Types

• Decide between the types of paint: epoxy, latex or alkyd. Epoxy paint makes the floor more resistant to chemicals, provides a nonskid surface when you add silicate, keeps concrete sweating low, seals the surface from moisture, creates a beautiful appearance and is the best for floors. Latex concrete paint, however, is great for walls, applies easily and requires only water to clean the brushes. Oil-based paint--alkyd--usually is best if you already have several layers of old oil-based paint. If you use it on fresh masonry, like new concrete, you need a sealer first.
  
  

Epoxy Paint

• To create a unique surface in the garage that looks like a showroom floor, try epoxy paint. There are only three types of epoxies on the market. The first is 100 percent solids, the second is a solvent-based paint and the third is water-based. Normally both the solids and solvent-based are expensive and need professional handling. These tend to be quite toxic and are usually sold at industrial supply stores. You need to use a respirator and have good ventilation if you choose these. Water-based epoxies are cheapest, and while they don't last as long, they aren't hazardous, which makes them the best for nonprofessionals.
  
  

Latex Paint

• Use latex concrete paint for the easiest cleanup. This type of paint requires only soap and water for cleanup. Again, there are several brands on the market. Most of them seal the concrete besides adding a decorative touch. You have a large selection of colors in the floor paint and wall paints, with the ever-popular white, beige, red, gray and sandstone leading the pack. Many of the latex concrete floor and wall paints can be tinted, so your color selection is unlimited.
  
  

Alkyd Paint

• The alkyd paint, which is oil-based, isn't as popular as the other two types. The primary reason is that cleanup requires mineral spirits. Oil-based paint is the best to use if you already have layers of paint on the floor or walls that are oil-based. This eliminates the need to remove the earlier paint from the concrete.
  
  

Considerations

• There are many reasons to use decorative concrete paint. If you have allergies, the painted concrete floor is a great alternative to carpets. The maintenance is easy. A great design enhances the room. Painted floors and walls also provide extra protection from mold and mildew because the paint seals the concrete.
  
  

Benefits

• You can create elaborate designs or make faux stone and ceramic tile with the paint. There's no reason to keep the paint job bland when, with the help of a straight edge and pattern, you can have a dramatic look to your concrete wall or floor. Simple designs, such as broad borders of contrasting color, are also easy to create. Find the best style of design for your room and grab a paintbrush.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Thoroughly clean the floors and walls with a hard bristle brush before you begin painting. Wash the floor with soapy water and remove any contaminants. If you already have a painted concrete surface, follow the paint manufacturer's recommendation for preparation. The more care you take in preparation for painting with concrete decorate paints, the more successful and durable the final finish will be.