Drylock sealant was not designed to be a floor covering, but has become popular for basements due to its durability.
You can paint the basement floor with Drylok. Its first purpose was to waterproof wet basements and stop masonry leaks but over time it became one of the most wanted covers for concrete floors because of its durability and non-slip characteristic.
In the following lines, I will try to give you all the information for Drylok and some alternatives to it. Enjoy!
Drylok is a product that is used to stop water seepage on interior masonry walls. It is supposed to seal basement foundations and basement floors. Sealing the basement floor is very important because the concrete surface is porous, and moisture can easily come through the material and cause a lot of problems under the house. That’s why sealing the basement floor is an integral part of the process to have a clean and dry basement.
If we believe the manufacturer, Drylok has a pH that is similar to that of concrete so it does not peel off like the traditional paint.
Salt from roads, grease, oil, and water are just some of the contaminants that are powerless against Drylok. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Drylok is a completely non-slip surface and because of that, it is an ideal application for basements, laundry rooms, and garages.
Drylok provides a flat and non-slip finish to your surface. It can withstand frequent traffic, weather, washing, etc. Also gets along well with the heat of tires.
A quick look at the key differences between these two types of floor paint:
| Drylok Latex Concrete Floor paint | Drylok E1 1-Part Epoxy Floor Paint | |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Low-sheen, matte finish | Showroom quality, semi-gloss finish |
| Time to dry before using | Ready for traffic in 5 days | Cures in 5-7 days depending on humidity and application conditions. |
| Price | $42.15 per gallon | $55.12 per gallon |
| Durability | Great with traffic, washings, weather, acids, alkalis | Superior protection from high traffic, hot tires, chemicals, oil, grease, and gasoline stains |
| Coverage of once treated surfaces | Can be applied to any previously painted surface. | Can be applied to any previously painted surface, except over 2-Part epoxy. |
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Drylok is one of the most popular concrete floor paints but isn’t the only one. In the lines that follow I will present you with some popular alternatives to Drylok so you can compare them and make a good choice for your basement floor:
A sure step is acrylic non-slip concrete paint that is very similar to Drylok and
is suitable for masonry, concrete, wood, and metal. It withstands foot traffic, weather, and other regular exposure and it’s mold and mildew resistant. The sure step is sold by the gallon and the expected coverage is 80 to 120 sq feet.
A sure step concrete paint is a friendly budget and it costs roughly half as much as Drylok. It is an extremely durable formula and UV-resistant and because of its versatility, it can be used on everything from concrete to wood.
Kilz concrete floor paint is however another near elective to Drylok. It comes in an assortment of enriching colors accessible in gallon-sized holders. Kilz is perfect for covering worn or matured concrete surfaces, like patios, yards, and basement floors.
Whereas Kilz holds up well to the components, it requires at least two coats. With that said, a gallon of this concrete paint is as it was anticipated to cover 50 sq feet. Still, it is well worth the venture on the off chance that you’re trying to find an item that will stand up scuffs, fading, cracks, and more. It’s worth noting that this Kilz product is a single-component water-based epoxy.
Rust-Oleum’s concrete floor paint is a self-priming acrylic blend that only requires a single coat. This paint also withstands elements, chemicals, and hot tires. It is resistant to fading, chipping, staining and it takes only 5 days to cure. In the end, you get a non-slip surface with a satin finish.
Rust-Oleum paint is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and it can be cleaned just with soap and water.
Drylok is easy to use because it is painted and primer in one. Follow this step-by-step guide for a successful DIY project:
A clean and dry surface is essential for proper adhesion.
First, remove dust, debris, and all the obstacles from the surface using a carpenter’s broom and a vacuum cleaner. After that remove any stubborn stains like grease, wax, and oil using a heavy-duty degreaser. If needed use a wire brush, paint scraper, or pressure washer. If efflorescence is present use muriatic acid before applying Drylok.
A dry surface is very important, and if you having problems with drying consider using a fan or dehumidifier to naturally speed up the process. If you notice some cracks in the concrete, patch it with a cement compound. This will give you a smooth surface that is essential for a good finish. Be sure that the filler is completely dry before starting to paint.
Tip: Pay close attention to forecast before starting to paint. Humidity should be low and the temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper adhesion. A rain-free window can be a big help during painting, drying, and curing.
Use at least a 5-gallon bucket to have enough space for mixing a bigger amount at once to avoid uneven colors and streaks. Use a nylon or polyester brush to apply the first coat. This enables you to penetrate any deep concrete pores with paint. For the second coat, you will need a foam roller for applying the paint. And finally masking tape will be helpful to ensure even and smudge-free borders.
First, paint along the edges with short brush strokes. After that paint the rest of the area and be sure to make uniform strokes that all go in the same direction. Work and backward to ensure that you don’t have an unpainted surface behind you. Of course, avoid stepping on any wet surfaces.
For the first coat, thin the paint with water. Use one pint of clean water for every gallon of paint.
After the first coat is dry, usually after 4 hours, it is time for the second coat. Use a foam roller to cover the entire surface. Simply apply the paint from the edges out using smooth and even strokes to be sure that there are no paint puddles or bubbles. For the second layer, you don’t have to thin the paint with water. Let the surface dry completely and enjoy your new cement floor.
The UGL Drylok Extreme system is guaranteed to work for up to 15 feet of head or water pressure and for up to 15 years. It is not a crystalline system, it’s more paint-like, although the manufacturer states that it does penetrate the concrete.
It is not 100% that Drylok is mold-resistant because the chemical makeup of Drylok paint is a particular food source that mold likes. But with good preparation of the surface and regular maintenance and inspection after painting, you can be safe.
Drylok Extreme Masonry Waterproofer is a product that you can use to help reduce moisture from your foundation walls that will turn your basement into a humid jungle atmosphere eventually.
If you prefer to use a roller, be sure to back brush the first coat to make sure Drylok penetrates those pores and pinholes. Apply coat number two using your choice of a roller, brush, or sprayer. A minimum of 2 coats is required for the fully transferable warranty to apply.
