If you’re looking to finish or refinish your concrete floors, leaving them exposed and covering them with epoxy coating is an option you should consider. Epoxy paint is a very versatile medium, and you can create pretty much any look you want using it. It’s an inexpensive option that provides beautiful results. Getting creative with your epoxy coating will make your space perfectly unique.
Free-Hand Creations
For the artists among us, your bare concrete floors can be viewed as a giant canvas, just waiting for you to turn into a masterpiece. Epoxy coating can be applied with a variety of painting supplies, leaving them open to any design concept. Make a scaled down model of what you hope to create, then section it off into a grid. You can complete the design one section at a time on your floor. You can design anything from a whole picture to an intricate mosaic.
Color Blocking and Borders
For a simple design, whether bold or understated, color blocking is an easy way to go. Simply mask off the sections of your floor that are to be different colors, and then fill them in accordingly. You can use a central color with a contrasting or complementing border. You could also break the space up into geometric or organic shapes that match the style of the rest of your home. Even using two colors for your floor instead of one will really pump up the dimension.
Texture Techniques
Just like with painting walls, different texture techniques will give your floors a different feel. Experiment on a smaller piece of plywood or tile samples to see what will work for you. Sponges, feathers, rag rollers, or a combination of different techniques can give you an interesting finish. Texturing is a great way to add depth and variation to the room.
Stencils and Patterns
You can add a faux finish to concrete floors that is made to resemble granite, other natural stones, tile, or basically any other material. Stencils can be used to create this effect. Stencils can also be used to create a recurring pattern that includes intricate borders and designs. You can purchase stencils to use, or you can create your own. For a whole-floor stencil, consider using a plastic sheet that is anchored off at the edges of the room. Whether you use large or small stencils, allow the paint to partially dry before peeling them away. This will leave a crisp edge that makes all the difference in your final result.
