Granite Grip Paint: A Cautionary Tale for Homeowners

In this blog post, we will explore the experiences of a homeowner who recently used Granite Grip by Behr, a product designed for enhancing the safety and aesthetics of concrete surfaces. While the product has its merits, the application process can be quite challenging and requires significant attention to detail.

The Need for Granite Grip

The homeowner, recently back from Gainesville, Florida, highlights the importance of having a safe surface to walk on, especially when transitioning from a pool area to a screened-in porch. A painted surface can become hazardous when wet, making Granite Grip an appealing option due to its textured finish that provides better traction.

Preparation Process

Before applying Granite Grip, the homeowner undertook extensive preparation of the concrete surface, which was over 40 years old. The steps included:

1. Removing Old Carpet: The first step was to pull up the old carpet from the screened-in porch.
2. Scraping Off Glue: After removing the carpet, all glue residues were scraped off to ensure a clean surface.
3. Using Muriatic Acid: The homeowner applied muriatic acid to etch the concrete, which is crucial for the paint to adhere properly.
4. Pressure Washing: Finally, a pressure washer with a zero orbital nozzle was used to eliminate any remaining debris, old paint, or stains.

This thorough preparation is essential for achieving the desired finish with Granite Grip.

Application Challenges

Despite the meticulous preparation, the homeowner encountered several issues during the application of Granite Grip:

• Multiple Coats Required: It became evident that a minimum of two coats were necessary for adequate coverage. After the second coat, roller marks were visible, leading to concerns about the paint's absorption into the concrete.
• Additional Coats: To address the roller marks, the homeowner purchased two additional gallons of Granite Grip and applied a third coat. However, the roller marks persisted.

Customer Service Experience

In an effort to resolve the issues, the homeowner contacted Behr's customer service. The response was prompt and helpful. The homeowner was instructed to provide photographs of the receipt and an empty paint can, which led to a replacement paint being sent for a fourth coat.

Final Application Technique

For the fourth coat, the homeowner decided to deviate from the recommended application method. Instead of using a roller, they opted for a texture gun set to the smallest diaphragm setting. This technique resulted in a more consistent coverage, which was the desired outcome.

Recommendations

Based on this experience, the homeowner strongly advises against the average homeowner attempting to apply Granite Grip without professional help. The product demands a high level of preparation and expertise to achieve the best results. While Behr offers a quality product and excellent customer service, hiring a professional who is experienced with this type of application is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Granite Grip by Behr can be an effective solution for enhancing concrete surfaces, but it is not without its challenges. Proper preparation and application techniques are crucial for success. Homeowners considering this product should weigh the benefits against the potential difficulties and consider enlisting professional assistance to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing finish.