How to Refresh Concrete Floors with Paint

April 23, 2025

Concrete Floor Makeover Magic: Bring Life Back to Your Space with Paint

Your concrete floors have probably experienced more life than your lounge cushions. Between the muddy shoes, dropped tools, and the roller-skating kids who swear they're careful—those concrete surfaces take a beating. But here’s the gorgeous reality: with the right paint and a bit of know-how, you can turn that tired slab into something fresh, beautiful, and oh-so-practical. Let’s take a stroll together through how to refresh your concrete floors with paint—your weekend project just got exciting!

Why Paint Your Concrete Floors?

If you’ve been living with dull grey concrete, you know how easily it can look drab and feel cold. Painted concrete isn’t just about appearance. A good finish:

Seals and protects against wear, spills, and stains
Makes cleaning easier—and let’s be honest, more satisfying
Adds charm and personality to your shed, laundry, garage, or even porch

Think about it—wouldn’t it feel lovely walking into your garage and seeing a chic, clean floor instead of that aged, dusty slab?

The Prep Work (Spoiler: It’s Worth It!)

I won’t sugarcoat it—prepping is the part everyone wants to rush through. But it’s the heart and soul of this whole process. Ignoring it is like putting lipstick on a lumpy cake. Here’s what you need to do:

Give it a real clean. Scrub the concrete like it owes you money. Remove any oil stains, dirt, and grease. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner works a treat here. Rinse thoroughly.
Fix the flaws. Patch any cracks or holes using a concrete repair filler. Let it cure—no skipping the drying time.
Etch or grind. If your concrete is smooth and shiny, it needs a surface rough-up for the paint to grab onto. Acid-etching or mechanical grinding helps create that grip.
Dry it out. Concrete holds moisture. Let it dry completely—for best results, wait at least 24 hours after washing.

Picking the Right Paint (Trust Me, It Matters)

Alright, here comes the fun part—choosing the paint. For concrete surfaces, regular wall paint just doesn’t cut it. You need something designed for the job, like a tough epoxy or an acrylic that plays well with concrete. Good thing our mates at Strathalbyn H Hardware have fantastic options like Haymes Ultimate Floor Finish. It’s a high-opacity, water-based paint specially made for concrete and timber floors. Low odour, fast drying and packed with durability—yes, yes, and yes.

It comes in low-sheen finishes and can even be tinted in loads of lovely colours (cue colour obsession for days). Whether you’re aiming for a soft grey or a deep charcoal, the right shade can shift the mood of your whole space.

Time for Paint! Here's How

Don’t stress if you're not a painting wizard. This isn’t cabinetry—it’s a floor. But technique still matters. Follow these steps, and you’ll get the job done right the first time.

Start with a primer. Some concrete paints require a primer coat (especially for old, porous concrete). Check the product label. Skipping primer is like planting roses in sand—a pretty idea that quickly wilts.
Roll it on evenly. Use a long-handled roller and work in sections. Pop on some knee pads while you're at it—you’ll thank me later.
Apply 2 thin coats instead of one thick one. Let each coat dry completely according to directions (usually a few hours, but trust the tin).
Top it off with a sealer (if needed). Some paints already have protective features built-in, but for super high-use areas like driveways or garages, a clear sealant can add extra longevity.

Dry Time & Patience: Your New Best Friends

Now breathe. Let it dry. No stepping back in with tools or furniture for at least 24-48 hours. I had a friend named Tom who couldn’t wait and left a permanent print of his lawn mower in his laundry—don’t be like Tom.

Bonus Tip: Pick the Right Gear

While you’re visiting Strathalbyn H Hardware, ask the friendly crew about applicators, masking tape, and surface cleaners. It’s never just about the paint. A smooth result comes from pairing it with the tools made for the task. Here’s a handy add-on for tough prep sessions: try the Haymes Universal Surface Prep—it helps paint adhere better and ensures that gorgeous colour doesn't chip at first swipe.

Style It With Confidence

Once everything’s dry and looking fab, have fun with it! Add a rug, some potted plants or store your tools on neat shelving. Even in a concrete-floored space, your personality can shine through. Whether it’s the laundry getting a fresh breath or the garage becoming your next workshop (or let’s be honest, a cool hangout zone), your freshly painted concrete floor will be the unsung hero underfoot.

And if you’re unsure where to start, pop into the Strathalbyn H Hardware store or give us a call. Let Haymes Paint take the guesswork out of it—and hey, tell them Candeece sent you 😉

Happy painting!

With colour-covered fingers and a heart full of DIY joy,
Candeece