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Always seal concrete stain to protect against wear and preserve the color. This applies to acid- and water-based stains but not always to concrete paint. Many paints designed for outdoor use contain ingredients designed to protect and waterproof without the need for additional sealant. Fortunately, learning how to seal concrete is something most DIY-savvy homeowners can tackle.

You’ll usually need to prime a garage floor before painting—especially if the floor is unpainted. Garage floors are made from concrete, which is porous and produces dust. The dust can contaminate the paint and cause issues with adherence. 

Primer creates a barrier and gives you a clean surface to work on. It also minimizes absorption to help give you an even, pro-looking paint job. Make sure you choose a primer that’s specifically designed to cover concrete flooring.

Whether it's better to stain or paint concrete depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and DIY skill level. Generally, staining is a more durable option because the stain soaks into the concrete's surface and won't wear away like a topical paint coating. Painting concrete can trap moisture underneath the paint layer, which may cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. However, concrete paint offers a wider variety of colors, is typically easier and less expensive to apply, and is effective at covering up existing stains or blemishes on the surface.

Epoxy and polyurethane sealers can last five to 10 years, while acrylic sealers last two to three years or more depending on the use, wear of the surface, and type of sealer you choose. Areas that see heavy traffic or extreme ice and snow may require more frequent sealing. Test your concrete every two years to gauge how it responds to absorbing water or if it fully repels it for longer than 20 seconds.