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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.

To prep a floor for painting, start by sweeping and cleaning any loose debris that could puncture the protective material. Take out as much furniture as possible. Then lay plastic, canvas, rosin paper, or masonite sheets across the room, securing them at the edges with masking tape. Plan your painting so that you minimize the chances you’ll step in and track any splatters.

A concrete seal can protect your garage floor from water and stains as can an epoxy coating. The main difference is that epoxy is much more durable and better for heavy-duty wear and tear—it’s used in more industrial and commercial settings. If you’re just using the garage as storage for tools and your car, concrete sealer will do just fine. But if your garage doubles as a workshop for side projects and auto repair, epoxy will hold up better.

Unlike staining concrete, painting concrete often results in chips and peeling over time. You can expect numerous touchups over the years if the concrete is in a high-traffic area. Since concrete paints are opaque, you may also find it more difficult to get the exact color results you want. Lastly, painting concrete can make it much more slippery unless you mix in an additive for traction.