wear resistance.
3. Painting cannot be done without first priming the surfaces, which should be chosen based on the type of wood and the degree of wear.

Manufacturers of popular brands of paints and varnishes can offer a wide range of paints with different properties. Attention should be paid to the types of paints and varnishes with protection against insects and fungi. We invite you to pay attention to products from Aquastrong. The small thickness of the painting compositions protects wooden floors from contact with destructive factors from the outside. This increases the service life of the wood by 2 times; applying a couple of layers ensures long-term operation of the wood coating. water, negative or excessively high room temperatures are not dangerous for wood treated with acrylic paint and varnish. Every popular paint manufacturer has a range of compositions based on acrylic resins. This is not at all surprising, because acrylic compositions compare favorably with others.

The long service life of wooden coatings that are treated with acrylic compounds is due to its quality, and it:

• Will not lose the brightness of the selected color when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Doesn't peel off.
• Does not form cracks due to temperature changes.

If you need to paint floors in a high-traffic area, it is best to choose paint compositions with higher wear resistance. Manufacturers also offer this option. A relatively small disadvantage of such an acrylic coating is that such compositions have an unpleasant aroma, which will evaporate when it dries completely.

How to calculate the required quantity

Whatever paint and varnish material you choose to treat the floor, the consumption will be approximately the same - from 0.2 to 0.3 liters per square meter. But all sorts of indicators (for example, the brand of paint and varnish, the quality of the wood processed) can affect consumption. When purchasing acrylic paint, you should definitely read the consumption table presented on the packaging. This allows you to accurately purchase the right amount of materials. It is recommended to take materials with a reserve (approximately 6-10% more than expected).

The high quality of acrylic paints and varnishes protects home owners from additional and completely unnecessary expenses for the care of similar coatings. You can do the type of cleaning that you like best - vacuuming or washing with a damp cloth and detergent. If you accidentally knock over a mug of hot coffee on the floor, don’t worry - after you wipe it, there will be no streaks or marks on it.

Flaws

Odorless acrylic floor paint has no significant drawbacks (neither consumers nor manufacturers identified them). The only drawback is the fact that after the acrylic-based paint and varnish composition has dried, it cannot be removed from the tools used. If it is dry, it cannot be washed, and therefore the tools should be put in order immediately after staining. Moreover, do not forget about one more point - since such paints and varnishes are very popular, and they are often counterfeited, which will undermine the quality of the material. You should buy products only from trusted manufacturing companies.

How to dye

If you want to quickly and efficiently paint the floor surface, acrylic paints and varnishes are best applied using a special sprayer. This is quite economical and also provides an even layer of coverage. If you decide to choose a brush or roller, you should carefully ensure that the fibers do not fall on the coloring layer and do not spoil the beauty of the appearance. This type of painting will take more time and effort, and you will need to tinker with regular washing of the tools.

Wear resistance

Applying paint that is wear-resistant will be a little different than the simple method. This paint and varnish composition is applied only with a brush or roller, constantly stirring inside the container. This is required to ensure that stains do not form on the floor, which will spoil the appearance of the coating. This type of paint should be rubbed thoroughly in the direction where the boards are laid, otherwise wrinkles or bubbles will appear. If you miss this point, you can fix everything as soon as the floor is perfectly dry. After the final treatment of the floor, rinse it several times with clean water, and this will give the coating additional shine. If you decide to opt for wear-resistant acrylic, you should also take care of a high-quality roller/brush. Also, work should be carried out in a respirator and at the same time ventilating the room.

Sequence of painting work

To ensure the highest quality painting of wood floors, you should definitely adhere to the following recommendations:

• Floors should be thoroughly washed with water and detergents before applying acrylic paint and varnish.
• Be sure to pay special attention to the cracks, as well as places along the baseboard (if necessary, scrape off all the dirt). A layer of paint will not last long on a contaminated surface.
• If you find grease stains on the floor, you should treat and remove them with a solvent. Fat can push the paint layer away from itself, which will significantly spoil all the beauty.
• It is necessary to putty the cracks, convex areas and level them with a chisel. The floor must be perfectly level.

After the preparation, leveling and cleaning of the floor has been carried out, the next step will be the application of a protective primer layer. This process will take some time, because the primer coating will dry up to 72 hours, and after that it will be possible to apply acrylic paints in 2-3 layers. Watch the video for the rules for choosing acrylic paint and other quite important nuances.

Best paint for concrete floors

Uncoated concrete floors are used in garages, technical rooms, hangars, and entrances. Concrete floor screed is also used in basements, cellars and warehouses. To protect the cement-sand coating from dampness and slightly decorate its appearance, floor paints with good adhesion to concrete and moisture resistance are used. Here are the best products in this category, assessed by experts and included in our rating.

Drylok Latex Concrete Floor Paint

The first place in the ranking of concrete floor paints is occupied by a product from the USA. The substance is designed for application to concrete and is resistant to mechanical stress. The paint does not contain toxic components. Due to its high density, the decorative layer masks small unevenness of the concrete floor, which is what the craftsmen like in the reviews. The product also adheres well to the base and is not susceptible to chips and cracks. Does not deteriorate from gasoline, alkali and acids.

We added paint to the rating as the best in terms of durability and service life. When applied in two layers to the floor, the coating can last up to 10 years without requiring any maintenance. It is possible not only to walk on this floor, but also to drive, which makes the paint suitable for use in warehouses where loading equipment operates. After painting, you can move around the coating with vehicles within 5 days. If there are road reagents left on the wheels of the equipment, they will not harm the paint.

Advantages

• the second layer is applied after 4 hours;
• walking is allowed after 5 hours;
• withstands increased loads;
• environmentally friendly.

Flaws

• the highest price in the category;
• only one type of packaging 3.78 l.

Sniezka Beton-posadzka

In second place in the ranking is again a product from a Polish company known for its quality. This product is made of acrylic resin and water dispersion, which provides abrasion resistance and provides reliable protection to the concrete base. The manufacturer offers paint shades: gray, green, brown, red and three more options. The product can be stored for up to 24 months, so repairs can be planned in advance and stocked up with everything you need gradually. After drying, the surface acquires a matte effect. When developing the floor paint, high-quality pigments were used, so the coating retains its color for a long time.

According to our experts, floor paint should be rated as one of the most resistant to water. The acrylic composition tolerates precipitation well, so the product is suitable for painting the floor on an open balcony. The product is also resistant to repeated washing, which allows the paint to be used on concrete stairs in public places.

Advantages

• 7 color options;
• unpretentiousness in application method;
• supplied in containers from 1 to 10 l;
• painting up to 8 m2 of floor with one liter;
• almost odorless.

Flaws

• dust is clearly visible on it;
• not suitable for floors exposed to loads from car tires;
• Complete drying after 24 hours.

Teknofloor Teknos

This place in the ranking is occupied by a product from a Finnish manufacturer. Floor paint is one-component and consists of a polyurethane base, which increases elasticity and strength, prevents cracking and peeling due to temperature changes. At +23 degrees, the paint dries in 1 hour from dust sticking, and after 10 hours you can walk on it. For optimal effect, two coats are recommended. The manufacturer produces it with a dry residue of 50% and a density of 1.2 kg/l. Products are tinted using the RAL system and many stores offer assistance in finding the desired shade.

We included paint in the rating as another product suitable for application to previously painted surfaces. If the concrete floor has been covered with alkyd paint, it is not necessary to remove it, but Teknofloor Teknos can be applied on top. We recommend using it for warehouses or retail spaces where the base will need to be repainted periodically to maintain protection and an attractive appearance.

Features of coloring board coverings

To obtain a respectable appearance of a wooden floor, regardless of the type of wood from which the board is made, careful preparation of its surface is necessary. It's about sanding and cleaning.

Products that will be used in the proposed master class on painting a board that imitates a plank floor covering.

If varnish or paint is applied to an unpolished surface, all its roughness and flaws will be revealed. And when using an oil or wax coating on an unprepared surface, nothing really will work.

The process of preparing and painting a wooden floor will be considered using the example of a plank board made in compliance with the technology for installing tongue-and-groove floorboards.

Illustration	Brief description of the operation performed
	An eccentric sander is used to sand the board. The first treatment is with sandpaper with a grit of P40 or P60, for the final pass - P120.
	After sanding the surface, it should be wiped with solvent. This process is especially important if the floors are made of pine boards, the structure of which, due to its resinous content, has the ability to unevenly absorb coloring compounds, that is, the coloring will turn out uneven. After treatment with a solvent, uniform coloring will be ensured, since it “works” inside the wood structure without creating a film on the surface.
	As mentioned above, paints, varnishes, oils and waxes are used to cover wooden floors. Oil and wax have an advantage over other materials in that they are deeply absorbed into the wood structure, so that floor repairs can be done in a separate area. If damage occurs to the varnish or paint layer, you will have to completely repaint it. Experts do not recommend applying too dark colors to pine or spruce, as the coating may become damaged during use and reveal the natural color of the material. The oil is applied to the wood in one to three layers, no more.
	Due to the fact that in this case a small area will be painted, the oil can be poured into small puddles and then distributed with a small roller and brush. Oil is also applied to the floors in the room using a roller, but of a larger size, and the oil is poured into a special tray that has a grooved surface for squeezing out excess.
	The oil is rolled out both along the grain of the wood and across it, but the final direction of the roller should be longitudinal movements. The composition is distributed until the textured pattern of the wood appears through it.
	The coloring composition can also be applied to small areas using a brush. Similar to the roller painting process, application can be done along and across the grain of the wood, but when finishing the layer, the paint is spread along the grain pattern.
	There should be no transverse brush strokes left on the painted surface. Oil-coated wood should be left to soak and dry for about a day. After which the surface must be checked for dryness, and only then can the finishing coat be applied.
	To check the surface for dryness, you need to take a clean, light-colored napkin and wipe the painted boards with it. There should be no trace of the dye composition left on the fabric.
	If the napkin remains absolutely clean, then you can proceed to the next stages of work.
	Before applying the next coat of paint or wax, it is necessary to sand between layers. To do this, you will need a construction float with a fine-grain emery attachment.
	Sanding is done without much pressure on the surface, moving along the grain. In this case, the color of the floor should not change - the task of sanding is to remove the fluff that has risen during painting. The board should remain absolutely smooth. After this, dust off the surface using a clean soft cloth.
	The next step is to apply one layer of transparent protective oil, with a dry residue of about 90%.
	To complete the work, a small puddle of oil is poured onto the surface, and a polishing patch is placed on top of it. A grinder is installed on it, with the minimum speed set, and the oil is distributed over the surface - polishing. The process is carried out in a circular motion.
	If there is excess of the applied product remaining on the board, which is no longer absorbed into the wood, you need to replace the oil-soaked patch with a dry one and walk it along the surface, along the grain.
	It is easier to sand floors with a tool that resembles a mop, to which an emery attachment is attached with Velcro. The movements during grinding are made along the fibers. After sanding, the surface must also be cleaned with a dry cloth attached to a mop.
	Instead of recoating and polishing with professional oil, a special wax-oil with an average solids of 50% can be applied. This product must be applied in at least two coats. To ensure that the color of the floor remains saturated after this operation, 10% of the paint composition should be added to the wax-oil.
	The finished composition is poured into a tray for easy collection with a brush, which, if necessary, is pressed onto the relief plane of the container.
	The composition is applied in the direction of the structural fibers of the wood, using back and forth movements. After this layer has dried, a colorless finishing composition is applied on top of it in the same way. The painted floor is left for about two to three days until completely dry. If other repairs are planned in the room, then they can be carried out seven to ten days after applying the last layer. This is due to the fact that the final drying feature of the combination of compositions - varnish, oil and wax. In this case, the floors should be covered with dense polyethylene, and movement on them should not be allowed.

* * * * * * *

We hope that the information obtained in this article will help you decide on the choice of floor paint and the basics of its use. In any case, if the manufacturer indicates on the packaging of paints and varnishes some features of the use of the composition, then you should adhere to them.

Let’s finish the article with a video in which an amateur craftsman shares his experience in painting floors.

How to choose enamel for the floor?

The quality and durability of the coating depends on the correct choice of enamel for the floor. Before purchasing a product, you need to study the characteristics of paint and varnish products and become familiar with the main types of paints. The coloring agent must be applied with special tools that do not leave lint or streaks. When forming the second layer, take into account how long the previous one dries.

Brown enamel is the most popular solution for painting plank floors.

Oil paint

Oil paint is of low quality and is gradually being replaced by modern paints and varnishes. To make it, they use drying oil, which, in addition to having an unpleasant odor, is also toxic. Prolonged contact with it causes deterioration of well-being and dizziness. After drying, the paint forms a dense, waterproof film that lends itself well to wet cleaning.

Disadvantages of oil paint:

• toxic;
• long drying time;
• cracks form under mechanical stress;
• small assortment of colors;
• difficult to remove.

The oil coating is suitable for finishing concrete and wooden floors. When working with it, be sure to use a respirator and protective clothing.

Types of floor enamels

Any enamel contains a varnish base, a filler, and a pigment component.

Depending on this, the following types of paint and varnish products are distinguished:

Alkyd

The composition is made using glypthal or pentaphthalic varnish. Additional components of enamel are glycerin, pigment, marble or granite filler. This paint is diluted with white spirit.

Alkyd enamel for wood and metal from Tex.

The advantages of alkyd enamel are:

• resistance to moisture;
• coating durability;
• elasticity that prevents shrinkage;
• long-term color retention;
• resistance to high temperatures.

The product is suitable for treating wooden or concrete floors. The enamel is marked with a letter designation, which is used to determine its properties. Pentaphthalic paints are marked PF, glypthal paints - GF.

The first digit indicates the properties of the composition:

• 1 — resistance to atmospheric factors;
• 2 — impossibility of use in high humidity (the product is used for renovation of premises);
• 3 - good adhesion to metal;
• 4 - water resistance;
• 5 - the presence of additives that give the paint additional properties;
• 6-7 - resistance to aggressive substances;
• 8 - heat resistance;
• 9 - neutralization of static electricity.

The remaining digits of the marking reflect the tone number in the catalog. PF-253 and PF-266 are suitable for updating the floor covering. The compositions set quickly, forming a durable shiny layer. Before applying the final coating, the floor is primed.

Polyurethane

The enamel contains additives that provide adhesion to any surface. The paint forms a durable, elastic coating that is resistant to moisture. The painted surface is not damaged by contact with acid or alkali.

Polyurethane composition is used to treat concrete floors in industrial premises. It is also suitable for forming coatings that are resistant to high loads. It is not advisable to use this product in apartments and private houses. The paint is expensive and difficult to apply.

How long does it take to dry?

Modern technologies have made it possible to create floor paint that dries in a fairly short period of time. It all depends on what type was chosen. But you need to know exactly the drying time, as this affects the ability to calculate the time for applying the 2nd layer .

There are several aspects that affect the drying speed of paint , namely:

1. Surface porosity . The more pores the surface being treated has, the more actively the solution is absorbed, which maximizes the rate of hardening.
2. Temperature regime . Polymerization occurs faster at high temperatures.
3. Humidity . If the air is dry, the surface will dry faster as it will draw out moisture.
4. Air masses . In order to ensure quick drying, you need to provide high-quality ventilation (an excellent option is to create a draft).
5. Thickness of the applied layer . The thinnest spraying is characterized by the composition of spray cans.

Nitro paints and enamel:

• The first layer can dry in just 20 minutes;
• The second layer takes about 30 minutes;
• It will take 12 hours for complete hardening.

Oil:

• The first layer will take 5 hours;
• It takes 10 hours for the second coat to dry;
• It takes a day to dry completely.

Water-based:

• Two hours is enough for the first layer;
• It takes about 24 hours for complete polymerization to occur.

Advantages of quick-drying paint

Quick-drying paints and varnishes have the following positive qualities:

1. No toxic components. During repairs, a person will not have to leave the apartment.
2. Possibility of refusing to use respiratory protection.
3. High setting speed. When using this product, you do not need to wait several days. This reduces the time spent on repairs.
4. Anti-slip effect. This property is important when painting the floor.
5. Economical consumption. The composition is applied in a thin layer.
6. Wear resistance. Quick-drying products are insensitive to aggressive substances, ultraviolet radiation and high humidity.
7. Ability to absorb moisture. Fast-drying paint products can be used to paint shower or bathroom floors.
8. Presence of an antiseptic component. The substance prevents the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and mold formation.

Common brands of floor paints

There are many brands of floor paints, photos of which can be seen below. We'll talk about some of them:

Tikkurila. World-class manufacturer of paint and varnish products. The main difference between Tikkuril paint for floor surfaces is the variety of products and shades.

Pinotex. Impregnations based on alkyd called “Pinotex Classic” are in demand. This type of primer allows you to provide protective antiseptic properties, while the wood retains its natural appearance.

Belinka. Universally applicable enamel, offered in a variety of tones.

The best manufacturers

The first positions in the list of the best manufacturers of floor enamels are occupied by the following companies:

1. "Tikkurila". The Finnish company supplies high-quality coloring products in different price categories. The products do not contain toxic components that can cause poisoning. A variety of shades makes it easy to find the right one.
2. Hammerite (UK). It is considered the best manufacturer of products resistant to chemicals and atmospheric factors.
3. "Yaroslavl colors". The Russian company produces inexpensive paint and varnish products. Products of this brand are purchased more often than others. This allows the manufacturer to be considered one of the best.

There are also less popular companies that produce good coloring compounds for floors.

Types of paints for floor surfaces

If you need paint for a wooden floor surface, then a very reasonable question arises related to what types of paints for floor surfaces are there?

Today there are many solutions of various types and tones that are intended for application to the array. Before purchasing a specific paint, it is important to familiarize yourself with the range of solutions, their characteristics, and features.

Paint-varnish is one of the most common floor paint options among specialists and those who like to decorate their own homes with their own hands. The main advantage is the high degree of wear resistance of floor paint, beauty, and long service life.

Certain types of varnishes include pigments that can emphasize the natural texture of the array. Cons: transparent types of coatings need constant updating.

Acrylic. The composition of this paint includes a solvent, as well as acrylates in combination with copolymers. Once the solution has hardened, an elastic and reliable coating is formed on the wood. Advantages – has no specific aroma, instant drying, moisture resistance, heat resistance.

Enamel paint. The advantage of such a solution is its affordability. This floor paint is quick-drying, moisture-resistant, does not penetrate into the wood, which prolongs the service life of the floor surface.

Oily. A traditional type of paint and varnish product, which gained popularity much earlier than acrylic, as well as enamel. Today, many people still choose solutions created specifically on the basis of oil.

Pros: ensuring even, attractive coloring, heat resistance, reliable protection of wood from mechanical influences and moisture. Cons: specific smell, slow absorption.

How to choose and use enamel for a concrete floor?

Special enamel for concrete floors will help protect the flooring from self-destruction. In addition to being decorative, the coloring agent will strengthen the surface, protect against chips and cracks, remove dust and protect from climatic and chemical influences. Modern industry offers the consumer a large assortment of coloring compositions; all that remains is to figure out which paint to choose and how to apply it correctly in order to obtain the highest performance qualities.

Criteria for choosing paint for concrete floors

To choose the paint for a concrete floor surface as correctly as possible, it is important to consider:

• type of area to be painted;
• type of base;
• the influence of moisture and temperature changes;
• preferred operational period of foundation.

Conclusion. Choosing high-quality paint for floor decoration is simple, but if you know specifically what points you need to pay special attention to when purchasing it.

Types of enamel: high-quality representatives of dyes

All requirements and technological aspects for coloring compositions are contained in the GOST 31384–2008 standard. You can protect a concrete structure from destruction and give it a decorative aesthetic appearance with alkyd, acrylic, polyurethane, epoxy, rubber, organosilicate, urethane or a combined type of coloring material.

Enamels for painting concrete surfaces can be divided into categories:

• for outdoor work;
• for internal dyeing processes.

Acrylic paint: durable surface coating

The active component of such enamel is acrylic resin and pigmenting components of organic or inorganic origin. The composition does not require special solvents and is diluted with ordinary purified water. Professionals advise applying paint in two layers, despite the textured density of the dye. After coating, the surface can be used already on the second day, since the paint dries very quickly. No less popular are acrylic-silicone compositions, the active substance of which is acrylic copolymer and silicone resins. An economical and high-quality option, the finished mass of the substance is diluted by 25% with water, which significantly increases the volume of the product and saves material.

Alkyd enamels: beautiful and durable coating

The paint is based on alkyd resin and has high-quality density. However, professionals recommend applying the composition in two stages, this will maximize the quality of the coating. The second coat must be applied no less than 24 hours after applying the first. It is characterized by increased durability and the longest service life. Thinner - white spirit 10% has a pungent odor and is used for both external painting processes and internal work. A floor painted with an alkyd composition will have a matte color; the choice of shade is determined by personal wishes; the palette of coloring agents is quite extensive.

Polyurethane enamel: durable results

The dye is considered one of the highest quality coatings for concrete work. Application in industrial areas will be relevant. A distinctive feature of the paint is maximum protection against wear, fading and other negative influences. Wear-resistant enamel is an excellent option for painting exterior structures. The advantages of polyurethane paint include:

The advantage of the paint is its resistance to environmental influences and color fastness.

• Maximum protection. The substance is resistant to mechanical, climatic and chemical influences.
• Long lasting color. The paint does not wear off or fade in the sun.
• Dust removal. Creates a protective layer, eliminates excessive release of concrete dust.

Properties and features of the composition

One of the main advantages of acrylic paint and varnish composition is its chemical composition. The components of the material will be acrylic resins, coloring pigment and water. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the paint and varnish composition also has other advantages:

• It dries out pretty quickly.
• It is easy to apply during the painting process.
• UV-resistant coatings.
• The paint is highly resistant to fire.
• Not afraid of high humidity.
• Has resistance to high and low temperatures.
• It completely lacks an unpleasant aroma.

Over many years of operation, the wood coating, which is protected with acrylic paint, will not lose its beautiful appearance.

Pros and minor cons

Positive characteristics of enamels for coating concrete floors:

• resistance to factors of humidity, frost and thawing;
• environmental Safety;
• strengthening protective properties.

The disadvantages of the material include a specific pungent odor, which is why enamel is used for exterior work.
The disadvantages of acrylic paints include partial interaction with sunlight; the dye can fade over time, so professionals recommend using them only in places that are not exposed to ultraviolet exposure. The polyurethane mixture has a rather pungent toxic odor; it is advisable to use it for outdoor use.

Rubber paint

A modern finishing coating that has recently appeared on the construction market. Suitable for use on any type of coating, not only indoors, but also outdoors. The paint is based on polymer components that do not contain harmful substances. Special flavoring agents are added to the coating to give it a pleasant smell. After hardening, the material forms a smooth, glossy layer that fills minor defects in the base and is pleasant to the touch.

Advantages of rubber coating:

• economical consumption;
• It takes no more than 1 hour for the paint to harden;
• service life more than 10 years;
• the elastic composition does not crack when the house shrinks;
• the material does not absorb dirt, is resistant to moisture and is easy to clean with detergents.

The disadvantage of the coating is its airtightness, which is not very good for wooden floors.

The paint is applied to the surface by spraying, so it is necessary to use a respirator during work. To obtain a smooth, uniform coating, painting should be done in two layers.