EXPERT ADVICE

Follow these steps when painting a freshly rendered concrete floor, says marketing manager of Dulux South Africa Nonkululeku Mcunu: 1 The floor should cure for a minimum of six weeks before it is prepped for painting. Aim for one week of drying/5mm thickness (longer in cold or damp weather). 2 Acid etch the concrete surface. On steel or power-floated concrete (very smooth), use one volume hydrochloric acid to two volumes water. On wood-floated concrete (rough), use one volume hydrochloric acid to four volumes water. Mix this in a watering can and wet the surface well. Allow the acid solution to react for 15 minutes then wash it away with lots of clean water. Remove excess water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Note Hydrochloric acid is corrosive; wear gloves, a mask and goggles. 3 Apply 2 coats of Dulux Trade Floor Coat in the colour of your choice, allowing a drying time of 18 hours between coats. Note A concrete floor that’s been in use for a long time should also be acid etched or thoroughly scrubbed with Dulux Pre-paint Brush Cleaner/ Degreaser before it is painted.