| Welcome to yet another challenge facing the house | | | | extension handle and tray .medium nap roller |
| flipper - a garage floor from hell. | | | | Chemicals you'll need are: .concrete degreaser |
| This floor has deteriorated from road salt, oils and | | | | .concrete sealer (approx 1/2 gallon of sealer for 100 |
| other auto fluids, not to mention other chemicals that | | | | square feet) |
| have been dropped, spilled and leaked over the years. | | | | Clean and dry the concrete thoroughly before applying |
| A worthwhile project for the flip is to refinish and seal | | | | the sealer. The floor must be free of dirt, grease and |
| the garage floor. | | | | oil before you can start. This is done using the stiff |
| Much like the bathroom or kitchen floor is important to | | | | scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete |
| Ms. Buyer, the garage floor is important to Mr. Buyer. | | | | degreaser. The easiest way to apply the sealer is with |
| Ideally it will be clean and sealed against harmful | | | | the medium nap paint roller on an extension handle. |
| chemicals. A clear acrylic concrete sealer protects the | | | | Test the sealer in an area that is out of the way |
| concrete from damage and stains. Also the same | | | | before applying it. An uneven floor might result in light |
| sealers can be used on concrete walks and | | | | and darks spots which may not be acceptable. Work |
| driveways or as a primer under acrylic or polyurethane | | | | your way out of the garage starting in the rear corner. |
| floor paints. An important note here is that concrete | | | | Let it stay on the floor for at least 15-20 minutes, |
| sealers cannot be applied over paint or other coatings. | | | | longer for more soiled or stubborn areas. Rinse with |
| Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals | | | | clean water. Repeat process if there are still |
| that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the vapors | | | | noticeable stains. |
| are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are | | | | Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals |
| acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, | | | | that might be harmful to skin or respiratory systems. |
| eyes and lungs is to wear the protective equipment. | | | | Make sure to wear the protective gear. Also make |
| Before you begin make sure you have the right gear. | | | | sure to work in a well ventilated area by opening the |
| A good list of protective equipment would include: | | | | garage doors and running a fan to blow the fumes |
| .some neoprene rubber gloves .protective clothing | | | | outside. |
| .goggles .a stiff brush and a bucket .a big heavy duty | | | | Allow the sealer to dry for a few hours before doing |
| paintbrush .a cartridge-style respirator with | | | | anything else. |
| organic-vapor and small-particle filters .paint roller with | | | | |