question - sealant or paint or combo for outside patio -screen in porch

[2Design]

ok this patio had the original carpet and it was old, dirty and damp on the edges - we just pulled it up and out. My suggestion was to paint the patio cement instead of another carpet that can get damp and molded and mildew - any ideas or suggestions

[Warpy]

1. There is specific paint for concrete flooring

or you could polish, stain and seal the concrete itself--considered quite posh by yuppies.

Paint is the cheapest and easiest. Just follow the instructions for preparing the surface to the letter.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

2. There is some new stuff out

Lowe's and Home depot carry it. It is a Quikrete product. Rustolum makes it too. It is a paint epoxy mix for garage floors. There are assorted colors to choose from. The kit sells for about fifty bucks. Comes with concrete wash ,epoxy 1 qt. and one gallon paint. Glitter flakes too. You can also buy a five gallon bucket of the stuff for about $ 120.00. The five gallon bucket has much less epoxy in it, although it does the job.If I were you, I would check the stuff out, have used it commercially,with great results.By the way, the stuff is used in new construction these days. It also repels oil stains. And it is tougher than concrete.

Look up the Quikrete web site,garage floor epoxy paint. Rustolum makes a similar product. .

Good luck with your project.It works on uncovered patios as well.

[2Design]

3. So for a 10 ft by 20ft area in a covered screen patio - how much would I need?

Thanks this seems like a good possibility and better than another rug

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

4. Two kits might do it.

Actually, both product lines sell a double package for larger projects. Comes with two gallons of paint and 2 qts of epoxy mix. For the high end stuff ,which is durable enough to drive on of course ,it would cost you less than two hundred. The five gallon bucket of the lower end stuff would work well,more so if your patio is covered. Quikrete is a company that specializes in concrete products and concrete. You can trust that name for your particular project. The high end stuff leaves a floor wax type shine. It just may well be worth the cost. Pick up a color chart at the store ,there are some very very cool colors to choose from. The glitter flake that you add in as you paint-you sprinkle it on top as you go. Of course you use a roller on a stick to apply the paint. I always pressure wash before I do concrete.

It would be well worth your wild to pick up the color chart with actual samples than study it so that you can choose a very cool color . The stuff will transform your patio into a room.

Check out Quikrete's web site. Look at Rustolium's too.You know Rustolium has been making epoxy paint in spray cans and gallon cans for years right? Rustolium makes refrigerator paint in spray cans /stove paint ,metal paint on and so on. The additives in both the epoxy and the paint have been made compatible with concrete. You will get a long lasting bond by using the high end stuff.And 10 by 20 at least two gallons. Two coats makes it look just perfect.You add the flakes on the finnal coat.

Tell us how it comes out and good luck.