Cementitious floors
(including compressed fibre cement sheets)

New concrete floors must be allowed to cure for a minimum of twenty eight days prior to painting.

Acid etching is the preferred surface preparation and can only be done using professional tradespeople - contact Resene.

Some new floors may have had a curing membrane applied, or may contain additives which harden the surface. These treatments result in a surface which is usually resistant to dilute acids and require alternative preparation by mechanical abrasion or captive shot blasting.

All concrete floors must be checked for excess moisture before coating. In the case of new concrete the test is carried out after the minimum recommended curing period.

Surface preparation:
To Test for moisture on new concrete:


Tape a 0.1mm clear plastic sheet (45x45cm) to the concrete surface. Taping must provide an airtight seal between the concrete and plastic sheet. Check the underside of the sheet after 24 hours for signs of condensation. Darkening of the concrete covered by the plastic sheet compared to surrounding areas also indicates presence of moisture. Allow an additional drying/curing time of fourteen days and repeat test. If moisture is detected on second test, the surface cannot be successfully coated.

If painting an existing concrete floor the following surface preparation steps need to be taken:

  1. Remove powdery layers and efflorescence:
    Remove any powdery layers, laitance or efflorescence by vigorous wire brushing or preferably water blasting. Sand off any protruding fibres from fibrous cement.

  2. Special attention needed:
    Fibre reinforced cement may contain asbestos. The removal and/or disposal of asbestos containing materials (or just the cleaning down of them) may require special permission and a licence. Contact your local Council offices to determine your obligations under their bylaws. Free asbestos is likely to be released during surface preparation and therefore suitable dust masks or respirators must be worn by all operators involved in surface preparation and disposal of waste. Special care must be taken to contain all debris and this should be kept wet and disposed of in a land fill. This material must not be left to dry out. Professional tradespeople must be involved.

  3. Degrease and clean surfaces:
    Thoroughly degrease by scrubbing or bushing down with detergent to remove all dirt, dust, grease, chalk, cobwebs and other contaminants. Rinse clean with copious amounts of clean water and test surface is degreased by wiping with clean cotton wool. Repeat process if necessary.

  4. Remove all moss and mould:
    Thoroughly clean down to remove all loosely adhered material. Treat areas of moss or mould infestation with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, correctly diluted with clean water.

    Leave for up to forty eight hours to achieve full kill. For heavy infestations further applications may be needed. Wash thoroughly with clean water to remove residues.

  5. Waterblast 3000 psi:
    This may not be necessary, but waterblasting will ensure an excellent surface for painting.

    Carefully waterblast at 3000 psi to remove all dirt, chalk, moss and mould residue and any other contaminants. Allow the surface to dry out for at least twenty four hours.

  6. More information on Preparing Concrete Floors for Painting

First coat:
If your new or old concrete floor is in poor condition and/or very porous it will require sealing with a full coat of Resene Sureseal applied at an approximate spreading rate of 10-16 square metres per litre depending on surface texture.

If the concrete surface is smooth or glossy, then seal with a full coat of Resene Smooth Surface Sealer applied at an approximate spreading rate of 11.5 - 12.5 square metres per litre.

If the flooring surface is already painted and/or in good condition, then you can go straight to Topcoats below.

Topcoats:
For interior concrete floors apply three coats of Resene Sidewalk at approximately 12 square metres per litre or for a waterbased option apply three coats of Resene Aquapoxy at approximately 11 square metres per litre depending on surface texture.

Various paint effects can also be achieved by using Resene Scumbling Glaze - contact Resene for further advice on the paint effect you desire.

Exterior driveways can be upgraded using Resene Concrete Stain. Resene Concrete Stain is designed specifically for revitalizing concrete, pressed concrete and other cementitious substrates forming a low sheen finish.

Resene Blacktop is a heavy-bodied slip resistant topping for rejuvenating aged or worn asphalt.

Follow label instructions at all times.

Cleaning up:
Cleaning up waterbased paints is different to solventbased paints - click here for detailed instructions on clean up.