Porch and Floor Paint

Whether your porch is concrete or wood, it is important to protect it from moisture, and in the case of wood, from pests and decay. A porch is also a great place to add some color to your exterior living areas. Porch and floor paints are available in many color choices that will satisfy any style. 

There are four basic types of porch and floor paint: Oil, Latex (Water Based), Epoxy and Concrete Floor Paint

		Oil-based Porch & Floor Paints are available in several pre-mixed colors. Oil-based paints are typically more durable, more scuff-resistant that latex paints, however, they require mineral spirits for clean-up.
		Latex (Water Based) products offer similar resistance to surface wear, and is oil and grease resistant. Latex Porch & Floor Paint is also available in a textured product, which provides for added traffic and safety.
		Epoxy paints come in a two-part kit. When the two compounds are mixed, they create a stronger, more durable surface. Some kits also include color flakes to be added to the mixture after it is applied to the surface, and before it dries. These provide additional color, and also provide some non-skid properties for safety.
		Also available, are concrete floor paints, available in several pre-mixed colors, that are durable enough to be driven on or to park a car on, if you are painting a driveway, garage floor, or carport. This is a latex product, and performs similar to Epoxy, is less expensive, and does not require the additional step of mixing the 2-part solution.

Regardless of the type of coating you chose, the following steps should be followed to ensure a successful application:

1. Be sure to thoroughly sweep all surfaces, and vacuumed any remaining dust.
2. You may also pressure wash the surface with an electric or gasoline pressure washer, however, make sure the surface is completely dry before applying the product you choose. If there are areas of grease, gasoline or oil stains, it may be necessary to use a concrete cleaner before painting. You may also use a water-bleach solution, mixed with 1-part bleach and 2-parts water, scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush, and rinse. Again, it is very important that the surface is allowed to completely dry before painting.
3. If you are painting over a previously painted surface, it is important to etch the surface, using sandpaper or muriatic acid according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will create a rough surface, and make it much easier for the new coat of paint to adhere to the surface.
   
   

Important tips regarding safe handling of muriatic acid:

• Muriatic acid is very toxic. You should always wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling this product.
• Wear old shoes and clothes, when working with muriatic acid.
• Test a small, inconspicuous area before applying to the entire surface to ensure the appropriate amount to use without doing damage to the surface.
• Be sure to thoroughly stir the paint before and throughout the application. This will make sure to keep the consistency of the product uniform, and avoid an uneven application.
• Generally, you should allow the product to dry for 4 hours. The floor may be subjected to light foot traffic after four hours, heavy foot traffic after 24 hours, and where applicable, automobiles after 5 days.