Most unfinished basements have a concrete floor subfloor that forms the slab between the foundation walls.
How to prep a basement floor for concrete.
In its raw state this material is usually unsightly but a simple application floor paint can be a quick easy and cost effective way to make the environment suitable for living space especially for informal uses such as a recreation room workshop or exercise room.
To get the best results however you must prep the floor properly before you paint.
In order to prevent moisture and mildew from penetrating the carpeting it is important to prepare your concrete basement floor prior to the installation.
If you have made the decision to refinish your basement the renovations probably include the installation of a new carpet.
It must be treated so paint will stick to it and painting should only be done within a specified temperature range and dry conditions.
Concrete can be difficult to paint.
How to repaint concrete floors.
For a concrete subfloor you should install the plank with the sight lines of the floor.
Fortunately most epoxy paints work well on concrete and you can transform a gray basement floor into a colorful focal point.
Make sure conditions are right before starting the project.
Concrete paint can be purchased in either latex or oil based epoxy enamel.
If you don t have all the tools or you want to be 100 sure you don t waste any material invite a friend over to help you.
Test the humidity in your basement by taping a piece of plastic onto the floor and letting it sit for 24 hours.
Measure and mark the center of all four walls at floor level.
Also it is important to take time and prepare well before you start assembling.
Doing the prep work before you repaint a concrete floor avoids a peeling paint job later.
While concrete is a practical material for a house s foundation it isn t a very pretty surface to look at.
The steps in this guide on how to install vinyl plank flooring on concrete are quite easy to follow.