Industrial Paints Advice

Can I paint concrete in cold environment?

Finding a floor coating that will dry when it’s cold has always been difficult in the past since most traditional floor paints need a floor temperature of around 59°F to cure. Recent developments in resin technology have enabled Watco to formulate a range of floor paints and sealers that mean you can paint as low as 14°F without any problem at all. The coatings are all based on two pack, new generation (polyaspartic) resin systems. Polyaspartic floor paints are at least three times harder than epoxy resin coatings and have excellent abrasion resistance. They will withstand really heavy traffic such as fork-lift trucks, making them ideal for use in warehouses, garage workshops and loading bays; and the fact they dry in really low temperatures means that coating in the winter, or in areas such as cold storage rooms, basements, cellars, walk-in fridges and external areas such as steps, ramps and driveways is no longer a problem. Polyaspartics are also ideal to use outside because they have excellent resistance to UV rays which means they will resist fading, chalking and general weathering. Our range of Polyaspartics can be applied to a variety of floors such as concrete, sand, and cement screed, (you do need to use a primer first if applying it to sand and cement screed floors as they are very porous – see 4 Hour Epoxy Primer, vinyl, quarry tiles, glazed/ceramic floor tiles, smooth and previously painted surfaces – polyaspartic paints are incredibly versatile. If you would like a smooth colored finish, Watco recommends Safety Coat Plus Cold Cure if a non-slip finish is required. You may prefer a clear finish - if so, we recommend Clear Coat Plus , which is also available in an anti-slip version.

TIP - Always apply Polyaspartic coatings with a short pile roller – they perform best as a thin film. TIP - To make application easier, store the containers in a warm room for around 8 hours before using it in a cold unheated area.

What floor finish should I choose?

It is important that you choose the correct paint for your concrete floor. For example, garage floors are usually subject to heavy wear over long periods of time. The surface contact from vehicle tires can sometimes be problematic, as the threads stick to the painted floors.

This is where two-pack paints such as Water Based Epoxy are invaluable. Single pack paints are generally not strong enough to withstand this level of wear.

For imperfect, uneven floors, a matte finish paint like Epoxy Matte Coat will reduce the appearance of defects in the floors.

Concrete Floor Paint is ideal for level floors without imperfections that do not take regular heavy traffic. It has a satin finish and will enhance the floor’s appearance.

Which paint is best to use in heavily trafficked areas?

To protect your already painted floors from abrasion and heavy traffic, Watco recommend using Clear Coat Plus. It contains a polyaspartic resin and is versatile enough to be used in warehouses and exhibition halls as well as outdoor car parks. This is also available as an anti-slip version and due to its polyaspartic properties, both versions can be applied at temperatures between 10 and -22˚F.

Water Based Epoxy Coat is ideal for those areas that need to withstand heavy traffic, such as factories, workshops, and warehouses. It is extremely strong and durable with a gloss finish.

Epoxy Matte Coat is ideal for those areas where there are minor imperfections, as a matte finish does not highlight flaws like gloss paint can.

Epoxicote High Build, our high build single coat product is an extremely hard wearing two pack paint with a high gloss finish. For areas subject to very high trafficking or there is a need for a thick one coat application then Epoxicote High Build should be considered.

How do I add color to asphalt surfaces?

Over time, asphalt surfaces can appear dull, so if you need to renovate whilst also improving resistance to traffic, Watco recommends Asphalt Paint. It is a single component coating that has excellent resistance to UV and weathering. It is ideal for surfaces used by pedestrian traffic.


Anti-slip versions are also available in the form of Anti Slip Traffic Paint.

What is the best way to maintain concrete floors?

To maintain concrete floors, factory or production areas more easily, Watco recommends using Concrete Sealer Water Based. It cures to a semi-gloss finish and is ideal for areas subject to general industrial use.

If you require a colored surface use Concrete Sealer Water Based, as it strengthens and colors new or old concrete, screeds and other porous surfaces.

How can I revive stained concrete?

If you want to revive dull and stained concrete, Concrete Floor Paint provides a durable coating that will transform and improve the appearance of your concrete. It is easy to clean and enables you to mark out pedestrian and machinery areas, whilst resisting day to day wear. It is easy to apply, resistant to oils and also slip resistant.

How can I protect floors against chemical attack?

If your floors are regularly subjected to chemicals, Watco recommends using Chemi Coat. This polyurethane paint is extremely resistant to wear, is flexible whilst providing a glossy finish.

Resiflow Supergloss is a self-leveling and highly wear resistant epoxy coating, which does not require a primer. It provides a smooth, satin finish in addition to its high mechanical and chemical resistance.

If you need to provide excellent resistance to abrasion and chemicals in production areas and warehouses, Watco recommends Epoxicote High Build. This thick paint can be applied to floors that have already been painted and are well worn, providing the existing paint does not crumble. One coat is usually sufficient.

How can I protect bund tanks?

Containment Sealer, a waterproofing and chemical resistant epoxy resin coating, will protect your bund areas. A second coat may be necessary if the surface is very porous.