Concrete Floor Paint How To

On occasion we’re contacted by customers asking if we have products that can be used as high-quality concrete floor paint. We let them know RustSeal, KBS MAXX, KBS MAXX Clear, and DiamondFinish Clear work great for this purpose, and which to use depends on the conditions the concrete is subjected to, and the appearance that is desired.

Benefits of Concrete Floor Paint

Concrete Floor Protection

Pores and cracks in concrete floors can be entry points for water that has pooled on the surface. This water can cause erosion, and if it freezes the water can expand causing the concrete to crack. Additionally, oil, chemicals, dirt, road salt, and other materials can enter through the pores and cracks causing stains and erosion. Using RustSeal, KBS MAXX, KBS MAXX Clear, or DiamondFinish Clear as a concrete floor paint avoids this problem by sealing the concrete away from moisture and contaminants.

Once concrete is sealed with one, or combination of these coatings its finished surface will become extremely tough, durable and chemically resistant allowing for easy clean up with little or no maintenance. The coatings are also highly resistant to mechanical abrasion and impact.

Improving Concrete Floor Appearance

RustSeal, KBS MAXX, DiamondFinish Clear and KBS MAXX Clear all provide beautiful, high-quality finishes that perform and look great when used as concrete floor paint.

• Finish Sheen – RustSeal and KBS MAXX are available in glossy and matte finishes.
• Color Variety – RustSeal is offered an assortment of colors and KBS MAXX is also available in an assortment of colors.
• Clear Coat - DiamondFinish Clear is crystal clear and beautifies concrete by bringing out its colors and textures with a high-gloss finish. KBS MAXX Clear provides these qualities, fast curing polyaspartic floor coating properties, and is available in flat, matte, and high gloss finishes.

Easy Clean Up

With all four coatings, spills, mud, and other contaminants are more easily cleaned away.

Which Concrete Floor Paint Should I Use?

As previously mentioned, which coating to use depends on the conditions the concrete is subjected to, as well as the appearance that is desired.

RustSeal

RustSeal is a moisture cured polyurethane coating and its most popular use is as a rust inhibitive and preventative paint. However, since it also bonds to most any substrate including concrete, it makes for an excellent concrete floor paint. KBS Coatings Advanced Cross-Linked Technology provides a flexible, yet rock-hard and non-porous barrier RustSeal is incredibly tough, extremely resistant to abrasion and impact, and won't crack chip, or peel. RustSeal provides a beautiful finish that resembles a ceramic coat or powder coat, making concrete floors look incredible.

Ease of Use

Unlike other high-performance concrete coatings, RustSeal is a single-component (1K) product with no mixing ratios involved. Simply stir and use. There is no special equipment needed.

When to Use RustSeal

RustSeal is designed for applications that will not receive regular exposure to sunlight. While RustSeal’s strength and durability are not compromised, the finish can become dull. For those wanting concrete floor paint that is UV stable, we recommend KBS MAXX.

How Much RustSeal Should I Use?

When used as a concrete floor paint, RustSeal is applied to dry concrete with a roller in at least two medium coats.

Film Thickness

The dry film thickness of RustSeal should measure at least 2 mils per coat. Total dry film thickness for two coats should measure at least 4 mils.

How to Determine the Amount of RustSeal Needed

The amount of RustSeal needed depends on the coarseness of the concrete.

• The theoretical coverage on smooth concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 400 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 200 square feet per gallon.
• The theoretical coverage on rough concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 240-280 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 120-140 square feet per gallon.

Instructions for using RustSeal as a concrete floor paint can be found HERE.

KBS MAXX

KBS MAXX is a single stage, two component (2K) polyurethane top coat paint performs like an all-in-one base coat and clear coat. KBS MAXX is a fast curing polyaspartic floor coating that has superior impact, weather, and UV resistance, while providing fast drying characteristics. The long-lasting, high solids coating offers outstanding adhesion and superb opacity. KBS Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes it both flexible and durable and the coating has low VOC and HAPs.

When to Use KBS MAXX

KBS MAXX should be used as concrete floor paint when a quciker cure is needed, an opaque finish is desired, and when the surface will receive regular exposure to sunlight. Also, this is the perfect coating to use when low VOC and HAPs are a top priority.

How Much KBS MAXX Should I Use?

Film Thickness

• The dry film thickness of KBS MAXX should measure at least 2 mils per coat. Total dry film thickness for two coats should measure at least 4 mils.

How to Determine the Amount of KBS MAXX Needed

The amount of KBS MAXX needed depends on the coarseness of the concrete.

• The theoretical coverage on smooth concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 450 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 225 square feet per gallon.
• The theoretical coverage on rough concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 225 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 112.5 square feet per gallon.

RustSeal and KBS MAXX Used Together

As RustSeal has a lower cost than KBS MAXX, some KBS customers are opting to use RustSeal as base coat before applying KBS MAXX.

• Before applying KBS MAXX, allow the RustSeal to cure for 24 hours and then lightly scuff the surface with 320 grit sandpaper or a green scotch-brite pad.
• In this case we recommend at least one medium coat of RustSeal at 2 mil dry film thickness and at least one medium coat of KBS MAXX at 2 mil dry film thickness.

Instructions for use of KBS MAXX can be found HERE.

DiamondFinish Clear

DiamondFinish Clear is a single part formula, high-gloss moisture cured urethane clearcoat that is UV stable, durable, and extremely tough. DiamondFinish Clear also remains permanently flexible because of its use of KBS Advanced Coatings technology.

Ease of Use

DiamondFinish Clear is a single-component (1K) product with no mixing ratios involved. Simply stir and use. There is no special equipment needed.

When to Use DiamondFinish Clear

DiamondFinish Clear can be used to protect concrete while allowing the concrete surface below to show through. It can also be used as a top coat on RustSeal, for extra depth and protection if desired.

How Much DiamondFinish Clear Should I Use?

When used as a concrete floor paint, DiamondFinish Clear is applied to dry concrete with a roller in at least two medium coats.

Film Thickness

• The dry film thickness of DiamondFinish Clear should measure at least 2 mils per coat. Total dry film thickness for two coats should measure at least 4 mils.

How to Determine the Amount of DiamondFinish Clear Needed

The amount of DiamondFinish Clear needed depends on the coarseness of the concrete.

• The theoretical coverage on smooth concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 400 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 200 square feet per gallon.
• The theoretical coverage on rough concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 200 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 100 square feet per gallon.

Instructions for use of DiamondFinish Clear can be found HERE.

KBS MAXX Clear

KBS MAXX Clear has the same high durability and beauty characteristics as KBS MAXX, it’s just pigment free.

When to Use KBS MAXX Clear

People often choose this clear coat when low VOC and low HAPs are high priority. KBS MAXX Clear is fast curing polyaspartic floor coating. Also, those who want to work with the two component (2K) non-moisture cured polyurethane formulation have a high-quality option.

How Much KBS MAXX Clear Should I Use?

When used as a concrete floor paint, KBS MAXX Clear is applied to dry concrete with a roller in at least two medium coats.

Film Thickness

• The dry film thickness of KBS MAXX Clear should measure at least 2 mils per coat. Total dry film thickness for two coats should measure at least 4 mils.

How to Determine the Amount of KBS MAXX Clear Needed

• The theoretical coverage on smooth concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 450 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 225 square feet per gallon.
• The theoretical coverage on rough concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 225 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 112.5 square feet per gallon.

Instructions for use of KBS MAXX Clear can be found HERE.

Concrete Preparation Before Using Concrete Floor Paint

As with any paint job, proper surface preparation is key for a quality result. The following preparation procedure needs to be taken before applying KBS coatings to concrete floors.

Keep in mind, if your concrete is new, allow it to cure for at least 60 days or until fully cured. This will ensure the pH will be at the proper level to allow the concrete floor paint to bond best. If you have new concrete in great shape, you should be able to skip a lot of prep work, including scraping old paint, filling cracks, sanding, and degreasing.

Clean the Concrete

• Sweep or use a shop vac to remove any loose debris and contamination.
• Scrape off any stuck-on debris with a scraper or shovel.
• Wash the surface with KBS Klean, a water-based cleaner/degreaser. Use a dilution rate most effective for the degree of contamination.
• Use a bristle brush or electric floor scrubber to help remove any dirt, grease, or oil stains from the pores of the concrete. Repeat if necessary. Oil and grease stains are gone when water no longer beads up on the surface.
• Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
• If desired, fill any cracks or pits as directed with NuMetal Epoxy Putty or a similar filler.The theoretical coverage on rough concrete at 2 mils dry film thickness is 225 square feet per gallon. Therefore, theoretical coverage for 2 coats totaling 4 mils dry film thickness is 112.5 square feet per gallon.

Etch the Concrete

For the highest level of adhesion and bonding of concrete floor paint, a thin layer of the concrete surface needs to be removed.

• Removing a thin layer of the surface can be done with muriatic acid wash or concrete grinding.
• Rinse well and let dry completely. Use a fan or dehumidifier to help facilitate drying.
• To test for residual moisture in the concrete, securely seal a 2-to-3-foot area of concrete with plastic wrap and tape and leave it overnight. If no condensation forms on the plastic wrap, the concrete is dry and ready for concrete floor paint.

Preparation for Top Coating RustSeal or KBS MAXX

• Before applying a top coat to KBS MAXX or RustSeal, allow the coating to cure for 24 hours and then lightly scuff the surface with 320 grit sandpaper or a green scotch-brite pad.

Topping Concrete Floor Paint with Floor Flakes and Silica Sand

KBS Coatings can be topped with floor flakes for decorative purposes, or silica sand can be mixed in to provide a higher traction surface.

Adding Floor Flakes

Floor flakes can be added to any previously mentioned coatings. After the coating is applied as a concrete floor paint, and while it is still wet, sprinkle the floor flakes evenly over the surface and allow the coating to cure.

If desired, DiamondFinish Clear or KBS MAXX Clear can be used as a top coat to seal the floor flakes.

Adding Silica Sand

Silica sand can be mixed into KBS moisture cured urethanes including RustSeal and DiamondFinish Clear. It is important that the sand is free of impurities and is completely dry so as not to interfere with the moisture cure process.

• Slowly mix in the sand until a mix ratio of 4 parts paint to 1 part sand is reached.
• For opaque finishes top coat the first coat with a sand-free coat. This won’t impact the added traction, but it should make inevitable dark specks, caused by the sand, less noticeable.
• Re-coating can be done once the first or consecutive coat is dry-to-touch and does not leave a fingerprint which is typically within 2-6 hours depending on temperature and humidity.

Questions? Please Let Us Know

If you have any questions about using KBS Coatings as concrete floor paint, please let us know. You can reach us at support@kbs-coatings.com or at 888-531-4527.