Painting your carport floor offers various benefits when done correctly, but done incorrectly, your carport becomes an eyesore, and your property value goes down.
In this guide we’re going to cover what you need to know to get the job done right.
WHY SHOULD I PAINT MY CARPORT FLOOR?
There are a few good reasons why you might consider painting your carport floor, these include protecting the concrete surface and making cleanup easier.
PAINTING WILL PROTECT THE CONCRETE SURFACE
The concrete floor of your carport gets exposed to extreme temperature changes year-round as well as snow, ice, and rain.
All of these things take a toll on the integrity of your carport floor. Over time, this will cause the concrete to become dingy and cracked.
Adding a protective paint to your carport floor creates a seal over the surface so that the concrete doesn’t come into direct contact with the elements.
PAINTING WILL MAKE CLEANUP EASIER
If you use your carport for DIY, crafts, hobbies, or car repair, the concrete surface will need cleaning regularly.
Adding a coat of protective paint will fill in tiny cracks and holes in the concrete so that when it comes to cleanup time, dirt and debris sweep right away.
A painted surface also means that oil spills and other spills can be cleaned up much more efficiently.
HOW DOES PAINTING A CARPORT DIFFER FROM A REGULAR GARAGE?
Painting a carport differs from painting a garage in a few ways.
Firstly, your garage is a fully enclosed space where your carport is a more open space since it lacks walls.
So you will be painting in a more ventilated area, but it also means that you may have to contend with elements like wind blowing debris into your carport while painting.
Secondly, because the carport is more exposed than your garage floor, you have to take extra care to get full coverage with durable epoxy.
While epoxy is also a good option for your garage floor, you do have the choice of using less heavy-duty options. For example, you can use vinyl floor tiles.
Why wouldn’t you use epoxy for a garage floor? Epoxy is an affordable flooring solution, but it can be tricky to install. If incorrectly installed the first time, epoxy can wind up being quite costly.
Outdoor flooring like the floor of your carport requires something durable enough to withstand constant exposure to the elements, so even if the installation goes poorly, it is worth the expense to try again.
DO I NEED SPECIAL PAINT FOR PAINTING A CARPORT?
Yes. When you paint a carport, you can’t just use traditional wall paint. A carport requires paint or a floor covering made specifically for outdoor use.
So, what paints and floor coverings are available?
Concrete Primer
A concrete primer is a base layer that covers the concrete before you apply your chosen floor covering.
The purpose of concrete primer is to fill in any pits and cracks so that when your chosen paint or floor covering is applied, it applies smoothly without imperfections.
Anytime you paint concrete surfaces. Primer is a must!
Primer requires eight to twelve hours to dry before you can apply any flooring covering over it, so you will need to plan ahead.
Concrete Stain
Concrete stain is available in acid-based and non-acid-based options and can add color to a garage or carport floor. These stains can be combined with different types of finish so that you can achieve a glossy polished look, a more matte look, or anything in between.
Concrete stain is easy to apply but best when done with a rag by hand (which can be time-consuming.)
The benefit of concrete stain is that it offers a large degree of customization.
Acrylic Latex Paint
Acrylic latex paint is acrylic-based paint that is weatherproof. Applying acrylic latex paint also requires little knowledge for application, and it spreads easily.
Acrylic latex paint is also very affordable; however, it is not ideal for high traffic areas since it does need touching up every year or two.
That said, acrylic latex is available with particles mixed into the paint so that you can create a textured and non-slip surface.
Epoxy Paint
Epoxy paint is the most preferred flooring cover for garages and carport floors because of its durability and longevity.
Epoxy paints stand up better to heavy use compared to other flooring options. This durability makes them ideal for carports that get used for activities like mechanic work.
Epoxy paint kits come with an epoxy resin as well as a hardener. You must combine these two components before application and then spread the final product on the floor.
Like a concrete stain, epoxy paint offers a wide range of looks with a glossy and shiny finish, but it is much more time-consuming to apply than other flooring options – particularly if you have a thick epoxy.
Epoxy is affordable when done applied correctly; however, it is more expensive than acrylic latex.
Sealant
A sealant is a clear acrylic-based resin that is applied to concrete to provide a sealed protective surface. Sealants help to prevent stains like oil from discoloring concrete.
Sealants can be applied over other finishes like epoxy, but ONLY when those finishes are completely dried.
If you’re interested in reading more about how to seal a garage floor then checkout our article: Pros and Cons of Sealing Garage Floors (9 Things To Know)
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR CARPORT PAINT?
When choosing between the different concrete paint options for your carport, you should consider the following:
What Do You Use Your Carport For?
If you use your carport for little more than parking, you may be able to get away with a less durable finish like acrylic latex.
If you are a mechanic (or if you have regular activity in or around your carport area,) acrylic latex isn’t hardy enough. For a harder-wearing surface cover, epoxy paints are a must.
Weather Exposure
Since your carport is outdoors, you need a flooring option that can withstand the elements. While all outdoor paints and flooring options can withstand weathering, some are more weather resistant than others.
Epoxy, for example, would be ideal for areas that frequently get severe weather like heavy rains and snow.
Acrylic latex, however, would do poorly in this type of area and would need replacing much sooner than it normally would.
Spills
If you regularly use caustic chemicals or dangerous substance while working in your carport, you will need to select thick epoxy that is highly chemical-resistant such as Armor Acid Shield Epoxy Floor Systems. Not all epoxy flooring options are chemically resistant!
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO REPAINT THE CARPORT FLOOR?
How often you will need to repaint the carport floor depends on the type of flooring that you choose and the amount of wear and tear that the floor takes.
For example, acrylic latex paint will need to be redone every couple of years, and epoxy can last anywhere from ten to twenty years, but this lifespan is impacted by how heavily the floor gets used.
CAN I USE REGULAR GARAGE FLOOR PAINT FOR A CARPORT?
The answer to this question depends on how you define “regular garage paint.”
Garage wall paint is not compatible with carport floors.
Acrylic latex paint is usable on both garage and carport floors; however, it is best suited to an indoor environment.
Concrete stain and epoxy flooring options is usable on both garage and carport floors.
ASPHALT VS CONCRETE CARPORT FLOORS, DO I NEED DIFFERENT PAINT?
Some paint and floor options are usable on asphalt and concrete floors, where some are not.
Primer
Primer should be used on asphalt flooring, but it MUST be a primer that is made specifically for use on asphalt surfaces.
100% Acrylic Paint
As a water-based paint, 100% acrylic paint is regularly used on asphalt because it is available in a wide range of colors and it is not harmful to the asphalt.
Coal Tar Paint
Coal tar paint is cheaper to use than acrylic paint, but it is much more dangerous to work with because it is so caustic.
Before application, coal tar paint is mixed with polymers, and once applied, it is very durable.
Latex Paint (Water-Based)
Water-based latex paint is available in a wide range of colors and is the only paint option for asphalt that has been sealed with another type of paint.
Compared to other paint options for asphalt, water-based latex is the fastest drying and is dry within three hours.
Oil-Based Paint
Oil-based paint is available in a wide array of colors, but while it is durable, it is not long-lasting and will begin to crack after prolonged exposure to the elements.
Epoxy
Epoxy can be used on asphalt, but it must be a specific type of epoxy that is asphalt compatible, and the asphalt must be properly prepared before application.
Stain
The stain used on concrete is not practical for use on asphalt simply because it will show no visible difference in the asphalt surface.
Sealant
A sealant can be used on asphalt, but it must be a sealant made for use on asphalt surfaces.
Alright guys, that’s it for this article, if you are interesting in reading more about carports, we have lots of cool articles related such as:
Pros and Cons of Sealing Garage Floors (9 Things To Know)
Can I Paint My Garage Door ?! – The Complete Answer
Can Garage Floor Paint Be Used Outside – The Answer
