When it comes to home improvement, many areas can benefit from quality paint. Choosing the right paint or coating for your basement and garage will ensure these spaces are more comfortable and functional. Garage and basement painting are simple tasks, but there are methods that can help ensure a professional finish. This concrete could intimidate homeowners when it comes to priming and painting, below we will discuss tips for ensuring a professional-looking and long-lasting paint job.
Why Paint Your Garage Or Basement?
Before we discuss the best way to paint your garage or basement, there are a few benefits to share. Painting an unfinished concrete space can provide an enhanced room and bring new life.
Protect And Preserve Surfaces
Painting can protect the underlying surface from bacterial growth, scratches, and other types of wear. Choosing a durable paint will help increase the lifespan of your basement or garage and allow it to be used for many years. Basements and garages are prone to dust and moisture damage which can be limited by proper paint. Painted walls are also easier to clean, which will limit the buildup that can damage the underlying material.
Boost Property Value
An unfinished space can lower the overall value of your home. Paint is often seen as one of the finishing touches needed to complete an interior design plan. Painting the garage or basement of a home is a renovation that will bring a very high ROI. A room with insulation, a window, and paint could be used as an extra bedroom or living room, which will increase the value your home will sell for.
Improved Aesthetics And Functionality
A dark and dreary basement or garage will not be a comfortable space to be in. Painting the walls will brighten the space and make it welcoming. While painting the walls won’t help organize the area, it can make it more motivating to spend time in so you can organize.
Choosing The Right Paint
No matter what surface you are painting, certain primers, paints, and techniques will work for that surface. For unfinished concrete surfaces, there are special concrete and masonry paints that will adhere to the porous surface. These paints are also mildew and moisture-resistant, which will limit the risk of bacterial damage.
Another durable paint type for garages and basements includes waterproof paint. Basements are prone to moisture, especially if they are in areas with high humidity or a high water table. Waterproof paints add an extra layer of protection to prevent the water from seeping into the walls.
Tips For Professional Finishes
Now that you have the right type of paint, it is time to apply it to the space. Using proper equipment and taking your time is important when painting any room. If you want the job to look professional, follow these steps.
- Prep The Area: Before you tape, prime, or paint, you need to clean each surface you plan to paint. Remove any dust, mold, or build-up so that the paint will be able to adhere properly. You can also use a vacuum to help remove large amounts of dust or dirt easily. Removing debris will ensure a smooth finish.
- Repair Cracks And Holes: Inspect the garage and basement for damage before painting. Patching cracks and holes with a concrete filler will also ensure a continuously smooth surface.
- Utilize The Right Tools: Concrete can be a tricky surface to paint, which is why we suggest sprayers or rollers to ensure the best-looking finish. Sprayers take more skill to master, but they will provide the most even coats with a smooth finish. Rollers are easier for beginners to handle, but can still pose the risk of stroke lines. Small lines and angles can be done with a paintbrush.
- Prime The Surface: Applying a primer will add an extra layer of protection for the space. The primer needs to be applied to a clean and dry surface in order to last. Primer is especially important for spaces that are prone to moisture.
- Paint From The Top Down: Starting with the ceiling and working toward the floor will keep the floors clean if the paint drips. You will be able to touch up areas where small paint dripped if you work from the top down.
- Apply Coatings To The Floor: Once you have the ceiling and walls finished, you can move on to the basement or garage floor. While concrete floors can be painted, you may decide that an epoxy coating or rubber mats will work better for your situation. There are additional equipment and steps that you will need to follow if you choose epoxy. If you are applying paint, follow the same cleaning and preparation steps as above.
- Use Decorative Floor Mats: Mats can help protect the floor without the need for any special application. Durable floor mats can help limit wear in high-traffic areas and keep the space warm. Decorative or colored mats will add more visual interest while protecting the concrete surface. If painting ceilings and walls is enough work for you, using mats can save you precious time.
- Don’t Neglect Proper Lighting: Once the space is painted, you will need proper lighting to help show off the paint. LED lights can help garages and basements be efficient workspaces or hang-out areas. Lighting will help the space from feeling cramped or dark, depending on the color you choose for the concrete space.
American Town Painting
Our painters specialize in residential and commercial painting. We know how to improve your space and save you time and money. Whether you want to paint an interior room, your garage, or your basement, we can help! Your space will look professional and be long-lasting when you work with American Town Painting.