Looking for the best concrete paint for your flooring in the UK? Our comprehensive Concrete Paints Chart helps you easily choose the ideal solution for garages, patios, driveways, or indoor floors. Discover paint durability, drying times, average costs in pounds (£), and coverage in m²/kg - everything you need to make an informed, lasting choice for your concrete surfaces.
| Concrete Paint Type |
Durability |
Best Uses |
Drying Time |
Average Cost (£) |
Coverage per kg |
| Acrylic Latex Paint |
(3-5 years) |
Interior floors, low-traffic areas |
4-6 hours drying |
£15-£30 per litre |
8-10 m²/kg |
| Epoxy Concrete Paint |
(5-10 years) |
Garages, workshops, basements |
12-24 hours drying |
£40-£90 per litre |
5-8 m²/kg |
| Polyurethane Paint |
(8-15 years) |
Outdoor patios, driveways, high-traffic areas |
6-12 hours drying |
£60-£110 per litre |
6-9 m²/kg |
| Concrete Stain (Acid-based) |
(20+ years) |
Decorative flooring, interior and exterior |
4-8 hours drying |
£30-£70 per litre |
10-15 m²/kg |
| Concrete Sealer |
(3-10 years) |
Waterproofing, basements, moisture-prone areas |
2-4 hours drying |
£20-£50 per litre |
7-12 m²/kg |
- ✔ Identify your floor’s usage: Choose acrylic for low-traffic interiors or epoxy for heavy-duty spaces like garages.
- ✔ Consider drying times: Fast-drying polyurethane is ideal for projects requiring quick turnaround.
- ✔ Evaluate durability needs: Acid-based stains offer permanent finishes suitable for decorative polished concrete.
- ✔ Check coverage efficiency: Select products offering maximum m²/kg coverage for cost-effective application.
🔹
What type of paint is best for concrete flooring?
Epoxy paints are generally considered the best option for concrete flooring due to their exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic. However, acrylic latex paints can be suitable for lower traffic indoor areas, and polyurethane paints excel outdoors due to weather resistance. Always match your choice with the specific environment and usage of your concrete flooring.
🔹
How do I prepare concrete flooring for painting?
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving a long-lasting paint finish. First, thoroughly clean the surface by removing all dirt, grease, oil stains, and loose debris. Repair cracks and damage with appropriate filler. Next, roughen the surface lightly with sandpaper or an acid-based etching solution to improve adhesion. Allow the surface to fully dry before applying any primer or paint to ensure excellent bonding.
🔹
Can I use regular paint on concrete floors?
Regular wall or household paints are typically not recommended for concrete flooring. These paints lack the durability, adhesion, and resistance required for flooring applications, causing them to peel or wear prematurely. Concrete-specific paints like epoxy, acrylic latex, or polyurethane are specially formulated to bond securely to concrete, providing longer-lasting protection and aesthetics.
🔹
Do I need a primer before painting concrete floors?
Using a primer designed specifically for concrete surfaces significantly improves paint adhesion and durability. Primers help seal porous concrete, neutralize surface alkalinity, and provide a smooth base coat for paint to adhere effectively. While some specialty concrete paints may claim to not require a primer, using one is always advisable to achieve optimal results and maximize the lifespan of your floor finish.
🔹
How long does concrete floor paint take to dry?
Drying times for concrete floor paints vary depending on the type chosen. Acrylic latex paints usually dry to the touch in 4-6 hours, whereas epoxy paints might require 12-24 hours before they're safe to walk on. Polyurethane options typically dry within 6-12 hours. Always check product guidelines for exact drying times and allow additional curing time before resuming heavy traffic or vehicle use to achieve the best durability.