Take the floor

Marita Visser of George writes

We’ve just bought a house and we’d like to update the flooring; the previous owner treated the plain concrete with Cemcrete Colour Hardener Sealer but I really don’t like that industrial look. I’d prefer something cosier like a light earthy tan or an off-white. Is there a Cemcrete product that can cover this existing Cemcrete layer?

Joanne Sykes, marketing director at Cemcrete, replies

I recommend CreteCote which is a versatile and durable cement-based floor covering. It’s applied in two layers and produces a 1.6mmthick decorative finish.

Before you start, make sure the floor is free of anything that might interfere with adhesion, such as surface residues, cracks, holes, grease, oil or glue. You’ll need to sand the floor to remove any previous coats of sealer and remove any dust and loose material with a vacuum cleaner and stiff brush. If you’re treating a new concrete or cement screed floor, make sure the surface is dry, smooth, level and free of dust, and allow it to cure for at least 28 days.

Then prime the floor with two coats of Cemcrete’s Concrete Floor Primer (you might need a third coat if the floor is very porous). Apply each coat perpendicular to the one before, letting the layers dry in-between. Allow this to dry for 24 hours before applying CreteCote. Let that layer dry for another 24 hours before mist-spraying the entire floor evenly at least twice – make sure no water pools on the surface.

Ensure that the surface is completely clean and dry before applying a sealant; Cemcrete manufactures a wide range.

The protective sealant usually reaches maximum hardness 7–10 days after application. Do not slide furniture across the floor during this period as this can damage the coating. It would anyway be best to use foot pads under any furniture. >>

CONTACT cemcrete.co.za