Painting basement walls and floor

Posted by Bob on November 7, 2009, 11:23 am

I own an older(90+ years) home with a basement(completely unfinished
concrete floor- concrete walls-quite a bit of wooden areas such as interior
walls/posts/storage closets/etc)

I am going to paint the floor and walls.

I figured on using a gray color for the floors, but was unsure about the
color to use for the concrete walls and wood surfaces.

II have good lighting down there so that's not a problem.

I thought about white or light green for the vertical surfaces. Any pro's
and con's on either or any other ideas would be very much appreciated.

I think I am "on track" in terms of type of paint/preparation/etc. but can
always use the excellent information I receive on this site.

Again any ideas on preparation,etc would also be appreciated.

Thank you,

Bob

Posted by Joe on November 7, 2009, 1:51 pm

> I own an older(90+ years) home with a basement(completely unfinished
> concrete floor- concrete walls-quite a bit of wooden areas such as interi=

> walls/posts/storage closets/etc)
> =A0 I am going to paint the floor and walls.
> I figured on using a gray color for the floors, but was unsure about the
> color to use for the concrete walls and wood surfaces.
> II have good lighting down there so that's not a problem.
> I thought about white or light green for the vertical surfaces. =A0Any pr=

o's

> and con's on either or any other ideas would be very much appreciated.
> I think I am "on track" in terms of type of paint/preparation/etc. but ca=

> always use the excellent information I receive on this site.
> Again any ideas on preparation,etc would also be appreciated.
> Thank you,
> Bob

The only decent finish for concrete floors is a two part epoxy. Many
good brands out there, take your choice of water based or solvent
based, and follow directions to the letter. A neutral light gray or
white seems most appropriate for walls. Too much tint on walls makes
everything reflect that color which might make some cabinets or other
items a peculiar shade.

Joe

Posted by RicodJour on November 7, 2009, 2:54 pm

> Too much tint on walls makes
> everything reflect that color which might make some cabinets or other
> items a peculiar shade.

You could say that about any walls in any part of a home - not sure
why it would be more of a concern in a basement.

There's no reason that a basement has to have the typical basement
gray color. I don't like white or gray for basement walls, it looks
too industrial and/or harsh. Pick an off-white that works with
whatever you use for the floor. I just redid a laundry room and went
with a sand colored epoxy with the chips in it - hides a multitude of
sins. Rustoleum water-based garage floor paint, very easy to apply.
The sand color is a lot easier on the eyes than a gray, IMO.

R

Posted by hallerb@aol.com on November 7, 2009, 3:07 pm

> > Too much tint on walls makes
> > everything reflect that color which might make some cabinets or other
> > items a peculiar shade.

> You could say that about any walls in any part of a home - not sure
> why it would be more of a concern in a basement.
> There's no reason that a basement has to have the typical basement
> gray color. =EF=BF=BDI don't like white or gray for basement walls, it lo=

oks

> too industrial and/or harsh. =EF=BF=BDPick an off-white that works with
> whatever you use for the floor. =EF=BF=BDI just redid a laundry room and =

went

> with a sand colored epoxy with the chips in it - hides a multitude of
> sins. =EF=BF=BDRustoleum water-based garage floor paint, very easy to app=

ly.

> The sand color is a lot easier on the eyes than a gray, IMO.
> R

concrete basement floors are best left bare concrete.

once you paint once its a maintence issue forever.slide a washing
machine out for repair, paint now has scrape mark.

Posted by aemeijers on November 7, 2009, 6:00 pm

hallerb@aol.com wrote:

>>> Too much tint on walls makes
>>> everything reflect that color which might make some cabinets or other
>>> items a peculiar shade.

>> You could say that about any walls in any part of a home - not sure
>> why it would be more of a concern in a basement.
>> There's no reason that a basement has to have the typical basement
>> gray color. �I don't like white or gray for basement walls, it looks
>> too industrial and/or harsh. �Pick an off-white that works with
>> whatever you use for the floor. �I just redid a laundry room and went
>> with a sand colored epoxy with the chips in it - hides a multitude of
>> sins. �Rustoleum water-based garage floor paint, very easy to apply.
>> The sand color is a lot easier on the eyes than a gray, IMO.
>> R

>
> concrete basement floors are best left bare concrete.
>
> once you paint once its a maintence issue forever.slide a washing
> machine out for repair, paint now has scrape mark.
>

I mostly agree, especially since in a 90 year old house, surface prep
will probably require pro tools and chemicals to have any hope of paint
sticking. The only reason I would ever paint a basement is to keep dust
down, from the concrete trying to return to the powder from whence it
came. But rather than the usual gray, I'd probably go with clear for the
floor, like they now use in retail space, especially recycled retail
space. (Not sure if that is available for DIY application.) White walls
are nice in a workshop or playroom- they bounce the light well and keep
the space from feeling like a cave. They also make any leaks or mold
immediately obvious.

--
aem sends...

Page 1 of 2 1 2 > last >>

Similar Threads	Posted
Sealing/painting finished walls in basement? Moisture issues?	April 30, 2006, 7:15 am
Waterproof basement walls first or floor???	March 29, 2007, 10:34 pm
Finishing Basement: Fastening Exterior Walls to Floor	March 31, 2006, 2:41 pm
Painting a concrete basement floor	September 5, 2009, 6:14 pm
painting stained concretee basement floor?	July 23, 2007, 9:09 pm
Deglossing Walls for Painting	March 29, 2006, 3:45 pm
Painting Grooved Walls	December 16, 2007, 2:50 pm
Painting--where the walls meet the ceiling	September 10, 2006, 9:40 am
Primer for painting exterior walls	October 4, 2006, 10:15 pm
painting over gloss on brick walls with emulsion	September 29, 2007, 6:21 pm