How to Paint Concrete Floors

Want to turn dusty, worn concrete into a strong, clean, and colourful surface? The answer is concrete floor paints. These specialist coatings protect and transform floors in homes, workshops, and warehouses with long-lasting results and thousands of colours to choose from.

The Right Steps to Paint Your Concrete Floor

Clean the surface: Sweep away dust and debris. Use degreaser to remove oil. Rinse and dry completely.
Fix cracks and holes: Use a repair compound. Let it cure before moving on.
Etch or sand: Smooth concrete needs roughening to help paint grip. Rinse and allow to dry.
Prime the surface: Not all floors need primer, but it helps in many cases. Check the product guidance.
Apply paint evenly: Use a roller or brush. Work in sections. Allow proper drying time between coats.
Let it cure: Wait until the paint is fully hardened before walking or driving over it.

Each of these steps ensures a finish that won’t peel, flake, or fade under pressure. Durable finishes begin with solid preparation and the right paint for the job.

Resin floor with blue lines in a clean food processing facility

Resin-coated flooring with line markings supports hygiene and safety in a food production environment.

Epoxy Paints for Heavy-Duty Jobs

For floors that face heavy wear—like garages or warehouses—consider epoxy floor paints. These create a hard, chemical-resistant surface that lasts for years. They’re ideal for spaces with machinery, oil, or foot traffic.

Epoxy systems are especially good when you want to protect the floor and make cleaning easier. They also come in a range of colours, so you can upgrade the look while adding toughness.

Freshen Up Indoors or Out with Polyurethane

When painting outdoor concrete or bright indoor spaces, polyurethane floor coatings provide UV resistance. These paints don’t yellow in sunlight and stand up well to footfall, abrasion, and cleaning agents.

They also stay flexible over time. This makes them a smart choice for older concrete floors that may shift slightly with weather or building movement.

Fast Turnaround with MMA Paints

If you’re painting a floor and need to get it back into use the same day, MMA floor coatings cure in just a few hours. These products work even in cold conditions—perfect for food production, walk-in freezers, or outdoor surfaces during winter.

They’re also easy to repair later, with patch systems that blend into the original coating. MMA is a top choice for commercial upgrades where time is tight.

Industrial flooring with painted walkways in a factory

Colour-coded walkways on resin floors enhance safety and organisation in complex manufacturing environments.

Easy and Affordable with Acrylics

For DIYers or budget-friendly projects, acrylic paints offer a quick, simple way to refresh a floor. These water-based paints are ideal for light-traffic spaces like basements, retail units, and home workshops.

Acrylics dry fast and produce little odour. They’re safe for indoor use, easy to apply, and available in thousands of colours to match any scheme.

Bring Concrete Floors to Life

Every type of floor paint offers something different—speed, strength, flexibility, or affordability. But all can be brought to life in bold, custom colours and professional finishes thanks to the range at Rawlins Paints.

Need help deciding which paint is right for your space? Leave a comment below and Rawlins’ Technical Experts will guide you to the best solution for your floor and budget.

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