Coo-Var Floor Paint is a hard-wearing, single-pack floor coating suitable for a range of interior and exterior surfaces.
This guide explains how to prepare and apply Floor Paint to bare concrete and previously painted floors.
Before You Start
The surface must be clean, dry, sound and free from oil, grease, dust and other contamination.
You will typically need:
- Coo-Var Floor Paint
- Thinners 14
- Roller suitable for floor coatings
- Paint brush for edges and awkward areas
- Suitable cleaning/degreasing products
- Abrasive paper or mechanical preparation equipment where required
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Floor
Remove all dirt, dust, oil, grease and other contamination. Use a suitable degreaser or oil remvoer where required and allow the floor to dry thoroughly.
Bare Concrete
New concrete must be sufficiently cured and dry before painting.
Smooth, polished or power-floated concrete may require mechanical abrasion to provide a suitable key.
Where required, Coo-Var Acid Etch can help remove surface contamination and provide a suitable profile for the coating.
Remove all residue after preparation and ensure the floor is completely dry before painting.
Previously Painted Floors
Check that the existing coating is sound, well adhered and suitable for overcoating.
Remove loose or flaking paint and clean and degrease the surface thoroughly.
Abrade smooth or glossy areas to provide a suitable key, then remove all dust.
If you are unsure about compatibility, carry out a test area before coating the whole floor.
Step 2: Prime Bare Concrete
Bare concrete should be primed before applying the full coats of Floor Paint.
Use the first coat as the primer, thinned by 10% with Thinners 14.
Mix thoroughly and apply an even coat using a suitable roller. Avoid heavy pooling in low areas.
Allow the primer to dry sufficiently before applying the full coats.
Previously painted surfaces do not require this primer coat when the existing coating is sound, suitably prepared and compatible.
Step 3: Apply the First Full Coat
Once the primer has dried, apply the first full coat of undiluted Coo-Var Floor Paint.
Use a suitable roller for the main floor area and a brush around edges and awkward areas.
Work systematically to maintain an even finish and avoid overlaps.
Apply at the recommended coverage rate rather than too thickly, as excessive application can extend drying times and affect performance.
Coverage: approximately 9–11m² per litre, depending on the surface and application.
Step 4: Apply the Second Coat
Allow the first full coat to dry sufficiently before applying the second.
Apply another full coat of undiluted Coo-Var Floor Paint, working systematically across the floor to achieve an even finish.
Avoid applying excessive amounts of paint or overworking the coating.
Step 5: Allow to Dry
Allow the final coat to dry fully before putting the floor into use.
Typical drying times are approximately:
- Touch dry: 4 hours
- Hard dry: 12 hours
- Overcoat: 16 hours
- Heavy foot traffic: 5–7 days
Drying times can vary depending on temperature, humidity, ventilation and the surface being coated.
Tips for a Better Finish
- Always start with a clean, dry and properly prepared surface.
- Remove loose or flaking existing coatings.
- Abrade smooth or glossy surfaces.
- Prime bare concrete with thinned Coo-Var Floor Paint.
- Apply the paint at the recommended coverage rate.
- Avoid excessively thick coats.
- Allow sufficient drying time between coats.
- Allow the coating to fully harden before heavy traffic.
Need Help Choosing the Right Floor Paint?
Coo-Var offers a range of floor coatings for different surfaces, environments and performance requirements.
Explore the Coo-Var Floor Paint range or contact our team for free technical support, specs and site visits where required.
