How to paint a sand-cement screed or chape?

Sand-cement screeds are often called 'chape' in Flanders. This flooring option is robust, but painting can significantly improve its appearance and durability. Whether you have a new or old screed, with the right preparations, you can give your floor a durable and beautiful finish.

Can the screed be painted yet?

Before you start painting, you need to check if the screed is completely dry. For a new floor, you should allow at least 7 weeks of drying time for a 7 cm thick concrete floor. A handy test to see if the floor is dry: stick a piece of transparent plastic airtight to the floor and wait 48 hours. If there is no condensation, the floor is dry.

The perfect substrate

For a successful painting project, the substrate is of great importance. The floor must be dust-free, grease-free, and free of old paint layers. Sanding the floor is essential, especially for new floors, to remove the surface layer that forms after pouring. Use sandpaper with grit 40 or 80 and then thoroughly clean the floor with Bonotools Cleaner.

Painting the sand-cement screed

Preparation
Ensure the floor is well sanded and cleaned. Vacuum the floor to remove all remaining dust before you start painting.
Apply primer
Apply one coat of OMNI HYDRO, optionally tinted, diluted with a maximum of 5% water depending on the floor's absorption. Allow the primer to dry for at least 4 hours.
Finishing
Then apply two coats of VLOER HYDRO in your desired color, with a drying time of at least 4 hours between coats.
Aftercare
Do not subject the floor to heavy traffic for the first 14 days after the final coat. The paint needs time to fully cure.

Additional tips

Underfloor heating: Set the underfloor heating to the lowest setting while painting to prevent the paint from drying too quickly.
Vloer Hydro: This floor paint does not yellow, even when using underfloor heating, ensuring a long-lasting beautiful result.

With the right preparation and paint products from Paintfactory, such as OMNI HYDRO and VLOER HYDRO, you can give your sand-cement screed or chape a durable and beautifully finished appearance. Make sure to sand and clean the floor thoroughly, and follow the correct drying times for the best results. Visit our stores in Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Hasselt, Kortrijk, or Roeselare for professional advice and all necessary supplies!