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Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.

HOW-TO

PREP LIKE A PRO

When starting a concrete project, you have to do the work before the work. That means prepping. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll be on your way to having a great looking floor, porch, patio, pool deck or walkway for years to come.

Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: PROJECT CHECKLIST


Concrete Projects

  • Cleaner/degreaser/etching solution
  • Watering can
  • Rubber gloves
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Water hose

Wood Projects

  • Valspar All-in-One Wood Prep
  • 150-200-grit sandpaper and wire brush
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Rags
  • Water hose

 

Optional

  • Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer
  • Paintbrush
  • 3/8"-1/2" nap roller cover, depending on texture of the surface
  • Roller frame
  • Extension pole
  • Paint tray
  • Stir sticks

 

PREVIOUSLY COATED CONCRETE

If the concrete you’re working with has an existing coating, you’ll have to do a few things before you apply new paint or stain to the surface.


Gloved hand with rag wiping solution onto concrete floor.
Gloved hand with rag wiping solution onto concrete floor.

STEP 1:

Test to see if the previous coating was solvent or water based. Use a rag to apply xylene to the surface. If it lifts the previous coating, then a solvent-based coating was used. If there’s no material on the rag and the surface is gummy, then a water-based coating was used. 

color
For best results, use water-based finishes on surfaces coated with water-based products and solvent-based finishes coated with solvent- or oil-based products.
Container of Valspar Fast Prep in foreground against a concrete background.
Container of Valspar Fast Prep in foreground against a concrete background.

STEP 2:

Next, do a walk-around to check if there are any grease or oil stains.

1. If you have stains, apply a cleaner/degreaser/etching solution to those areas, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

2. Some stains may be a bit tough to get out, so you might need a second application and a bit more scrubbing.

Concrete surface.
Concrete surface.

STEP 3:

After spot cleaning, look for cracks in the concrete. If you see any, use a patch and repair product to fill them in (optional).

Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.
Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.

STEP 4:

If you want better adhesion on the topcoat, use Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer (optional).

Concrete walkway across grass lawn being sealed by roller with white sealer.
Concrete walkway across grass lawn being sealed by roller with white sealer.

STEP 5:

Once you make sure the surface is clean and dry, it’s time to get rolling!

NEW OR BARE CONCRETE

If you’re working with surfaces that haven’t been coated before, you still need to go through a few steps before application.


Water repelled off concrete.
Water repelled off concrete.

STEP 1:

First, do a water test to see how much water the surface will absorb.

1. If it’s absorbed right away, that means the concrete is porous and the coating will easily stick to the surface.

2. If it doesn’t absorb water, then the surface needs to be etched.

Person in rubber boots with watering can clearing liquid off concrete by pouring water from the can.
Person in rubber boots with watering can clearing liquid off concrete by pouring water from the can.

STEP 2:

Like previously coated concrete, you’ll need to walk around and check for grease, dirt and oil stains.

1. If you have stains, apply cleaner/degreaser/etching solution, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

2. If you’re having a hard time getting stains out, try applying a little more Valspar Fast Prep and scrub again.

Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.
Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.

STEP 3:

If the surface isn’t water absorbent, use cleaner/degreaser/etching solution to etch it. Here’s how:

1. Wet the surface with a hose. Spread it out evenly so puddles don’t form.

2. Apply cleaner/degreaser/etching solution with a stiff bristle brush across the whole floor, then sweep the solution back and forth to make sure every part of it is covered. If it starts fizzing and bubbling, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

3. When done scrubbing, rinse with water to make sure the solution and any residue are gone.

4. You may need to do this more than once to create a porous surface, but don’t give up! It’s all part of the process.

Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.
Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.

STEP 4:

Let the surface completely dry before applying the coating.

1. If you find cracks in the concrete, use a patch and repair product to fill them in.

2. If you’re looking for better adhesion to the topcoat, use Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer (optional).

3. Once the surface is clean and dry, it’s time to roll!

WOOD FLOORS

Now that you know how to prep concrete surfaces, let’s take a quick look at the steps needed to prep wood surfaces for painting or staining.


Person in jeans and sneakers sweeping wood surface with a broom.
Person in jeans and sneakers sweeping wood surface with a broom.

STEP 1:

Sweep the floor to get rid of dirt, peeling paint and other debris.

Person in jeans and sneakers using push brush to distribute liquid across a wood surface.
Person in jeans and sneakers using push brush to distribute liquid across a wood surface.

STEP 2:

Clean the surface with Valspar All-in-One Wood Prep to remove any leftover dirt, stains, mold or mildew. After you’ve scrubbed it, make sure to thoroughly hose down the surface to get rid of any residue. After that, simply follow the instructions on the label and you’ll be good to go.

Person in jeans and sneakers sanding wood surface with sander on pole.
Person in jeans and sneakers sanding wood surface with sander on pole.

STEP 3:

If you come across rough or repaired wood surfaces, smooth them out with 120-grit sandpaper.


Warning: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

Adequate ventilation is required when sanding or abrading the dried film. If adequate ventilation cannot be provided, wear an approved particulate respirator (NIOSH approved). Follow respirator manufacturer’s directions for respirator use.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: PROJECT CHECKLIST


Concrete Projects

  • Valspar® Fast Prep®
  • Watering can
  • Rubber gloves
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Water hose

Wood Projects

  • Valspar All-in-One Wood Prep
  • 150-200-grit sandpaper and wire brush
  • Stiff bristle brush
  • Rags
  • Water hose

 

Optional

  • Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer
  • Paintbrush
  • 3/8"-1/2" nap roller cover, depending on texture of the surface
  • Roller frame
  • Extension pole
  • Paint tray
  • Stir sticks

 

PREVIOUSLY COATED CONCRETE

If the concrete you’re working with has an existing coating, you’ll have to do a few things before you apply new paint or stain to the surface.


Gloved hand with rag wiping solution onto concrete floor.
Gloved hand with rag wiping solution onto concrete floor.

STEP 1:

Test to see if the previous coating was solvent or water based. Use a rag to apply xylene to the surface. If it lifts the previous coating, then a solvent-based coating was used. If there’s no material on the rag and the surface is gummy, then a water-based coating was used. 

color
For best results, use water-based finishes on surfaces coated with water-based products and solvent-based finishes coated with solvent- or oil-based products.
Container of Valspar Fast Prep in foreground against a concrete background.
Container of Valspar Fast Prep in foreground against a concrete background.

STEP 2:

Next, do a walk-around to check if there are any grease or oil stains.

1. If you have stains, apply Valspar Fast Prep Ready-to-Use Solution to those areas, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

2. Some stains may be a bit tough to get out, so you might need a second application and a bit more scrubbing.

Concrete surface.
Concrete surface.

STEP 3:

After spot cleaning, look for cracks in the concrete. If you see any, use a patch and repair product to fill them in (optional).

Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.
Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.

STEP 4:

If you want better adhesion on the topcoat, use Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer (optional).

Concrete walkway across grass lawn being sealed by roller with white sealer.
Concrete walkway across grass lawn being sealed by roller with white sealer.

STEP 5:

Once you make sure the surface is clean and dry, it’s time to get rolling!

NEW OR BARE CONCRETE

If you’re working with surfaces that haven’t been coated before, you still need to go through a few steps before application.


Water repelled off concrete.
Water repelled off concrete.

STEP 1:

First, do a water test to see how much water the surface will absorb.

1. If it’s absorbed right away, that means the concrete is porous and the coating will easily stick to the surface.

2. If it doesn’t absorb water, then the surface needs to be etched.

Person in rubber boots with watering can clearing liquid off concrete by pouring water from the can.
Person in rubber boots with watering can clearing liquid off concrete by pouring water from the can.

STEP 2:

Like previously coated concrete, you’ll need to walk around and check for grease, dirt and oil stains.

1. If you have stains, apply Valspar Fast Prep, scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

2. If you’re having a hard time getting stains out, try applying a little more Valspar Fast Prep and scrub again.

Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.
Push broom clearing liquid off concrete floor. Rubber boots in background.

STEP 3:

If the surface isn’t water absorbent, use Valspar Fast Prep to etch it. Here’s how:

1. Wet the surface with a hose. Spread it out evenly so puddles don’t form.

2. Apply Valspar Fast Prep with a stiff bristle brush across the whole floor, then sweep the solution back and forth to make sure every part of it is covered. If it starts fizzing and bubbling, don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal.

3. When done scrubbing, rinse with water to make sure the solution and any residue are gone.

4. You may need to do this more than once tocreate a porous surface, but don’t give up! It’s all part of the process.

Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.
Roller applying light blue-gray Valspar Concrete Bonding primer to concrete surface. Can in foreground.

STEP 4:

Let the surface completely dry before applying the coating.

1. If you find cracks in the concrete, use a patch and repair product to fill them in.

2. If you’re looking for better adhesion to the topcoat, use Valspar Concrete Bonding Primer (optional).

3. Once the surface is clean and dry, it’s time to roll!

WOOD FLOORS

Now that you know how to prep concrete surfaces, let’s take a quick look at the steps needed to prep wood surfaces for painting or staining.


Person in jeans and sneakers sweeping wood surface with a broom.
Person in jeans and sneakers sweeping wood surface with a broom.

STEP 1:

Sweep the floor to get rid of dirt, peeling paint and other debris.

Person in jeans and sneakers using push brush to distribute liquid across a wood surface.
Person in jeans and sneakers using push brush to distribute liquid across a wood surface.

STEP 2:

Clean the surface with Valspar All-in-One Wood Prep to remove any leftover dirt, stains, mold or mildew. After you’ve scrubbed it, make sure to thoroughly hose down the surface to get rid of any residue. After that, simply follow the instructions on the label and you’ll be good to go.

Person in jeans and sneakers sanding wood surface with sander on pole.
Person in jeans and sneakers sanding wood surface with sander on pole.

STEP 3:

If you come across rough or repaired wood surfaces, smooth them out with 120-grit sandpaper.


Warning: Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

Adequate ventilation is required when sanding or abrading the dried film. If adequate ventilation cannot be provided, wear an approved particulate respirator (NIOSH approved). Follow respirator manufacturer’s directions for respirator use.

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