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Paint for concrete floor [Indiana]

 

My shower stall has concrete floor. I am thinking to paint the concrete floor to brighten it up. Is this a good idea? If yes, what kind of paint should I use ?

Jenny L
- Bloomington, Indiana
June 28, 2010

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June , 2010

Hi, Jenny. Shower stalls are small enough and simple enough, and concrete is the perfect substrate, so that they are the perfect place for your first ceramic tiling project. And, unlike paint, which won't last long, your ceramic tile will be around for your grandchildren to enjoy when they are your age. And maybe their grandchildren.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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July 22, 2010

Hi Jenny. I agree with Ted that tile would be the best way to go. But if for some reason you prefer a non-tile approach to your project I suggest you check out a 100% solids epoxy system. Basically it is a two part epoxy that you mix and apply like paint. Epoxy will adhere to the prepped concrete very well. They make a version for vertical applications making it easy to apply to side walls if needed. Sometimes they use this type of material to coat swimming pools. There aren't a bunch of color options...but they do have some. Just keep in mind to ask your vendor for a media you can apply to the surface to add a non-slip texture.

Clay O'Shell
- Tyrone, Pennsylvania, USA

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July 23, 2010

The big box stores and larger paint stores sell a material for garage floors and it comes with an anti-slip grit to put on top of the wet paint.
I like polyurethanes for this use.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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August 3, 2010

Are you sure it's concrete? A properly installed shower will have a rubber liner (shower pan). On top of that will be a "mud" that's a mixture of portland cement and sand. The purpose is to provide a permeable base for tile that can let any water that gets through the tile percolate to the liner and then into the drain. Tile should go on top of this. Otherwise, you're painting on top of something that will have constant moisture in it. This hydraulic pressure will cause problems with paint adhesion in the long term.

Ted's right. You should tile it.

Christian Restifo
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania