Hi! I have 2 gallons of exterior enamel satin that I would love to use to paint my basement floor (because it is free, so I don't have to spend anymore cash). The floor is concrete, and has already been painted a few times. Is this a good idea? This paint isn't specifically for concrete floors, but I figure it must be pretty hardy paint because it is exterior enamel. The basement barely gets any traffic--we only use it for laundry. Also, what is the best way to prep the floor for new paint? Thanks!!! jeannie

 

it is not somthing that I recomend, but it should work. there are a few things, though, first make sure the old paint is not peeling anywhere. if it is, your enamal will probably not stick to the raw concrete. also if your existing paint has a sheen, a little but of sanding will help your exterior adhere to the old stuff. After a light sanding with 220 sandpaper wipe it up and roll out the new. The only reason I can kind of say it will be ok is that you said there was not alot of traffic. most floor paints have agents in them to help with adheasion, exteriors do not. Further, enamal means nothing. it is term put on most paints as a marketing ploy. it does not mean that there is a specific amound of enamal added to the paint. it just means that there is at least a little.

 

Exterior enamel should stick to the floor fine [provided it is clean] The big thing is, because it isn't a floor enamel it won't wear as well.

I'm not sure what bclacquer means about enamel being added to paint. As a pro painter since the early 70's I have never heard of such a thing. I always understood enamel to be a term to describe a certain type of paint - namely a harder coating with various degrees of gloss.

 

Enamel paint
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This sign at Leytonstone tube station is a typical enamel-painted metal sign.An enamel paint is a paint that dries to an especially hard, usually glossy, finish.

This is a commonly used, yet fanciful term, implying that an ordinary latex or oil-based paint has the same properties as true, fired vitreous enamel.

Some enamel paints have been made by adding mouse varnish to oil-based paint.

The term sometimes refers to oil-modified polyesters that were introduced in the early 1930s. The oil is required to stop or enhance the crosslinking of the paint in order to achieve sufficient flexibility of the paint film.

Typically the term "enamel paint" is used to describe oil-based covering products, usually with a significant amount of gloss in them, however recently many latex or water-based paints have adopted the term as well. The term today means "hard surfaced paint" and usually is in reference to paint brands of higher quality, floor coatings of a high gloss finish, or spray paints.


Uses/categories of enamel :

- Floor enamel : May be used for concrete, stairs, basements, porches, and patios.

- Fast dry enamel : Can dry within 10-15 minutes of application. Ideal for refrigerators, counters, and other industrial finishes.

- Antirust enamel

- High-temp enamel : May be used for engines, brakes, exhaust, and BBQs.

 

Thanks so much for the info. I'm going to give it a try. I'll make sure to prep the floor really well, and hope for the best! jeannie