Garage Floor Paint Recomendations

[4RE KLR]

Originally Posted by powerslide

Don-Wow, the structural specs on that garage floor are awesome! The presence of a vapor barrier under the concrete floor cannot be over emphasized, especially in areas that have soils with a high plasticity index. You can follow all the correct manufacturers instructions, and use the best materials, but the lack of an approved vapor barrier can ruin everything. The moisture will just percolate right up through the concrete and the hydrostatic pressure will eventually lift the best of finishes. Having an approved vapor barrier is just as important as correct surface preparation.

Correct on every aspect.
No vapor barrier equals a lifetime of problems.

It is required by code (UBC) and builders install it and then cut holes in the tops of the pads just before the pour. They do this to help the concrete 'set up' on rainy and or wet days when they pour. It is a STUPID practice and there is no way to tell if it has been done once the pad is poured. That is until water starts to seep up thought the floor.

25 years in the building business.

[Don]

In a newspaper HandyMan home maintenance column, the question regarding garage floor painting was asked. Reply mentioned using a semi-transparent stain as a low cost approach. While not specifically stated, could be inferred using exterior stain.

Had not heard of this approach, has anyone used stain ?