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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 [email protected] or at 888-531-4527.

Clear Concrete Sealer – How to Choose the Best Type for Your Project A clear concrete sealer serves two primary functions. One is to protect the concrete and the other is to improve its appearance. Concrete surfaces, especially garage floors, are subject to staining and damage from oil, chemicals, dirt, road salt, and other materials. They can also be damaged by water erosion and extreme temperatures. A clear concrete sealer provides a protective barrier that stands between damaging elements and the concrete to help keep it from spalling, pitting and cracking. Although there is the initial investment of time and money to seal concrete, ultimately, it will help to avoid the expense of repair or replacement of the concrete by extending its service life. Concrete sealers can be used on new and old concrete, whether indoors or outdoors. A clear concrete sealer also helps to beautify concrete by bringing out its colors and textures with a low sheen, high-gloss or wet look finish. Of note, spills, mud, and other contaminants are more easily cleaned from a sealed concrete surface. Choosing the best type of clear concrete sealer depends on the requirements of your project. Acrylic Concrete Sealer Water based acrylic concrete sealer is the most widely used and is known for its color enhancement, short dry time and the ability to be applied to concrete soon after it is poured. Acrylic concrete sealers are also easy to use and generally more economical than other concrete sealers. A downside is that acrylic concrete sealer applies in thin coats is not durable. So, recoating is required more frequently than other types of clear concrete sealers. Acrylic concrete sealers are available in water based and solvent based formulations. Water based is often preferred as it is more durable than solvent based. Additionally, it helps reduce issues like brush marks and bubbling. A benefit of a solvent based acrylic clear concrete sealer is that it does a better job of enhancing the concrete color. Penetrating Concrete Sealer A clear concrete sealer that penetrates concrete is popular for outdoor use as it absorbs into the concrete for a barrier that doesn’t let water in but allows water vapor to evaporate out. This is ideal for winter environments as water trapped in concrete can freeze and expand, thereby cracking the concrete. Penetrating concrete sealer is popular for outdoor use, such as on sidewalks, as it doesn’t have a glossy finish that can get slippery when wet. Types of penetrating concrete sealers are silicate concrete sealer, silicone concrete sealer and silane concrete sealer. Silicate concrete sealer increases hardness and density of concrete. It maintains the natural appearance of the concrete but doesn’t provide high levels of protection against water erosion. Silicone concrete sealer provides shorter term protection and will need to be reapplied far more frequently than other sealers. This sealer doesn’t alter the appearance of concrete and is often used on vertical surfaces to protect concrete against graffiti. The coating doesn’t offer UV protection so it’s not ideal for applications that are exposed to significant sunlight. Silane Concrete Sealer is applied in two to three thick coats and provides protection for up to 3 years. This heavy-duty clear concrete sealer significantly changes the appearance of the concrete and is frequently used for parking garages. Epoxy Concrete Sealer Epoxy clear concrete sealer is much harder than acrylic concrete sealant and offers a thick and durable finish that is long lasting and abrasion resistant. Epoxy sealant has a high gloss and brings out surface colors. It’s a popular choice for kitchen counters and high traffic areas like walkways. As epoxy is vulnerable to yellowing caused by UV light it is most popular for indoor applications. Polyurethane and Urethane Concrete Sealers Polyurethane and urethane clear concrete sealer has a service life of 4-8 years, provides almost twice the thickness of an acrylic concrete sealer, and offers excellent durability against chemicals, contaminants, and scuffing. UV protectants keep the sealant from yellowing over time, making it a functional choice for outdoor applications as well as indoor use. Like acrylics, they are available in water based and solvent based formulations. This type of sealer performs so well it is the sealant of choice for high traffic areas such as concrete roadways. Flexibility of the coating allows it to handle impacts that would damage an acrylic clear concrete sealer. KBS Coatings DiamondFinish Clear concrete sealer is an excellent choice for sealing concrete. DiamondFinish Clear is a 1K (one part – requires no mixing) moisture cured high gloss urethane clear coat that is exceptionally tough. Its formulation brings out the colors and textures of the concrete and because of its Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology, it is both flexible and durable to avoid cracking and peeling. To see a demonstration of DiamondFinish Clear’s flexibility and durability see our video. DiamondFinish Clear is self-leveling and can be applied with a roller, spray gun, or with a brush without leaving any brush marks. The clear concrete sealer is UV stable making it an excellent performer for both indoor and outdoor uses. DiamondFinish Clear is user friendly with a quick dry time and a low and compliant VOC formulation. Choosing the correct clear concrete sealer is a matter of determining what qualities it will need to have to best meet the requirements of the project. With careful research and selecting high quality products you can achieve a finish that looks great and provides long-lasting protection. For more information on DiamondFinish Clear click HERE.

KBS Klean: https://www.kbs-coatings.com/KBS-Klean.html RustSeal: https://www.kbs-coatings.com/RustSeal.html

“I used RustSeal to paint the area around my CNC machinery in January 2008. Two coats, and nothing else on top. I cleaned and prepped the oily floor per KBS instructions. Almost 8 years later and no chipping or pealing. Great finish for the money. I would take this over epoxy any day. Please remember your surface prep is key!!” -Kitwilbur from Fitchburg, MA