On the above POST for help, I forgot to add that in a couple years (four at the most) I would be completing the above Garage conversion and putting in some harder, nice flooring (ceramic tile, Congoleum, etc.).

So the above request and project only needs to last a few years of light traffic and entertaining.

Again, can I skip the etching part?

I'm not an expert, but when we painted a concrete basement floor, we used a primer and concrete paint. It has held up well under light usage.

Speaking strictly as an amateur, I would skip the acid cleaning.

In this case, pole-sand the floor after cleaning well.

Remove ALL dust...then paint!

Faron

Gray Wings & Faron

Thanks for chiming in and the advice. Your posts came at the perfect time (right after we de-greased and scrubbed the floor with heavy brushes on our hands/knees going in circular motions, cross-wise, straight away, etc.). I soaked up the dirt & grime right away with a combination of shop towels and rags).

I did read somewhere that if water was soaking in, there was good indication that any previous sealant was well-worn away and that a good soakable surface existed for paint to adhere to. This was my condition so I was encouraged while scrubbing and AFTER reading your posts.

After the scrubbing and drying over-night, we patched one crack/gouge with paintable cement caulk and painted away. One coat was recommended but I ended up doing a second coat for color saturation. The soaking "in" seemed perfect and the drying time was half of what the label said. I would HIGHLY recommend this paint for anyone with a similar project.

I waited the label recommended time anyway to recoat and it looks fabulous. I've started moving things back in and so- far-so-good. I'll start a new thread later in the week with a before and after. I also stucco'd and painted an accent wall which was a painter's challenge too but I had experience with that.

You're advice on NOT to etch -- saved boat loads of time and mess so I appreciate it very much. Thank you!